The Daily Commute & I - A Tale of Love & Hate

If you were to ask any of my family members or those closest to me the terms calm and patient are not ones used for very many things… Definitely not during my daily commute. I’m not saying that I am an aggressive driver either, you know that driver who will ride pretty much on your bumper because he or she can’t leave the house on time and you don’t feel like driving 20mph over the limit… I’m a middle lane, keep up with the pack kind of driver (or as many people refer to around me a “grandma” driver).

After years of riding a motorcycle, my observation while driving is usually on hyperawareness mode. When you’re riding a motorcycle, since your windshield is unfortunately your face, you tend to develop a better awareness than the millions of soccer moms, checking Facebook, while driving “tanks” on the highways.

Being very aware of things around me has kept me out of serious trouble so far, but sometimes seeing the true idiocy of the average modern driver is more than enough to make anyone’s blood boil… they do say ignorance is bliss.

In order to avoid that heart attack inducing anger (and maybe keeping you from teaching impressionable young ears some awesome new vocabulary…), here are some tips to keep yourself sane.

1. Plan Ahead: Avoid the Stress Before It Starts

Ah, the morning commute—for a lot of us its the first real obstacle to negotiate before getting to the office and grabbing that first cup of coffee. The daily drive to work can be a significant source of stress for even the most seasoned ones. However, a little planning can go a long way in making this potentially murder day dreaming experience into a more manageable part of your day.

One of the simplest yet most effective strategies to avoid road rage is to leave the house with more time than we think we’re gonna need to slay this dragon. Those precious extra minutes can mean the difference between a relaxed, leisurely drive and a expletive filled transformation.

Start by planning your route ahead of time. Use your navigation app of choice (hopefully one that provides real-time traffic updates), allowing you to choose the path of least resistance. By avoiding traffic jams and construction zones, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering frustrating delays. Additionally, familiarize yourself with alternative routes. Having a plan B can be a lifesaver if your usual path is unexpectedly congested.

Setting the right atmosphere in your car can be a great assistance when avoiding road rage. Create a playlist filled with your favorite songs (yes, to some of us that means some solid double bass and some brutal guitars). Music has a profound impact on mood, and listening to something you enjoy can help keep your stress levels in check. Avoid songs or radio shows that might agitate you too much; the goal is to maintain a peaceful environment as you navigate through traffic.

Also, make sure that your vehicle is in good working order. A well-maintained car is less likely to break down, which can be a major source of frustration during your commute. Regularly check your fuel levels, tire pressure, and essential fluids to avoid any unexpected s***storms on the road.

By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the stress associated with your daily commute. Remember, failing to plan is planning to scream at the top of your lungs in bumper-to-bumper traffic at some idiot who really can’t hear you since they’re in their own planet and protected by their own music and distractions in their car… People really do suck so, plan ahead, stay calm, and drive safely.

2. Practice the Art of Zen (Or at Least Try Not to Lose Your Marbles)

Road rage can quickly turn any boring old commute into a stressful mess. While achieving complete inner peace may seem ambitious, there are practical steps you can take to maintain your composure as idiots try to ruin your zen. Consider incorporating deep breathing exercises as part of your pre-drive routine. Taking a few moments to breathe deeply can help reduce stress levels and set a calm tone for your coming journey to the office.

Meditation is another useful tool. Before you start your car, spend a few minutes in quiet reflection (you can’t do any of this unless you’ve given yourself enough time, so if you missed it read the first tip again). Imagine yourself in a tranquil, car-free paradise where the chaos of the road doesn't exist and the morons causing traffic all around you all slept through their alarms and aren’t on the road. This mental exercise can help create a buffer between you and the inevitable anger filled outbursts because of traffic.

In the heat of the moment, when another driver’s behavior tests your patience, try to reframe the situation humorously. Picture the other drivers as oversized toddlers who have only just learned to walk or maybe feel bad because the asswipe tailgating you has explosive diarrhea and a shy colon so he REALLY has to get home to s**t in the comfort of his own throne. Visualizing them in this way can make their actions seem less aggravating and sometimes give you a good laugh by yourself (you’ve earned it, you witty c***). It’s much easier to remain calm when you view the offenders as harmless, bumbling, idiot characters rather than malicious twats.

Maintaining your cool not only preserves your mental well-being but also benefits your physical health. Elevated stress levels can lead to increased blood pressure, which is something you definitely don't need (save those blood boiling moments for the things that really matter in life). By practicing deep breathing, engaging in brief meditative exercises, and humorously reframing frustrating situations, you can navigate your daily commute with a greater sense of calm and control. Remember, your blood pressure, overall health, and your loved ones will thank you.

3. Master the Art of Distraction: Keep Your Mind Occupied

If you’re more like me, and find that sometimes even the slightest inconvenience can ignite a spark of road rage within you, then mastering the art of distraction is definitely crucial for you, my friend.

One effective way to keep your mind occupied is by immersing yourself in podcasts or audiobooks. These auditory experiences can transport you to different worlds or provide you with insightful knowledge, diverting your attention from the bulls**t of the road. Whether it's a gripping mystery novel or an enlightening discussion on your favorite subject, having something engaging to listen to can make the commute far more tolerable.

Another excellent strategy is to update that old playlist you’ve been meaning to refresh since the 2007 Spring Break. Curating a collection of your favorite tunes or exploring new music can offer a much-needed respite from the boredom of traffic jams. Music has a unique ability to elevate your mood and calm your nerves, which is essential when you're stuck behind a slow-moving vehicle.

However, it is imperative to stay off your phone (seriously!). Not only is using your phone while driving illegal, but it is also a surefire way to amplify your frustration (oh and not to mention that now you’ve become the problem too). Constantly checking notifications or browsing social media can increase your stress levels, making you more susceptible to road rage, and it also infuriate anyone else in traffic behind you, so don’t do it. Instead, focus on hands-free activities that can safely keep your mind occupied.

By adopting these methods of distraction, you can transform your daily commute into a more enjoyable drive. Keeping your mind engaged with positive and enriching content can help you maintain your composure and prevent minor annoyances from escalating into full-blown vendettas against moron drivers.

Remember, the goal is to make your journey as stress-free as possible, ensuring you arrive at your destination in a calm and collected state. Good luck, good commutes, and let’s all try to not flip each other off as often… GO TEAM!