In the autumn season, traffic in the capital becomes more intense – the number of cars increases and road repair work often continues until early winter. Often, waiting in traffic jams is associated with negative emotions: drivers become irritated easily, even aggressive. This can lead to conflicts with other road users and create dangerous conditions on the road. Psychologist Inga Budvitīte and Safe Driving School director Jānis Vanks share tips on how to deal with such situations and calm yourself down.
Why do traffic jams cause negative feelings?
According to the psychologist, when he enters a traffic jam, the driver loses a sense of control, plans fall and a feeling of helplessness arises, because it is impossible to influence bring on the situation. It causes anxiety and stress. “No one likes to be ‘stuck’ and lose a sense of control. When a person feels stressed, his cognitive functions decrease, it is more difficult to concentrate and keep calm. the psychologist. She also says that stress can only be useful in the short term when it helps you accomplish a specific task. If stress is constant and prolonged, it has a negative effect on cognitive abilities.
Weight is a bad friend behind the wheel
Jānis Vanks, director of the safe driving school, says: “There are often situations where drivers, seeing that there is a free space between vehicles, try to squeeze in the middle. This is not safe .Overtaking or moving suddenly in single traffic can be dangerous, as it threatens to cause an accident and only increase traffic.” Because heavy traffic requires frequent and sudden stops, safe driving experts recommend keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front to allow enough time to react and be able to stop if necessary.
How do you manage stress while driving?
The psychologist emphasizes: “Peaceful music, meditation and breathing exercises can help you deal with stress. I also recommend being here and now, dealing with the situation, because there are things we cannot influence. This is the time to think about what you are feeling and what is going on around you. This type of exercise is very calming and relaxing.” The expert recommends stopping more often, going for short walks, breathing fresh air, moving around – breaking down stress on the road will help.
If a longer trip is planned, it is not recommended to complete the entire route in one trip. Sales director of “Circle K Latvia” Armands Žubulis reminds that gas stations can be a convenient and comfortable place for drivers to rest. “Driving for a long time, especially in traffic jams, can not only cause fatigue, but also affect emotional well-being. . Both inside and outside, we have created rest areas to support drivers,” says Armands Žubulis.
Prepare for the trip on time
To avoid stress, experts recommend preparing for trips in time – planning the best route and taking care of activities in the car so that the little road users do not have the hurt. “If possible, leave during the time when there are no traffic jams. It is naive to hope that you will return from the country to the capital without traffic jams on Sunday afternoon, “said Jānis Vanks. A safe driving expert recommends using navigation apps and choosing alternative routes to avoid traffic jams Avoid traffic and at the same time reduce fuel consumption.
The information was prepared by Laura Grikke, communication consultant of “Circle K Latvia”.
2024-10-29 06:32:00
#Tips #reduce #stress #traffic #jams
