So many times during our drive home from work, school or even running errands we engage in unhealthy behavior. Like everyone, I find myself engaging in unhealthy behavior such as overeating or my favorite “road rage.” Especially after a long stressful day at work. I just feel as if I have so much anxiety, I need to GET IT OUT, on the person driving on the road in front of me.
Now, I am maybe exaggerating just a little, but we all can let the stress of the day get to us in one way or another while driving.
These are some simple techniques that have helped me on the drive home.
First: I find it helpful to reflect on the positive outcomes of the day. No matter how BAD the day was, find the good.
Second: Refocus my priorities. Reviewing short term goals and long term goals.
Third: Listening to music that makes you feel good whether it be pop, country, jazz, meditation or relaxation or R&B music.
Four: Talk to yourself, yes I said talk to yourself. It sometimes is effective to bounce an idea around with you to improve productivity and reflect on the day and what we could have done differently.
Fifth: To be grateful for the small things you have, such as a beautiful sunset as you look at the horizon. For some, this might be a time to have a deeper connection with a high power.
Sixth: Be polite to other drivers. Do the opposite of what you are feeling at the moment. You will see a different outlook if you exercise your free will of choice, and not react to your impulses.
Next time you feel like waving a nice middle finger birdied or honking your horn at someone, try to implement these six simple techniques on your next DRIVE HOME.
If you need help taming the anxiety or managing the road rage, call us, we can help get you back on track. We have two convenient locations to serve you, Riverside or Murrieta. Don’t continue to worry or be angry, call us @951-778-0230 or email Therapyccs@gmail.com
by Lisa J. Clark, AMFT
Lisa loves working with teens and adults. She helps by teaching anxiety reduction skills and problem-solving skills. She is a good listener and she cares much. She hates to see people in pain and she works with them to help them develop a happier and healthier life. She is optimistic and warm and she helps people see other perspectives.
She is a parent and she understands that raising children can be a lot of hard work and sometimes parents get stressed and need help too.
A favorite quote of her is "It's easier to build strong children than repair Broken men." Fredrick Douglass.