How To Stay Calm at the Wheel

OK I admit it. I have become quite agitated behind the wheel. But they desevered the hand gesture to tell them that they were incompetent, incapable and inconsiderate. Are they driving with their eyes closed? Do they think that they are the only one on the road?? Where did they get their license from anyway, the back of a cereal box???

Know how I feel? There are times when you can feel your blood boil as you try to get to that appointment on time. Road rage is alive and kicking on Australian roads and not just the urban ones. I was travelling between Albury and Melbourne earlier this year and a massive black truck scared the pants off me with its shiny silver dual exhaust pipes and high beams breathing down my neck, and I was in the left hand lane!

It’s not cool to lose your cool behind the wheel so here are some simple to help you avoid the heart palpitations, red face and sweaty palms and armpits.

1. Avoid running late. This is when your stress levels are high to start with. When you are running late you’ll find yourself saying. “That’d be right, another red light!!”, sending your stress levels up to an even higher notch.

2. Know where you’re going. Whether it’s to meetings, sports grounds or birthday parties, knowing where you’re heading should provide for a calmer trip.

3. Be courteous. When traffic is merging, take in turns. Not only is this polite, it will keep you in control of your decisions and actions.

4. Breathe. Fresh air and deep breaths is the key. Shallow breathing restricts the flow of oxygen and can heighten feelings of panic and stress.

5. Keep your car in good running order. This will help you to avoid breakdowns and feel more confident in unfamiliar places.

6. Top it up. Put fuel in your car when the low fuel warning signal first comes on. Wondering whether you’ll make it to the next petrol station is guaranteed to get your heart running, not necessarily your motor!

7. Do unto others. If you don’t like being on the receiving end of rude gestures, beeping horns and being cut off, try and avoid doing these yourself.

8. Audio therapy. Here are some different options.

a. Play some of your all time favourite songs and sing to your heart’s content.

b. Play calming music and use your time in the car as a de stress zone.

c. Choose music that has similar bpm (beats per minute) to your heart rate – about 60bpm. Research shows this is the optimum beat to help you relax, de-stress and chill out. So if Eminem is one of your faves, maybe leave his songs for when you are at home!

9. Communicate with other drivers. Use your indicators, make friendly eye contact, give a little wave when someone lets you in, avoid driving in blind spots and use the correct lights. Remember fog lights are for driving in foggy conditions.

10. Have kids! Yes, you may laugh, but it is really interesting how you can control your language and temper when you have little ones on board. We are their best role model after all.

If you find your temper rising to uncontrollable levels, pull to the side of the road in a safe, legal place, turn your car off and sit there until you feel calmer.

Being calm and in control behind the wheel is the safest way to travel for you and your passengers and everyone else on the road.