Many Swedes spend a lot of time in the car, but the roads can be the root of both irritation and stress. It is not uncommon to be met by angry honks and drivers with short stubbies. Although these feelings are common, they change our driving behavior and in the worst case can be dangerous. But why are we so easily influenced in traffic?
We’re losing control
– One of the reasons why people are easygoing in traffic is the loss of control. Something happens that you cannot influence. This, in turn, can lead to frustration and anger, says the psychologist David Waskuri from the Sveapsykologists to Kamux and continues:
– Another reason for anger towards fellow road users is that you, as a driver, do not see the other person properly. It’s easier to assume things and create prejudices against someone when you can’t read their body language. It is also easier to express your anger towards someone, for example by honking your horn or gesticulating, when you do not have to respond to the person.
The short stub is logical
According to David Waskuri, our short traffic jam is actually quite logical. Feeling stressed is a normal condition when driving, where a small dose of stress hormones can even mean that the driver becomes more alert. However, if there is too much stress, it can affect the driving. Then the driver may lose focus, have a slower ability to react, drive too fast or become more careless than usual.
What can you do then if you feel that it can be difficult to control your mood and emotions out in traffic? There is actually a lot you can do.
Here are psychologist David Waskuri’s four best tips for finding peace in traffic:
Change your associations
Some people can associate the traffic on the way to work, for example, with something
hard and stressful. Try to redefine it, have a moment for yourself, listen
your favorite podcast and enjoy the sunrise.
The starting position is important
Being rested when you get behind the wheel is always important. Do you feel
stressed and anxious even before you start driving, or for example have children who
argue even before they get into the car, it is worth spending a few minutes to
try to find peace.
Accept and validate the feeling
Often our first reactions are very automatic, but to identify and
accepting one’s feelings can have a calming effect. By putting their words into words
emotions, it becomes easier to control them. Remember that feelings come and go
and that what you feel is only temporary.
Mindfulness in the car
There are simple tricks to use to find peace even while driving. Become
pay attention to your surroundings, what do you see, how does your foot feel against the pedal? To breathe
slowly has a calming effect. At the same time, notice how the pulse and shoulders move
down.