When You Stop at a Red Light, Take a Deep, Relaxing Breath
Let’s just admit it: Commuting stinks. Today, more than 85 percent of Americans drive to their jobs. And it can be stressful. Busy roads combined with the need to get to work on time can cause tempers to flare and common sense to go out the window. A survey by the AAA Foundation found that nearly nine in 10 people thought aggressive drivers were a threat to their safety—yet many of them admitted to engaging in aggressive behavior themselves. There are plenty of reasons to be concerned; after all, motor vehicle crashes cause about 33,000 fatalities every year.
Instead of letting your stress levels soar while you drive, use the time you spend sitting in traffic to consciously decompress. Each time you stop for a red light today, take a deep breath. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. As you exhale, relax the muscles in your shoulders. You’ll get to your destination in the same amount of time, but you’ll feel calmer, more refreshed, and ready to start your day.
Article from the StayWell Company, LLC
