Could you be A Highway Time Bomb? How To Manage Stress Before You Hit The Roads - Articles and Tips on How to Stay Motivated

View the special stress self assessment at http://www.soarwithme.com/road-rage-survey.html

In a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the outbursts of anger we see on the road now have a name: intermittent explosive disorder. By definition, intermittent explosive disorder is characterized by multiple outbursts that are way out of proportion to the situation. 16 million people experience it as those outbursts of anger emerge as aggressiveness on our highways, or Road Rage. This behavior becomes even more prevalent during the summer holidays when millions of travelers hit the roads.

Triggering road rage reactions are: tight schedules, construction delays, traffic jams, long commutes, inclement weather, screaming children, gas prices and the behavior of other drivers.

Reactions to stress on the highway take the form of speeding, running stop lights, tailgating, excessive weaving, yelling, using hand gestures and even using weapons or the car as a weapon.

Explosions of rage are sparked by stress accumulated in other parts of our lives – at home and at work: major losses, financial pressures, relationship issues, family problems, health issues, and lack of balance. Add those to any small incident on the roads and you have inappropriate explosions of anger. To avoid the potential pressure build up, it is important to identify our underlying stress and adopt some stress reduction techniques.

In addition, you can diffuse the stress that leads to aggressiveness as you drive by preparing properly and creating a stress free environment in your car.

Stress free driving tips:

*Leave early and give yourself more than enough time.

*Study your maps ahead of time, so you know the route

*Get traffic reports ahead of time

*Unclutter your car

*Make yourself comfy in your car

*Fill your car with gas before you need it

*Make sure you have entertainment for your children

*Have comfort foods with you

*Listen to soothing music and tapes….. Aggressive music begets aggressive behavior

*Find other means of transportation or have someone else drive if you are excessively stressed

*Use safe driving techniques

-- don't use your cell phone unless you have to

-- use your turn signal when changing lanes

--don't tailgate

--watch your speed limit

--do not use your high beams UNLESS there are no other cars around

*If you encounter an aggressive driver, remember that he probably has things going on in his life that are causing pressure.

--Give him space

--Feel sorry for him

--Hope he doesn't get hurt or hurt someone else

--Avoid retaliating with hand gestures

--Call 911with license plate number and location if you feel it is a dangerous situation

--Don't roll down the window

--Take a few deep breaths

View the special stress self assessment at http://www.soarwithme.com/road-rage-survey.html

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