It's rush hour. You've been waiting for 20 minutes in a backed-up line to take the exit ramp from the highway. A car zooms by you in the lane to the left, puts on its blinker and tries to break in line in front of you.

You want to scream obscenities at this rude driver! Or you feel a strong urge to make a certain hand gesture.

But, you are not going to give in to road rage. Instead you are going to take the high road. Below are some tactics that can help you avoid road rage.

* Take a few deep breaths when a driver bothers you.

Seriously, deep breathing works, if you choose to do it. When you take deep breaths, your body automatically relaxes a bit. So, deep breathing will counteract any knee-jerk tenseness you may immediately feel.

* Listen to classical music when driving in rush hour.

If you know you are going to be in traffic situations that are stressful, choose to listen to calming or beautiful music. You cannot control what is going on outside of your car, but you can set the tone in your own car.

* Laugh.

Laughter helps ease all kinds of tense moments, including those when you are encountered by a really bad driver. Force yourself to laugh at how ridiculous the other person is, as they make such a jerk of themselves. You can also blow them a kiss. That's always a fun gesture.

* Visualize yourself having a peaceful drive.

Before you enter a tough commute, visualize that you will have a peaceful drive. Picture yourself remaining calm no matter what other drivers do. Then turn this visualization into reality.

* Pay attention.

Be sure to pay attention to what is going on around you. That way, you will be prepared to handle whatever is coming your way, including idiotic drivers.

* Decide not to let a jerk ruin your day.

Whenever you get really upset, your mood is often changed, and sometimes for the rest of the day. In the case of road rage, the jerk who causes you to react may not be remotely bothered. You then will be the one who is punished if you let this person get to you.

Make a firm decision that you are not going to let the jerks out there destroy your day, or cause you to act in ways you will regret. They are just not worth it.

In conclusion, these are a few things you can do to manage your own behavior when on the road. If you commit to remaining as calm as you can be, you can overcome the temptation to snap. And, the more you resist road rage, the easier it will become.

Learn more about this author, Ann E. Smith.
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