BERLIN: Any road trip will eventually across a traffic jam at some point. But extended congestion doesn't have to degenerate into a high-stress situation for drivers with the right techniques.
Drivers should concentrate on their breathing, with focused inhaling and exhaling, advises Tuv, a vehicle safety organisation.
Another tip: progressive muscle relaxation. For this, drivers can flex a certain muscle, such as in their forearm, several times for about five to 10 seconds, and then relax the area again, all without moving that body part. Similarly, the shoulders could be raised and then lowered again, or drivers can bend and stretch out their back.
Drivers can also reduce stress by making the most of the time spent at a standstill, such as by listening to audiobooks.
Those who factor in delays when calculating travel times can also remove time pressure from the trip, making everything less stressful.
