We've all experienced it: it's morning rush hour, you have five minutes to get to work, and you are stuck in traffic because of a major accident on the highway. The stress of being late for work makes your blood boil or it's the evening rush hour, and you're late to pick your child up from day care. You narrowly avoid an accident because of a careless driver. Your stress level is through the roof.



Driving is a major source of stress. Between traffic congestion, construction delays, road rage, and accidents, being in the car has never been less enjoyable, or more nerve-racking.

Another cause of stress is in the cost to maintain your car. There are insurance, astronomical gas prices, and maintenance costs. This can be a huge financial burden. This can be compounded if you have an older vehicle that requires a lot of extra case and maintenance.

As a parent, you might have to drive your children to school, various activities, or social events. This can be a major stress source; aside from the traffic, you may have to deal with fighting or entertaining the young children, all while remaining focused on driving safely. This can be a big source of tension.

Driving and the stress that goes with it is a fact of modern life. There will always be potholes, traffic jams, other rude drivers, and irritable passengers. There will probably be construction delays on your way to work, to the store, or to school. There will be times when you wonder if you'll be able to make it.

There are ways to deal with these unavoidable driving stresses. Try playing some calming CD's that help you shut out the stresses, but also let you concentrate on your driving. You will be able to deal with stresses and situation in the car better if you have some minor distractions like pleasant music.

You can also change the route you take in the morning, in order to avoid construction, traffic jams, etc. Even if the route is a little longer, if it is less crazy, you will be too.

You might also consider leaving five to ten minutes earlier than usual. You won't be in such a rush, and you will be surprised how much a difference those few minutes will make in your daily commute.

Almost everyone has to drive on a daily basis. The plan should be to make it as enjoyable as it can be in order to avoid anxiety. Chances are you will not be able to rid yourself of driving stress in one day. Many of us have become so accustomed to driving stress that it is almost habitual. But, by making the best out of our necessary commutes and trips in the car, it is possible to alleviate driving-induced stress greatly.