A LOT of things could get one at his wit’s end—piling workloads, financial woes, relationship problems—but commuting to and from work or school is probably the most universally abhorred. Whether one is driving or riding public transportation to and from one’s daily destinations, no one is exempted from an occasional (albeit now more usual) traffic jam. And with the holidays coming up, the city is sure to be even more congested than it usually is. So to keep one’s sanity—and to keep it from getting on your last nerve—we’ve managed to come up with a list of fun and safe ways to enjoy a traffic jam.
Listen to some soothing sounds
Turn up the volume of the car stereo or mp3 player and listen to whatever—rock, pop, indie, K-pop, etc. For a different sound, maybe one could listen to an audio version of a book one has been itching to read. Just look for some beats that are soothing and that could keep the stress level down.
Let world know you’re stuck in traffic
This one’s for the social media aficionados. Take a selfie of your bawling on the steering wheel and send it via Snapchat. Be a traffic journalist for tiny while and post photos of the traffic situation on this certain street at the metro. Carefully assemble one’s (raging) thoughts in 160 characters and tweet them out to the world. For sure the likes are going to come in like a smooth drive on a traffic-free road.
Have a mini concert
Unleash the rock star inside and belt out your favorite songs till your lungs give out. This is a lot of fun, and a definite de-stressor, whether alone or with other people. This could be done inside a public vehicle—that is if you don’t mind the judging stares of the other passengers. If that makes you feel like the star that you are, then go ahead, sing like you’re vying for the 100 at a karaoke. No one has the right to take that spotlight from you, you beautiful soul, you.
Talk it out
The commute could be a great place where one can talk things out with friends or family, whether in person or on the phone (best to do this on speaker). Venting about “the worst traffic of the century” could lead to so many other topics like your mom’s chika about that one tita who’s having a late midlife crisis or your best friend’s barely-there love life. Talking to someone is a great way to distract yourself from the seemingly unmoving traffic.
Play games
There are so many games that don’t require you to stand up. One can even make up a new kind of game. Creativity is key here. Mental games are best, like a good game of Categories or 3, 6, 9. But if one is driving alone and one wants to check up on the some online games, make sure to do that when the traffic is at a standstill and not when it’s moving. It’s called Clash of Clans, not Clash of Cars.
Have a snack
One of the greatest de-stressors is eating. Stocking up on some snacks inside your car or buying some food before commuting is especially recommended when one is on his way home during the evening. Sometimes the traffic jams keep us late for dinnertime and a little snack is good for one’s grumbling self—oh, and one’s stomach too. No one likes you when you’re hangry.