How to Cure Road Rage

Curing road rage is not an easy thing to do; it's easier to lose your temper and get into a confrontation with a tailgater or someone who has cut you off. Slow-motion traffic or just an all-round stressful day can further aggravate you. Knowing how to manage your stress levels can help prevent road confrontations; you'll find yourself not sweating another motorist's actions anymore.

Instructions

• 1

  Get adequate sleep each night. Physical exhaustion will only aggravate a short fuse. To wind down, listen to soothing music, drink tea, meditate or take a relaxing bath before bed. Reduce excessive noise and refrain from work-related activities just before bedtime. This will help your body relax so it can effortlessly get between seven and eight hours of sound sleep.

• 2

  Create a relaxing atmosphere in your car. Play soothing sounds instead of jarring, loud music. Freshen up the space with a gentle fragrance. Remove all clutter and maintain clean upholstery.

• 3

  Refrain from driving under stress. Plan out a time schedule that gives you enough time to get from one destination to the next without rushing. If you are in a hurry, it's better to slow down and risk being late as opposed to risking a collision, or increasing the chances of attracting a confrontation with an incompetent driver. Consider being driven to your destination on those days that you are under stress.

• 4

  Keep your distance from hazardous drivers. Allow aggressive drivers to pass you if they are tailgating, beeping, or yelling obscenities. Avoid making eye contact with the aggressive driver. Follow all road rules.

• 5

  Take deep breaths to get calm. Breathe slowly, focusing on each breath instead of the rude driver. Expand your abdominals with each breath you take and allow your body to relax.

• 6

  Don't take the actions of an aggressive driver personally. Think of an instance in which you may have been the one to trigger a negative response from a driver, and how it was not personal. Instead of getting upset, be compassionate knowing that the other driver may be under stress herself.

• 7

  Keep in mind the lives of all motorists. Engaging in unlawful or harmful road behavior could not only risk your life or the life of an aggressive driver, but can affect the lives of the motorists' loved ones.