How To Deal With The Stress Of A Daily Commute In Your Car
Many of us join with millions of other drivers commuting every day in South Africa. That can certainly be demanding, in addition to dealing with the impact of loadshedding on traffic lights. But we can avoid the stress of daily commuting by practising the following tips.1,2
Prepare In Advance
Don’t leave all the daily chores to just before you leave for work. Doing what you can the night before will remove unnecessary pressure after breakfast. 1
Choose The Best Route
It would be fruitless and exhausting to go to work on a road where they have just started roadworks. Besides the radio, you can use a traffic app, such as Waze, on your smartphone. It keeps you updated about any congested traffic arteries, average traffic speeds and times, and weather. Even when you are already on the road, the App will supply you with any new changes occurring en route. 1
Use Flexitime
Some companies allow their staff to start and end work late while reserving a specific core time when everyone must be at the office. This will enable you to commute to work and back after the traffic rushes have subsided. Your employer may allow you to work a day or two from home and communicate via Zoom meetings. This concept worked particularly well during the South African pandemic and reduced traffic congestion. 1
Enjoy Some Soothing Music While You Drive
Now that you have chosen the most suitable route to work, it’s time to relax with some calming music. This will take care of any anxiety caused by irresponsible drivers. Classical music can lower your blood pressure and stress levels until you arrive at the office as refreshed as possible. 1
How Much Time Do You Spend Behind The Wheel?
South Africa has 248 workdays in 2023, or an average of 20 workdays per month. Driving two hours per day to work and back translates to spending 496 hours or 62 eight-hour workdays behind the wheel over 2023. This is equivalent to working for three months at the office – except you’re potentially sitting in a car.2
Your Time In The Car Is Valuable
So, it would of great benefit if you could use some of that time for some self-improvement. For example, you could listen to audiobooks, or even learn some French for that upcoming business trip to Paris. The only danger to consider is any distraction that these efforts may have on your driving. 1
Don’t Use The Cell Phone While Commuting
Even though you have a legal hands-free kit in the car, avoid using it during your commute. This is because using a cell phone while driving is most distracting and can cause accidents. In addition, holding a cell phone for talking and texting while driving is illegal. 1
Disclaimer
This article aims to show you how to drive safely by reducing stress during your commute. 1
Time is a precious commodity in anyone’s life, so we must use it wisely. It’s essential to have adequate cover while commuting every day. If you have no cover or require more information, contact us at PMD. Enjoy our world-class client service while we inform you about our affordable car insurance products. They come with unique benefits, such as fixed premiums* and a reduce-to-zero excess*. T’s and C’s apply.
Contact a certified financial advisor for professional advice to purchase the correct financial services product.
Source:
1https://living.geico.com/driving/auto/car-safety-insurance/de-stress-your-daily-commute/
2https://excelnotes.com/working-days-south-africa-2023/
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
