I’m not a fan of driving. Seriously…not a fan…at all. Those who have ever been in a car with me when I’ve lost my cool, please be kind in the comments below. It has been an issue for me from the beginning.

When traffic is heavy, I lose it…

When I get lost, I lose it…

When people don’t follow the laws of the road, I lose it…

When I don’t have control, I lose it…

When others are having fun while I’m driving…you get the picture.

I’ve spent my entire driving life dehumanizing those in the car with me and those safely protected from my yelling behind their own steel and glass.  Protected from my voice, but maybe not my gestures.  I’m very human, folks.

My driving has changed since I discovered a few coping techniques.  They work.  Seriously.  Ask my family.  It begins with breathing. 

Yes, the age-old boring task of breathing.  Yes, it is boring, but it actually keeps you alive.  you should try it more often.  Actually, I’m not talking about the involuntary kind of breathing.  I’m talking about slow, deep, intentional breathing.

Try it right now.  Breathe in for a count of seven.  Hold your breath for a count of two.  Release for a count of eleven.  You perfectionists reading this, you don’t have to be exact.  The point is to take a DEEP breath in, hold it for a time, and release for a longer period of time.

Feel your diaphragm expand.  Wait for the inevitable “catch” you feel when you hit your deepest, fullest point.  Release slowly.  Did you feel it?  It will help calm you.

Give breathing a try the next time you are caught in a traffic jam, or any moment of stress.  Better yet, practice breathing before you are caught in that moment.  Every hour on the hour, stop and take ten deep breaths.  Your body and your brain will thank you.  Trust me.  Better yet, trust my family.

Next entry–another technique to try.