February is American Heart Month. It’s a time when we focus on keeping our hearts healthy, and that includes managing stress and anger, even behind the wheel. Road rage and frustration while driving can take a toll on our cardiovascular health. In honor of American Heart Month, we’ve gathered some practical tips to help you stay calm and collected during your commute or road trips, contributing to a healthier heart and a safer driving experience.
Here are some tips to help keep yourself in check when you’re experiencing anger toward another driver.
1. Don’t take it personally.
Sometimes other people’s behavior feels like a direct insult to us. If another driver seems mad at you for something, that’s their problem. It’s not your job to return their anger. If another driver is driving "badly," have some empathy for them. You never know what someone else is going through. Maybe they’re on their way home from a funeral. Perhaps they’re driving erratically because they’re distracted by an intense conversation with a passenger. Whatever their reasons, it’s not about you, and your only job is to keep yourself and those around you safe by driving safely yourself.
2. Check in with your body.
Emotions don’t just live in our brains. We carry emotions in our body as well. For example, when you’re upset or stressed, you might tighten your grip on the steering wheel or grind your teeth. Feeling angry can increase your blood pressure and tighten up your muscles. Do a quick metal scan, envisioning a scanner starting at the top of your head and going down to your toes. What feels tense? Relax those muscles. You’ll feel a little better once you let go of that tension.
3. Take a deep breath.
It’s hard to control intense emotions. You have to recognize what you’re feeling and decide how to respond. Taking a few deep breaths lets your brain know it needs to settle down. One way to do this is to breathe in deeply for four counts, then release your breath for eight counts. After doing this a few times, your physical self will feel calmer and more regulated, even if you’re still feeling angry in your head.
4. Take a break.
It’s important to pay close attention to the road as you drive. If relaxing your muscles and a few deep breaths don’t work right away, you may need to pull over in a safe place and park your vehicle. Let in some fresh air and continue to take deep, calming breaths. Don’t get back on the road until you’re feeling level and calm.
While everyone copes with their emotions differently (or sometimes not at all), physical things like deep breaths and releasing tension in your body are proven ways to pause your anger and prevent it from escalating to road rage. It’s not enough to just decide you won’t be angry anymore. Chances are you’ll still feel angry when certain situations arise, and that’s okay as long as you handle your anger appropriately and refuse to escalate it to a dangerous level.
Remember, a calmer driver is a safer driver, and a healthy heart contributes to a happier life. So, the next time you feel your blood pressure rising in the car, take a moment to breathe, refocus, and prioritize your health. Your heart will thank you for it.
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