If your morning routine involves driving to work, running errands, or taking your children to school, you know how “mindless” people can be in morning rush-hour traffic and how stressful driving in your car can be.
If you know that driving causes you to feel anger, stress, and anxiety, then you can change your viewpoint of this task by practicing mindfulness.
- When you get into your car, take a few deep breaths.
- Don’t turn on the radio or create other distractions while in the car. Turn your phone on silent.
- As you begin to drive, make an extra effort to notice your surroundings.
- If you get stuck in traffic or someone cuts you off, notice the feelings that arise (anger, frustration, anxiety, competitiveness), and simply identify them.
- Use traffic stops or other necessary stops to practice a few deep, calming breaths.
- Once you arrive at your destination, after you’ve turned off the engine, sit for a moment and take three deep breaths, really letting go on the exhalation.