Tips on Staying Relaxed While In EDSA Traffic

Every Pinoy driver has his or her own nightmare story about the dreaded Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (or the infamous EDSA). And more likely than not, a big chunk of those stories involve the hellish traffic they had to endure while perusing the highway. So in case it’s your turn to traverse EDSA, here are tips that can help keep your cool.

Breathe

If you’re currently in the middle of EDSA traffic and you’re starting to feel irritated and impatient, the first thing to do is to take a few breaths. And we’re not talking about normal breaths, nope. We’re talking about really deep, inhale-through-your-nose and exhale-through-your-mouth breaths. Doing so will increase oxygen in your body, improving your blood circulation and reducing your stress.

Count Sheep (or Something Else)

And while you’re at it, you might as well pass the time in traffic by counting something. Yes, you can count sheep, but you can also count something else (e.g., cars, people, etc.). Or you can just plain count from one to a hundred (or one thousand if you’ve made it past the hundred). That way, you’ll be able to stave off the negative feelings that’s starting to creep in your mind due to the EDSA jam.

Stay Hydrated and Full

But if breathing and counting isn’t enough for you, take a look at this silver lining. Traffic jams are a great opportunity to snack out. Aside from maintaining your overall health, a nutritious snack would also help your brain function well even while stuck in EDSA. Just make sure you drink lots of fluids alongside your snacks and you’re good to go. Avoid coffee or any drinks that could dehydrate you quickly, though, especially in heavy traffic situations.

Don’t Drive

Yes, you read that right. Even if you have your own ride, you don’t necessarily have to take it with you on your EDSA adventures. Aside from the traffic guzzling up your gas, you might end up scratching your beloved vehicle. So if you can help it, try alternative modes of transportation instead. Take the bus or MRT. Or better yet, join a carpool. Not only would you save money by doing these things, but you’ll also be able to relax along the way.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a new driver or experienced one driving an old car, you’ll probably experience similar horrors should you have the chance to grace EDSA. But there’s no point whining about it. Instead, find ways to keep calm and relaxed while stuck in the avenue. Start by following the tips above.