After a meeting in downtown Los Angeles, I spent over 3 hours sitting in traffic before I reached my freeway exit going home. I was fried. I couldn’t help but think of how lucky I am that I don’t have to do it very often; how do people do it every single day??
That’s when I realized that I should share with you a technique that I use in such situations, a technique that may just make a real difference for you.
Here it is: I take a very short detour that takes me away from the traffic and through a beautiful, calm, and peaceful neighborhood instead. A bonus for me is that one side of the street is a golf course with gently rolling, manicured grass that is a pleasure to the eye. How far out of my way do I have to go to enjoy this oasis? Only one short block!
Would you drive an extra short block to trade 2 miles of busy city streets for 2 miles of green serenity?
So now it’s time to put on our thinking caps (be sure to fasten the strap so it doesn’t fall off your head…) and come up with a short detour that would calm and relax you. It doesn’t have to be during a trip to a busy city center; it could be simply an outing to the market, or to get gas, or to take Timmy to soccer practice.
My detour adds less than five minutes to my drive. It’s one of the best five-minute investments I can think of.
Think about it and start experimenting. You deserve it.
This post is one of a series on simple ways to reduce stress. Laughter is the most important way but is also hardest to do when you’re stressed. Learn how with a free interview with a leading humor expert. Free? Yes, free – it is my gift to you because laughter will soothe your soul. Download it now at www.TheCopingC.com/laugh
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