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If you live anywhere near the Klang Valley, you've probably noticed that traffic jams have become increasingly common lately
With multiple holidays overlapping and highways packed with cars, even public transport isn't enough.
The situation has gotten so bad that netizens are urging their employers to bring back WFH or hybrid policies amid these crazy traffic jams.
Commutes that used to be simple can now stretch into painful journeys lasting nearly three hours.
@dampskin_ Klang Valley what is going on 😭😭 #kltraffic #commute #trafficjam #work ♬ original sound – iamanthony89
Faced with hours stuck in a car, bored of radio chatter and news, and unable to stretch your legs, you have to ask: how do you kill time while just wasting it?
1. Curate your playlist (and sing your own karaoke)
Even if your car can't sync with a music app, listening to music can still reduce anxiety, says the National Health Institute, and you can always play it through your phone speakers.
But if you're tired of hearing the same old stuff on your commute, now's your chance to mix things up!
Shuffle your song selection for something surprising, remove songs that don't really appeal to you, or add some brand-new music.
Ever wanted to listen to an artiste you've heard of but never explored, or just randomly tap on music you've never heard of? Now's your chance, and you might find something you genuinely love.
Since you've got all the time in the world, why not set up a makeshift karaoke session and sing at the top of your lungs? Got travelling companions? That just turns it into a full-on party.
Just don't get too distracted while singing and driving.
2. Upskill with the power of audiobooks (and podcasts)
Nothing beats absorbing new knowledge from audiobooks while doing nothing. Might as well, right?
You could listen to something educational and upskill yourself, even at a basic level. Or maybe listen to an exciting novel you've never had the time to read.
Podcasts can scratch the same itch and give you something more personalised than listening to the radio.
And who says you can't learn a new language on the road? It's the perfect time to get some practice in with language-learning apps.
3. Entertain yourself with brain games and a touch of fantasy
Playing games on your phone is a no-go while driving — even in a jam — but simple mental games are still an option.
Sure, it's what many of us were told to do on long childhood commutes, but that doesn't make it any less effective.
Try counting how many models of a specific car you see, and how many colours. Make a game recalling what meals you've had over the past five days.
Think about what you plan to eat in the next few days, maybe what you wish you could eat or do.
Have fun imagining all sorts of exciting scenarios on the highway, beyond the dull reality of traffic.
4. Destress with mind exercises
Honestly speaking, sitting in an unmoving car for hours isn't an ideal environment for learning or having fun.
Why not take a moment to soothe yourself? It might help keep frustration and boredom from boiling over.
Try some breathing exercises. Breathe in, breathe out, and get yourself in a meditative mood.
Swap your usual music for relaxing ASMR, and try some simple neck and shoulder stretches.
Feel free to stretch while stuck in a jam, but not while the car is actually on the move!
And above all, remind yourself that things will be okay.
Now, truth be told, being caught in an hours-long jam isn't fun, and it's a pretty awful situation to be in mentally
Whatever productive activities you manage in a stationary car pale in comparison to everything you could do once you reach your destination.
That's why it helps to know how to keep your mind and spirits sharp, rather than let frustration take over when traffic refuses to budge.
After all, road rage is real and dangerous, just like the emotional toll of being trapped for hours with no outlet.
And until the underlying issues causing these jams are fixed, the next-best thing is learning to make the most of a bad situation.
And of course, even in gridlocked traffic, stay cautious before attempting any in-car activities. Traffic jams can make people complacent, and complacency can lead to accidents.
Above all, stay safe this hectic season!
