Tips for managing emotions while driving home from your Easter holiday
We should always anticipate that something can go wrong on the road.
Nokukhanya Mntambo (in for 702's Gugs Mhlungu) speaks to psychologist, Dr Khosi Jiyane.
Listen below:
Dr Jiyane says many people are in a rush at the end of the Easter weekend, because there’s a sobering realisation that they must get back to work and school.
She advises drivers to leave earlier.
“Don't cut it too fine. Allow time for anything that can delay you. And if it does what are the contingency measures that you are going to put in place?”
- Dr Khosi Jiyane, psychologist
Dr Jiyane says it’s important to anticipate that things can go wrong and know how you are going to calm yourself down if they do.
She says one way is to remember that nobody is perfect.
“If they make a mistake ask yourself the question: 'In which way have I also made a mistake?'... so that you can tap into your capacity to give grace to other people.”
- Dr Khosi Jiyane, psychologist
She says it’s useful to play music that will calm you down in the moment.
Dr Jiyane adds that stopping to take breaks is crucial to avoid our brains from going into fight, flight or freeze mode.
“Take regular breaks. It can never be overstated because people underestimate it. It is very easy to go into auto pilot and go into tunnel vision, and when that happens your alertness gets diminished, and therefore your processing speed is diminished - and your reaction time.”
- Dr Khosi Jiyane, psychologist
Dr Jiyane believes government is doing a good job with road safety patrols - especially with high visibility of law enforcement officers during peak periods. But she warns that many taxi drivers believe they are above the law.
She says while it’s extremely frustrating for ordinary drivers, the potential for violence if you confront a taxi driver is high.
“There’s no winning in that situation.”
- Dr Khosi Jiyane, psychologist
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.