Here's what not to do. Don't let the snarls curl your hair. Don't let the grid locks leave you standing still. Definitely, don't let the rage sap your energy. How, you say? Here are a few tips to make the most of your traffic down-time.

1) Plan for the fact that the traffic is going to be bad. Planning ahead reduces your stress and you will be less prone to succumbing to the raging drivers around you.

2) Be aware of how much time it really takes to get to work. Sometimes leaving 15 minutes early can actually get you there 20 minutes ahead, just because there is less traffic flow a little earlier. The same goes for leaving the office later. Leaving 20 minutes later can get you home only five minutes after your normal arrival home, and without the frustrations. Plus you save on gas!

3) Download calming music onto a CD or your mp3 and listen while you drive. This is the positive approach to multitasking while driving. Consider downloadable books, language lessons or a stress reduction program; that way you learn something and can focus on that rather than the time you are spending at an intersection.

4) Sometimes taking a longer route can get you to where you're going more quickly as well. Plot and plan the alternate route and do a dry run on a day off or when you don't have any particular place to be or time to be there.

5) If you do find yourself trapped in gridlock and unable to get out, take a breath. Take two! If it is really bad, cut the motor off and wait. The few seconds it takes to restart the motor will be nothing compared to how much petrol you can save. Use the time productively. Open the glove box and organise the contents. You can also keep a box or tote with those papers you've been meaning to go through. If you have, or keep, plastic grocery bags in the car, use them to de-clutter the front or back seat. A box of baby wipes are great for cleaning dashboards, windows and seats-as long as they aren't fabric.

6) If you happen to get caught between raging drivers, stay calm. Don't make eye contact and move out of their way if at all possible. They are already angry and looking for a fight-you don't have to be their opponent or their victim. If it looks like it is going to be really ugly, jot down their plate number. Just put it into your phone. It may come in handy if there is an issue.

Finally, relax! Do some stretches and isometric exercises. The exercises recommended for office workers who can't leave their desks work well in most vehicles too. Neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, arm stretches and twists will loosen up most of the parts of your body that feel the stress of driving-or not driving as the case may be.

You will get home either way at the end of the day. It's better to get there in a happy, relaxed state than one of anger and vexation.

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