KT Photo: File used for illustrative purposes
Experts warn that spending hours stuck in traffic each workday can significantly impact one's well-being, urging motorists to be mindful of the strain it places on their mental health. Fatma Abdullah, an employee who commutes from Sharjah to Dubai, recounted a particularly distressing day when she found herself in tears on her way home. This emotional breakdown came after several nights of inadequate sleep, as she had to wake up as early as 5am to avoid peak traffic hours. "After that day of crying, I ended up sleeping continuously for 24 hours," Abdullah shared. She typically spends an hour driving to her office and an additional hour and a half commuting back home.
Dr. Heike Jacobs, a neurology consultant at Saudi German Hospital Dubai, emphasizes that residents must recognize the mental health implications of traffic congestion. "Prolonged exposure to stressful traffic conditions can elevate blood pressure and foster feelings of helplessness," she explained. Another Sharjah resident, who works in Dubai, described persistent anxiety triggered by a specific incident. "That day, I encountered an accident that extended my driving time from 90 minutes to two hours. When I finally reached the nursery to pick up my child, he was the only one left," the mother recounted.
These emotional strains can manifest as irritability at work and even lead to conflicts. "Burnout is a genuine concern," Jacobs cautioned, noting additional stressors such as demanding jobs and long work hours. The diverse driving cultures in the UAE further compound stress, making effective coping strategies crucial for maintaining well-being. A Dubai-based employee expressed frustration over missing sports classes due to severe traffic. Despite joining a gym just 15 minutes from her home, her commute often took an hour, leaving no time for workouts and increasing her stress levels.
Heavy traffic can significantly affect one's mood, according to Dr. Jacobs. "Navigating road congestion triggers stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol," she said, leading to a tense and aggressive mindset among drivers, often resulting in dangerous road behavior. This aggressive mindset is often referred to as road rage. Ritasha Versani, a psychologist at Aman Lil Afia Clinic Dubai, explained that road rage is often fueled by time pressures and individual personality traits that amplify stress.
Such frustrations can lead to unsafe driving behaviors, such as speeding or tailgating, and physical signs of anger like hitting the steering wheel or clenching teeth. "Recognizing the triggers behind road rage is crucial, and adopting healthy coping strategies is essential," Versani advised. Prolonged stress can also lead to unhealthy habits such as binge-eating and increased alcohol consumption. "When we allow traffic to dictate our emotions, we compromise our overall well-being," Versani pointed out.
Commuters must take steps to reclaim their emotional health, as extended exposure to traffic can disrupt sleep, relaxation, and family time, ultimately affecting job performance. Experts recommend practicing mindfulness during commutes. Tips include using the time for self-care by listening to music or podcasts, applying deep breathing exercises, and engaging in positive self-talk to stay calm. Taking a moment to breathe and count to 10 before reacting to stressful situations on the road can also help. Exploring alternative commuting options such as carpooling or public transport, and working from home when possible, can alleviate some of the stress.
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