The Power of Road Rage
The Power of Road Rage: Why We React So Strongly
Have you ever been having a peaceful day and then, suddenly, your whole mood changes because of something another driver is doing on the road? Or maybe this happens quite often, and shouting expletives at strangers has become a normal part of your day. So, why do we lose our cool so easily because of other people’s actions?
Driving has become increasingly dangerous over the years, with more distracted drivers and frequent red-light runners. Those of us following the rules are often flabbergasted by the blatant disregard for safety. Although these feelings are valid, sometimes we have an overreaction that could put us more in harm’s way than the initial offense.
When we see someone doing something that does not align with our values or needs, it can trigger a stress response in our bodies. This could look like an increase in heart rate or a change in body temperature. However, we may not notice these physiological changes as quickly as we notice our thoughts, prompting us to give a rapid verbal or physical reaction.
The Power of Nervous System Awareness
I wonder what would happen if we noticed our bodily response first and were able to say to ourselves, “Wow, I’m having a strong reaction to this other person’s behavior.” Maybe that extra couple seconds of reflection would allow us to respond more rationally.
For example, a person driving slowly in the left lane is probably not going to harm us, but their behavior may feel threatening because it conflicts with the rules of the road (slow drivers should be in the right lane). After identifying that we are activated, we can then quickly do a risk assessment by asking ourselves if the level of response we are about to have will be necessary or helpful. If you want to go a step further, you can ask yourself if the response is familiar and reflect on why you may default to that reaction.
The Power of Attunement
Our nervous system is a powerful tool for keeping us safe. However, when we leave it unchecked, we don’t necessarily respond in a way that continues to protect us. If our nervous system detects danger, it will activate all systems to help us fight, flee, or freeze. The problem is that our nervous system doesn’t always get it right. It might detect danger when there is none.
Once we become attuned to our nervous system and can recognize the stress response in our bodies, we can better guide our physical and verbal reactions in ways that continue to support our safety.
Journal Prompts: Making it Personal
What are the physiological signs that indicate you’re becoming stressed and more likely to react negatively?
What scenarios typically trigger this reaction, and what adjustments can you make to improve your response?
