Have you ever seen someone shout at a taxi driver or taxi thief? Have you ever bumped into people who stopped in front of you on the sidewalk? Have you ever had an umbrella nearly poke your eye out on a rainy day? High-density commutes during rush hour can be a stressful part of the day. They can also be a time to set a positive tone before you arrive at work or home.
How can you best respond to density and cultural differences? You can go inward and reserve your own energy for the most important things in your life. Why waste vital energy on the adrenalized reaction of frustration and anger? We have absolutely no control over traffic and commutes, but we do have control over how we respond to it.
Here are 5 tips to transform your stressful commute into one of curiosity, relaxation and humour.
Tip #1 Awe Your Attitude
Whether it is your temporary home as an expatriate or your permanent home as a local resident, Hong Kong’s density is intense. Love it with a sense of curiosity and awe. When you want to shout with frustration, replace it with, “Wow,” and thank the moment or person for making you pause long enough to notice the awe in AWEsome.
Tip#2 Zoom Out
When you are standing on the MTR, and people bump up against you or squeeze your space, look up and look down the long stretch of the train. Do the same in traffic. Do this in the middle of the street. Look up and out. These cities are a work of art, and there is a collective experience to take part in and absorb.
Tip#3 Practice Compassion
When you find yourself wrapped up in the hardship of your own long day, look around you and find someone who looks a little worse off. Take a moment to imagine the hard day he or she had. Breathe that in and breathe out the relief of their suffering. Continue this process with multiple people until you forget all about your own pain and are filled with gratitude.
Tip#4 Entertain Yourself
Bring good music and listen to the soundtrack of your life. Watch the commute scenes like an entertaining movie. Bop your head. Shake your hips. Dance in public. Find your laughter button and press it.
Tip#5 Go Zen
Use your commute to meditate. Count how many steps you take on a single inhale. Count them again on your exhale. If your walking rhythm gets interrupted, continue a count on your in breath and out breath. After the pause, resume counting your steps. Over time, grow the number count and elongate the breath. It will slow down your mind, calm the nerves and sharpen your performance at work or home.