How to Live Your Life Without Losing Your Mind in Atlanta

Besides the scorching heat and humidity during the summers, one thing that sticks out in everyone's minds when you say "Atlanta," is the horrible traffic. Atlanta consistently ranks on the Top 10 Worst American Cities for bad traffic.  It's the daily grind, and the hustle and bustle that gets so many road-raged people worked up in the city.  Blood, sweat, and tears pour out on the concrete jungle.  According to the 2010 census, and Wikipedia, the Atlanta metropolitan area, with more than 5.4 million people, is the third largest in the Southeastern United States and the ninth largest in the country.

Atlanta is so busy at times, you wonder how people get from point A to B without losing their minds.  While witnessing and engaging with the daily road rage culprits and victims, it is a necessity to find ways to cope with the stress of traffic in the city. According to The Wellness Institute of America there are many Signs & Symptoms of Stress:

Common symptoms of stress:

• Tired, Exhausted
• Migraine/Tension Headaches
• Insomnia, Sleep Issues
• Tension in Neck, Shoulders

Stress can affect life and work:

• Limits daily activities
• Limits household duties
• Limits exercise - sports
• Limits hobbies - activities

Having lived in Atlanta on and off for about 10 years, I find ways to cope with stress by exercising, creative writing, taking family trips, pampering myself, and sometimes just staying indoors to enjoy family and “me time.”  Some people get massages to prevent a nervous breakdown, practice yoga, read, write, hike, or mediate.

However you choose to deal with stress, it's good to recognize when your emotions are starting to go "down hill," and do something about it.  Sometimes all you need to do is talk to someone you trust about your problem(s).  Find what you love to do to relax and do it.  If this activity can include your life purpose, then you will greatly benefit as well.

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Published on MyAtlantaMoms.com.