Commuting to and from work on a daily basis is one of the epic struggles of modern life.

Road construction, accidents, and bad weather are all the obstructions hurled our way on the road to where we are going.

There are a few things that we as drivers can do to make this harangue easier and less stressful on us all.

First of all, plan ahead.

Now, this can be almost impossible in our desperately jam-packed day, but getting out of the house a few minutes earlier than usual in the morning can offset your timing so that you hit fewer red lights, beat the traffic, or just have some spare time just in case you need it.

Listen to your local television or radio station for updates on road construction and closures, especially as we head into the “under construction” season of summer.

Next, pack for the unexpected.

How many times have you been stuck in traffic and been absolutely famished or dying of thirst?

These basic physical needs kick in at the most inopportune times, but you can take care of this added stressor by packing a piece of fruit or crackers and a bottle of water just in case.

Most of us spend a large quantity of our drive time alone. Once you have dropped off the pets or the kids or the dry cleaning, appreciate this valuable “alone” time, depressurize and de-stress. Put in your favorite music or my personal favorite, a book on CD. Listening to a novel gives me a temporary release and keeps my idle mind occupied while I’m on auto pilot.

Finally, if your schedule allows it, change your route or drive times. A change in scenery provided by a new itinerary can be refreshing, while starting your drive earlier or later can help you avoid those rush hour harassments.

Keep these tips in mind the next time you get behind the wheel, and if all else fails just remember this; there’s not a lot you can do about traffic, so make good use of this time instead of wasting it getting high blood pressure over something you can’t control. Tranquil travels!