Monday, August 11, 2014

10 Ways to Entertain Yourself Whenever You're Stuck in a Traffic Jam - Yahoo Voices - voices.yahoo.com

Los Angeles and San Francisco, California, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Houston, Seattle, Washington, Baltimore, Maryland, Miami, Florida, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas and Boston, Massachusetts have been deemed as having the "the highest levels of traffic congestion" in the United States, according to Wikipedia.com. Besides burning up vehicle fuel, "the average rush-hour driver" spends approximately 62 hours sitting in traffic jams annually, according to the Texas Transportation Institute. Instead of this problem improving, the experts say it's getting worse and is spreading. The next time this happens to you, use these 10 ways to entertain yourself whenever you're stuck in a traffic jam:

1. It's Time to Call Your Parents
Has it been awhile since you called your mom or dad? Why not take this time you're stuck in a traffic jam and take ten minutes to stay in touch? If your mother's long-winded, the conversation will probably take longer. But, you're not doing anything else anyhow, so use the time to call your parents.

2. Call Your Significant Other and Set a Romantic Mood
Are you in the mood for a little romance when you get home? Why not call your significant other and set the mood for romance? Talk low and flirt with him or her, and you may be surprised about the reaction you get! Being romantic is an important factor in a relationship. So why not turn this otherwise wasted time into productive time and spice up your love life?

3. Are You Lonely? Then Flirt!
Another fun way to entertain yourself whenever you're stuck in a traffic jam, is to find someone to flirt with. Look around in the vehicles around you. Can you spot a real hottie you'd like to meet? They may already be in a relationship, but it can't hurt to get their attention and give it a whirl. If nothing else flirting is a fun way to kill some time!

4. Practice Good Dental Hygiene
To prepare for traffic jams, toss a box of dental floss in your glove compartment. Then, the next time you find yourself with free time, you can floss your teeth and practice good dental hygiene.

5. Check Your Vehicle's Maintenance Records
Is there a sticker in the far left corner of your windshield? It might be the reminder to have the oil changed in your vehicle. Check the sticker to see if you need to make an appointment with your mechanic. While you're at it, to entertain yourself whenever your stuck in a traffic jam, check your glove compartment for your vehicle's maintenance records. Do the tires need rotated? Does the transmission fluid need to be changed? Keeping your vehicle well-maintained will help keep it running efficiently.

6. Think Up Article Subjects to Write About
If you're a Content Producer for Associated Content, then this is the perfect time to think up article subjects you want to write about. Does your mind draw a blank? Then look around you and find some interesting subjects.

7. Clean Out/Organize Your Bag, Wallet or Briefcase
Another way to entertain yourself whenever you're stuck in a traffic jam is to use this time to clean out and organize your bag, wallet or briefcase. You'll probably be amazed at the long-lost items you'll find: misplaced phone bill, expired coupons, the baby's favorite pacifier, loose change, a twenty dollar bill- the possibilities are endless!

8. Shop for Your Next Vehicle
What better time to shop for your next vehicle, than when you're completely surrounded by them? Whenever you're stuck in a traffic jam, check out the cars, trucks and SUV's around you and see if there isn't a model that you'd like to own.

9. Clean Out Your Vehicle
If you spend a lot of time in your vehicle, or, if you have small kids, then the inside of your vehicle may well show it. Take this time stuck in a traffic jam to clean out your vehicle. Don't forget to dig down in the seats to see what kinds of things lurk there. If you're lucky, you'll find some loose change you can treat yourself to a specialty coffee with!

10. Take Some Time to Exercise
Another way to entertain yourself whenever you're stuck in a traffic jam, is to get some beneficial exercise. Granted, you can't do push ups or jumping jacks while you're stuck in your vehicle. But you can still do arm and leg stretches and lifts, neck exercises, deep breathing moves and more.