[BLOG] How to survive the Metro Manila Traffic: A blog about the ways you can make your commute less stressful.

Congestion is one of the most serious problems in Metro Manila. Well, I don't know about you, but I firmly believe that the solution is at hand if there's a problem. So, after spending 17 hours a day on the road back and forth from office to home and vice versa, I have come up with ways on how you can actually survive the messy commute here in the metro.

It's no secret that traffic in Metro Manila is one of the worst in Asia. The problem is, it's getting worse. According to a study by INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, Metro Manila has had the worst traffic in the world for two consecutive years.

In 2016, the city's traffic index score was 124 (out of 100), while in 2017, it rose to 132. The index is calculated based on the duration and severity of congestion during peak hours. In other words: It doesn't matter if you're stuck in traffic for 10 minutes or 10 hours; both are equally bad because both waste your time and money!

Leave your house early to avoid the commute rush.

The Metro Manila traffic is a daily struggle for almost everyone in the country. It's not just a matter of time. It's also a matter of money.

The average commuter spends almost an hour in traffic. each way on their commute to work and school. That means they spend around 4 hours daily traveling from one place to another. That's more than enough time to watch your favorite show or read a book! But instead, we're stuck in traffic, trying our best to survive the daily commute.

• Leave your house early.

The best strategy for surviving the Metro Manila Traffic is by leaving your house early. If you don't have any important meetings to attend, then it's best that you leave at least 30 minutes earlier than usual. This will give you enough time to avoid getting stuck in traffic, especially during peak hours.

• Avoid rush hour traffic.

Rush hour is usually between 6am-9am and 12nn-2pm in Metro Manila. Avoid this period if you can because it can add up your travel time if you're stuck in traffic! It's better to avoid these hours altogether, so you don't waste precious time on your commute!

To ensure that you are safe and productive during your commute, make sure to eat and drink before you commute.

Before heading out the door for work or school, have breakfast. This will help keep your energy level up throughout the day. Eating a good breakfast before hitting the road is essential because it can keep you energized and alert throughout your drive. Eating breakfast also helps prevent hunger pangs which may cause you to snack on unhealthy food while on the go.

You can also keep a bottle of water with you. This will help you stay hydrated when the metro traffic gets heavy. You can also bring along some snacks to help keep your energy levels up. The Filipino weather is usually hot and humid, which can lead to dehydration if not taken care of properly.

Bring an extra shirt because it is really hot in the Philippines!

It is very hot in the Philippines. If you plan to go by jeep or bus, it is best to bring an extra shirt and an umbrella. The weather in Metro Manila is unpredictable, and it can be sunny in one area but raining in another. Therefore, it's wise to be ready for anyweather condition.

If your shirt gets wet from sweating, change into another shirt so that your body doesn't get too hot and stressed out from being stuck in traffic for hours on end. This is a very effective method to stay fresh when you arrive at your school or workplace.

Download your favorite playlist or podcast now to get into a groove while traveling.

You're probably familiar with the feeling of dread that comes over you when you see a traffic jam in your rearview mirror. But there are ways to make your commute less stressful, even if you're stuck in traffic.

Download your favorite playlist or podcast now to get into a groove while traveling. If you have an audiobook on your phone, play it instead of listening to music. Listening to music or an audiobook helps pass the time faster, which can help reduce anxiety about being stuck in traffic. The power of music is undeniable.

Always wake up with a good mindset.

If you're reading this, I'm sure you have at least one thing in common with me: a stressful commute.

You wake up early and travel from home to the office at the first light of dawn. You catch the 'rush hour traffic along EDSA or C5, and even when you get to work, your work day is still not over.

Waking up with a positive mindset can change your day for the better. It will help you motivate yourself to reach your goals, no matter how big or small they are. Most of us work hard during our days and nights to achieve our dreams, but we tend to forget that we need to rest to be able to do this. So when we wake up in the morning, we should always have a positive mindset for us not only to feel refreshed but also to be able to live life without any regrets or worries.

Be like water, and don't stress yourself too much.

Water is flexible and can adapt to its surrounding environment without changing its state. You should also adapt to the situation without letting it affect your mood and personality. Don't let other people's anger or frustration affect you negatively; just be calm and focus on what's ahead of you instead of behind you.

Remember:

• Don't get too stressed out - You will have a more challenging time focusing on driving if you're too stressed out. Be like water and don't stress yourself too much, especially at night when fewer cars are around.
• Be patient - The key to being patient is knowing that this will be over one day, and there will be no more traffic when you want it to be gone already! Also, maybe you can convince yourself that other people are in the same situation as you (and they might even be late for work because of their impatience).

In Metro Manila, it's easy to get frustrated with the traffic. At first, that frustration can lead to anger and road rage. But if you remain vigilant and take some preventive measures, you just might be able to make your commute less stressful—and more enjoyable. After all, commuting can be the best part of your day.

Your commute may not be perfect, but it's never as bad as you think it is. Whatever problems you're having, someone else is dealing with them too.