What's your traffic plan?

I have been a disgrace to my phone's front camera all my life. My awkward selfies were always the subject of my girlfriends' squeaky giggles. However, those times were not to last as day after day I was stuck in traffic in my car, contemplating life and taking selfies… mostly taking selfies. And then one day it hit me, I know all my angles now. Those giggles have turned into envious glares. Then I had this epiphany, I was wasting so much time indulging in this act of narcissism and utter nonsense, time I could devote towards something that did not involve puckering my lips and getting that weirded out look from my chauffeur in the rearview mirror.  

Reply to those long overdue emails and messages
Remember all those emails that are still held in abeyance? When you told yourself that you'll reply to that text from that friend the next day or the next and then suddenly it is too late to reply? Those messages that are yet to be "seen"? Or that call that you never returned? You get the picture. How about you do that dreaded task sitting in that dreaded position? Leave them for the red lights. You will feel relieved once you are through with them, until they reply of course. 

Podcasts and e-books
It might come as a surprise but there's more to your phone than just scrolling down newsfeeds or instagramming that crow on the wire you have been observing for quite some time now sitting in your car. Load your phone with your favourite audio books or other files. It can actually come in handy unlike that song on repeat that has been giving you nothing but heartache. 

Use traffic hours for relaxation or beauty care
For all those beauty conscience ladies out there, this might be the best time for you to unwind. Carry all the proper ingredients with you and give yourself the facial or the head oil massage that you have been putting off due to immense study and/or work pressure. Better yet, put two slices of cucumbers on those baggy eyes and take a quick nap only to wake up rejuvenated.

Find a good radio channel to listen to
A friend not only found a favourite radio channel but found herself her favourite RJ whose voice makes the painful commute from her university to her place not only tolerable but enjoyable to some extent. "I look forward to that time of the day when he is on air and I can go drooling over his voice and usually I'm stuck in traffic then. So it's a win-win!" she says.

Reflect
I know it sounds boring but trust me this can turn out to be a beneficial habit in the long run. Who doesn't want to gain some introspection? Studies have shown people are usually relaxed while killing time in traffic and they can ponder about anything ranging from cosmos to contouring. So, why not use that time to put on some binaural beats, meditate and figure out the answers to everything?

Traffic time is very much part of our lives now, whether we like it or not. Just like our Friday plans, this needs some forethought as well. There are numerous other possibilities pertaining to your preferences, like watching a movie, reading magazines or simply observing the guy picking his nose in the car/CNG/bus next to you.

So, what are your traffic plans?