When you are in your own home, relaxation is natural, but not so much when you are stuck in a car for long periods due to traffic or a long trip. When this happens, there are steps you can take to make the journey more enjoyable and comfortable. Here are some tips from K&S Car Wash in Auburn to help you relax when you are stuck on the road.
Sing Along With The Music!
Music can uplift your spirits anywhere, anytime! Pick some happy tunes that make you feel good and turn up the volume! Singing along can help too. Even if you don’t know all the words, just belting out what you do know can help decrease stress. If you don’t like your voice, lip-syncing can have the same effect. If other drivers see you and look at you funny, no problem – they may just be jealous that you are happy and enjoying yourself!
Stretch at Every Stop
Sitting in a car seat immobile for any length of time can lead to stiff muscles and joints for any age person. Eventually, it can even lead to some real pain. To avoid this situation, make sure you get out of your car every so often and stretch. The act of stretching alone can release tension and help your body and mind relax. If possible, take a walk around the area. If there is a store nearby, walk around and window shop or buy something for yourself! This can really help to break up the monotony of life in a car.
Plan Out Your Day
If it is the beginning of the day, you can break help relieve stress by planning out what you need to accomplish for the remainder of the day. Do you have any appointments? Need to get anything at the store? Any cleaning, home maintenance, or laundry to do? How about taking the car to K&S Car Wash?! A nice clean car can certainly help to make you feel better and less stressed. Getting organized in your head before heading out for a busy day can definitely make life easier.
Enjoy Some Herbal Tea
Many people drink a cup of hot tea to relax, and with good reason. Tea has been shown to calm anxiety and reduce stress. Chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm, and lavender are all teas that will help relieve tension. If you need a little caffeine with your drink, try green tea. Most green teas have one third the caffeine of coffee, so they should not make you jittery.
Let Yourself Daydream
A little daydreaming can be healthy for the soul, so do not be afraid to do it in your car. Let your thoughts take you to that vacation place you have been longing to visit. Think about that hot date you are planning or something you have always wanted to try. Just make sure you do not take your eyes off the road while doing so!
Do Little Things to Get More Comfortable
If you are getting antsy and cannot get out of the car, try to adjust your seat to a different position. Moving the position of the seat height or the back can help relieve stiffness and hopefully help you to be more comfortable. If you have a heavy coat on, take it off. Adjust the temperature in the car accordingly. Make sure it is not too hot as this can lead to drowsiness. Little adjustments occasionally can make a difference in your comfort level.
Don’t Give in to Road Rage
The last thing you want to do is to create more stress on a long drive. If someone cuts you off or yells at you for who knows what, try not to give in to the urge to yell back — practice mindfulness instead. Acknowledge in your mind that it happened and move on with your thoughts. Feelings of anger will not make the situation better or change the other driver or pedestrian. Take several long slow breaths and get on with your drive.
There are plenty of ways to relieve stress, even if you are stuck in your car. Most of them are easy to incorporate into your driving routine and won’t add time to your drive. Follow these easy tips courtesy of K&S Car Wash and you will enjoy your long drive more and arrive at your destination feeling calm and relaxed.
