Are you struggling with lower back pain while driving? Sitting in a car seat for extended periods of time may stiffen back muscles causing tension or even spasm. Relaxation after a long drive is a must if your aim is to prevent chronic backache. There are several ways to feel unburdened during a long drive.
Nowadays, we spend more hours behind a wheel and just in a few weeks we are expecting even more as it is a holiday season ahead of us. If you are planning to travel by car to your holiday destination you are probably already imagining different situations on the motorways such as traffic jam, long queues, long waiting at the border or something similar.
There are several things you can do to feel relax and not nervous while driving.
Here are some things that you can do to relieve your stress during long hours journey:
- 1. REDUCE NOISE POLLUTION
Sometimes peace and quiet is exactly what you need to relax while driving. It helps to calm your mind and allows you to concentrate on positive thoughts. If you are the person that enjoys listening to the music while driving, we recommend you to choose a relaxing music but final choice is yours what type of music you enjoy the most.
- 2. TAKE A DEEP BREATH AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS
Deep breathing is a great exercise to relax while driving. Breathe in deeply through your nose, then exhale through your mouth, counting four seconds on each stage. Repeat this for about twenty to thirty times. This will give you a sense of calm and improve concentration. Breathing deeply releases tension, mind and body and brings clarity.
- 3. EXERCISE WHILE YOU ARE STUCK IN THE TRAFFIC
It is quite common to find yourself stuck in a traffic and you are starting to feel agitated. Make that time to think about positive things. Perhaps try to do some exercise following the next procedure: squeeze tight particular muscle group than relax them, you will start to feel the relaxation. Grasp the steering wheel with both hands, squeeze very tightly and hold while you take three to ten deep breaths. You will start to feel sensation in your muscles,arms and shoulders, back and stomach, as well as the gluteus maximus and legs. Repeat few times and enjoy a pleasant and relaxed feel.
- 4. ARM EXERCISE
Another great way to kill time while standing at traffic lights or in traffic jam is an arm exercise. Stretch your hand over the top of the steering wheel together with your fingers. Hold, bend and repeat.
- 5. INCLUDE NATURAL SCENTS IN YOUR VEHICLE
While driving, you can insert natural essences that will relax you and keep you vigilantly for example:
- Peppermint – its proven to reduce stress level and keep you vigilantly
- Lemon and coffee essence – help drivers to reaches high level of concentration and clarity of mind
- Cinnamon – has a very positive effect on the nerves and makes you calm and conscious
- 6. LEAVE EARLY IF POSSIBLE
One of the things that everyone should at least try is to start journey early wherever you go creating unnecessary pressure and feeling that you are late.
- 7. MASSAGE IN A CAR
Sounds impossible but it is possible and all other car drivers will envy you. During the long drive, we often sit in a bad posture whereby may occur pain in the shoulders and back. This could be addressed by an effective technique of massage that improves blood circulation in the body. There are various methods and devices for massage, which can relieve possible tension.
We at Donnerberg offer you solution for a massage device, our Shiatsu massager. Easy-to-use and portable cordless massager with a car charger that you can use it during a resting period on your journey.
In addition to massage is very important a good back support and proper posture, which is possible even when you are driving. Our recommendation is our mesh back support. Mesh back support is ideal for use at home, office and during the drive. It is very simple to use and install either on office chair or driver seat. Its ergonomic shape provides you with valuable support for the back and helps reduce pressure on the lumbar spine.
Finally, do not forget that during the long trip make regular breaks, walk around and stretch your legs.
Is this text helpful to you? Do you know someone who would you recommend these tips, feel free to share this post with them? Can you suggest any other tips that is not listed here? Feel free to leave a comment. We would be delighted to hear your thoughts.
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