Summer’s here which means many of us taking ROADTRIPS! Here are 3 simple tips to stay inspired and safe while driving…

Tension In = Tension Out: Be Careful What You are Tuning Into
The Average American spends between 500 and 1000 hours a year behind the wheel. And, roughly 80% of that time we have the radio on! The thing is if we are tuning in to talk radio or music that is less than soothing, we in turn become “worked up”. This can lead to horn honking, stress, even miscommunications at work and/or with loved ones. Since we can be energy “sponges”, we literally become what we listen to. Turn on something that makes you smile, laugh, or just relax- you’ll quickly see your mood lighten and shoulders loosen.

Practice Presence Behind the Wheel
Driving is a mundane task that easily lends itself to a wandering mind. How many times can you actually remember the drive- the exact make and model of the car in front of you, the fine details of what was on your path? Most of the time drivers are bored, and are thinking about something that just happened, worrying about the future, replaying conversations with friends- the list goes on and on. Studies show, however, that people who are in the “present moment” have lower blood pressure, less stress, and an experience overall greater joy in life! Use your drive time to re-connect with the present moment, fully experience it. You’ll soon notice your senses sharpen, your memory is stronger, and your stress level lower simply by practicing presence.

Rev Your Engine- Rev Your Metabolism!
87% of cell phone owners admit to using their cell phone while driving. But, we all know the dangers that poses! Turn the phone and texting off, while you’re at it, take Oprah’s No Phone Zone Pledge. Alternatively, a simple way to make use of your drive time without being distracted is to BREATHE. Study after study shows the correlation between proper breathing and overall health, even revving up our metabolisms! Yet, most of us just don’t breathe properly! I mean, we don’t take deep breaths and sometimes we take in only enough oxygen to “just get by”!! So, breathing is obviously a necessity (check out my post on Breathing to read more about it).

So, when you start your engine, start breathing. Take deep breaths and enjoy the ride!