FIVE WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS WHILE YOU’RE DRIVING

With the Coronavirus epidemic adding to a lot of peoples’ stress, it can seem like the world is caving in on you these days. One of the places we can use to escape even while practicing social distancing is a nice, long drive. Ever noticed how time seems to slip away while you’re out on a long drive? That’s because after you’ve been driving for a while, you gain the ability to drive almost on “autopilot,” which gives you plenty of time to think and clear your mind of troubles. Want to make the most of your driving time to help reduce stress? Then read on for McLarty Daniel Buick GMC’s four tips on how to destress while you’re behind the wheel. And if you’re looking for great, reliable new or used cars in Springdale, Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers or anywhere in between, shop our big…

selection at McLarty Daniel Buick GMC today! 

1) LISTEN TO SOME CLASSICAL MUSIC: While Beethoven, Bach and Wagner aren’t everybody’s cup of tea, if you’re stressed, give them a shot. No matter what your musical tastes, studies have shown that listening to classical music while driving is a proven way to reduce stress levels. Subjects who listened to Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” for example, saw significant reductions in their pulse, heart rate and blood pressure and decreased levels of stress hormones when compared to those who listened to other genres of music or nothing at all. Cars have great sound systems, so put those to use on a long drive by playing music that can help you de-stress. 

2) DO THE STOPLIGHT STRETCH: Stress can push the levels of muscle tension in your body through the roof, without you even knowing it. Bust the stress behind the wheel with a stoplight stretch. Every time you have to sit through a stoplight, make it a habit to grip the wheel hard, and try to tense up the muscles in your body from your toes to your eyebrows. Everything that you can tense up, do so. Hold that for ten seconds, then exhale and try to let every tensed muscle release simultaneously and feel the tension drain out of you. Repeat as many times as desired before the light turns green. 

3) JUST BREATHE: You’ve got a lot of time on your hands while you’re driving, so make the most of them by practicing taking deep, cleansing breaths. One method you might try is the 5-3-5: breathe in through your mouth for a count of five, hold for three, breathe out forcefully for five seconds, then repeat. In addition to getting more oxygen to your brain and muscles, these tactics are similar to those used by people practicing meditation, and are a proven way to reduce stress. Just don’t get so relaxed that you fall asleep! 

4) COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS: During times like these, it’s easy to get so overwhelmed with everything going wrong with the world that we don’t stop to think about all the things that are going right. With that in mind, take some time during a long drive to literally count your blessings. Start with: What are ten things that I should appreciate in my life? Maybe move on to: Who are ten people who I am glad are in my life? Or: What are ten qualities about myself that make me stronger and more resilient? Put your mind on positive things, and you’ll be surprised how quickly your outlook on life can improve.  

5) BLOW OFF SOME STEAM: If you’re alone in your car out in the countryside, that’s a great time to take the opportunity to release some stress. Feeling anxious or stressed? Let it out in whatever way seems best for you and which can be done safely. Maybe that’s singing along with the radio at the top of your voice, or maybe that’s a long, cathartic scream. Maybe what works for you is to let loose a string of words that aren’t fit for print here at the politician of your choice, or a long conversation with a loved one who is no longer with us. Whatever the case, blowing off steam by yourself is much better than blowing your stack at the people you love. And no matter how goofy it might seem, if you’re alone, who is going to know? Give it a try the next time you’re driving by yourself. You’d be surprised at how well it works. 

Hopefully, one of these methods will work for you to reduce stress while you’re behind the wheel. McLarty Daniel Buick GMC of Bentonville wishes you all the best during this time, and has your back. If you or your family is in need of a new Buick, GMC or quality used car, check out our big selection online and then give us a call. 

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