(Newswire.net — August 25, 2020) — Whether your destination is a visit with the in-laws or some unique and unusual attractions, your comfort on the way there should be non-negotiable. Follow these six tips if you’re looking to hold off the neck pain until after your mother-in-law makes the first snide comment.
#1 Frequent Stretch Breaks
Even if you don’t always feel like you need to stretch, you should. Stop every two hours or so to stretch your legs and get your blood flowing. Sure, it’ll add a few extra minutes to your overall travel time, but it’ll leave you feeling much, much better when you finally get there.
Here are some ways to make the most of your pitstops:
- Walk around – When you stop for a bathroom break or quick snack, take a couple of laps around the building. This will encourage proper circulation in your legs and get your heart pumping, even if it’s only a little.
- Hand massage – After extended periods spent gripping the steering wheel, massage the meaty part of your hand between your first two digits by squeezing from the top and bottom with your opposite thumb and forefinger.
- Neck and spine release – Let your head relax forward and roll it back and forth from left to right to feel a deep stretch in the back of your neck. Roll down slowly, moving through each vertebra, until you’re hanging upside down in a full hamstring stretch.
#2 Dress Comfortably
No matter how healthy and hydrated you are, you’ll still feel uncomfortable in too-tight shoes and clothes (especially when the wedgie starts to ride up).
When writing your packing list, be sure to include these essential clothing items:
- Compression socks – Compressing the veins in your feet results in increased blood flow throughout the body and decreased swelling and cramping.
- Supportive footwear – If your travel group is sharing the load equally, you’ll find yourself in the driver’s seat at some point. Typically, the perfect driving shoe will be closed-toe, snug but not too tight, and have thin, flexible soles with no raised heel. You should find tons of suitable options at your next running shoe sale to prepare you for those upcoming long drives.
- Loose-fitting athleisure – Breathable sweatpants and a light, cotton t-shirt might just be the ultimate road trip outfit. To feel at-ease, avoid anything that could dig into your skin, like bulky buttons, zippers, and clasps. Even the comfiest pair of jeans will leave nasty marks by hour two on the road.
#3 Bring Pillows
The best part about traveling by car instead of plane or train?
More packing space. No need for those lousy neck pillows.
Instead, you can bask in the glory of a full-sized pillow for those much-needed car naps. When you’re in the driver’s seat, opt for a bargain neck pillow that will promote proper alignment, and for extra lumbar support, pick up a back cushion at a great price.
#4 Stay Hydrated
“Drink more water” seems to be the cure-all for nearly everything these days. It’s deceptively simple, but effective, nonetheless.
Drinking at least a water bottle or two throughout the day will help you fight off fatigue, reduce muscle cramping, and keep your digestive system running smoothly.
Unfortunately, it’s also a good idea to avoid excessive caffeine and sugary drinks, as that can dehydrate you about as much as neglecting to drink water altogether.
#5 Eat Healthy Foods
As much as you don’t like reading about your bowel movements, think about how much less you’ll enjoy not having them. Travel of any kind can often disrupt our bodies’ natural functions, including digestion. Pack high-fiber snacks and avoid greasy fast food joints as much as possible.
If you notice cramping—especially in your hands or feet—this could be a combination of dehydration, high salt content, and low potassium levels. Bananas can effectively counteract this stiffness and pain.
#6 Listen To Your Body’s Needs
Wait a minute. Didn’t we stop like, 15 minutes ago? Why didn’t you go to the bathroom then?!
We’ve all been there. Either you weren’t thinking, or you just didn’t feel like you had to go (or the toilets looked especially funky). Don’t hold it just because you feel bad asking your group to stop again. Holding your urine for too long can result in infections, plus it’s just downright uncomfortable.
Where your friends will quickly forgive you, your body might not.
Ready for the Road
Sitting in a car for any especially long period of time is bound to be a little uncomfortable unless you get a Lubbock limo. These six tips will alleviate as much of that discomfort as possible, but they won’t solve every problem for you. Unfortunately, there is no remedy for your dad’s taste in music.