Work from home is waning off and you have to step out, endure the traffic and make it to the office. The new normal is here and so are higher stress levels and more people on the road. Somehow, traffic seems more bothersome ever since the pandemic restrictions eased and that only means our patience levels are getting lower by the day. So, as we get back to the grind, it's more likely that you are dealing with a stiff neck and aching legs due to long hours behind the wheel. That's why it's important to remember the best ways to keep calm and make the most of your time behind the wheel. And what better way to do it than to incorporate some yoga into your life. On this International Yoga Day, we bring you some asanas that you can do when on the move.
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Take deep breaths when stuck in traffic and have nowhere to go. It helps reduce your stress levels and is far more effective than endlessly scrolling on your phone
While most people use their time to endlessly scroll through social media when stuck in traffic, you can use this time to pay attention to your body instead. One of the simpler exercises to do is inhale and exhale deeply. It's also a good time to straighten your spine. Without having to step out of the vehicle, lengthen your front torso through the top of the sternum. Inhale deeply and hold your breath for a second, then exhale slowly. You will immediately feel your body calming down and begin to feel fresh again. While you're at it, you can twist your body to the left and right sides respectively to further release pressure on the spine.
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If you are on a long drive or simply spending too much time commuting, it's advisable that you stop for a moment and stretch your body a bit. Here's what you can do, get out of the car and stand straight. Stretch your left hand towards the right and lock it with your right hand and vice versa. This will help relax not just you your arms but the entire upper body as well. Another asana you can try is by using your car's door for support. Roll down the window and lift your leg on the window at a 90-degree angle. Now, flex the other leg and feel your hamstrings stretch out. Repeat with the other leg and voila! You'll begin feeling relaxed again.
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When fatigue sets in, step out and perform Suryanamaskar that will help refresh your body and mind before you continue driving forward
If you are driving for long hours, fatigue can be dangerous and only further strains your body leaving you tired and exhausted. It can also land you in a dangerous situation with lower levels of concentration when behind the wheel. But instead of reaching for another cup of coffee, here's what you can do instead. Park your car in a safe space, step out and try to do a complete Surya Namaskar. The asana helps your body stretch and release all pent-up stress right from the neck, and arms, to the legs. You can do a couple of repetitions without tiring yourself out before heading to your destination. It will help rejuvenate your mind and relax your body.
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Try the parvatasana or the mountain pose to get a quick refresher that will help relax your mind
From jaywalkers and unruly animals to that one odd driver who simply can't stick to their lane, there will always be something to navigate around or trigger your anger. This means you swear, shout and fill yourself with rage. While we can't expect you to be on your best behaviour at all times, you can make an effort to avoid getting stressed instead. For that, you need to be a bit reflective and actively realise when you're agitated. When you do, it's time to pull over and step out of the vehicle. Take deep breaths and do the mountain pose (parvatasana). Straighten your back, raise your hands and touch your toes. Do one foot at a time and try to hold on to it for a few seconds each. Not only are you distracting your mind from the stress but you are also removing yourself from a stressful situation.
Disclaimer: The yoga poses are just for fun and we are not yoga experts. So do exercise with caution. Do remember to mind your surroundings when following any of the asanas. Always park in a safe space and make sure you have your vehicle keys on you before stepping out.
