| So much of our lives is spent behind the wheel and, | | | | hands at 3 and 9 instead of 10 and 2 (this is actually |
| unfortunately, in bumper to bumper traffic. Drivers in | | | | safer because of airbags). The 3 and 9 hand position |
| Los Angeles typically spend 49 hours a year stuck in | | | | will give you more space to drop the shoulders down |
| rush hour traffic. Horrifying. We know. It is not surprising, | | | | your back. This has the effect of reducing the flight or |
| given the length of time that we spend in the car, that | | | | fight response that can be triggered by shrugged |
| driving can lead to stress and physical tightness. Fear | | | | shoulders. Finally, extend through the crown of the |
| not as Yoga Travel brings you some amazing tips for | | | | head, making space in the spinal disks and reversing |
| keeping those koshas aligned while fighting freeway | | | | any compression created by being seated for |
| frustration. | | | | extended periods of time. |
| First of all (and I'm going to sound like your mother), | | | | Keeping one hand at all times on the wheel, you can |
| safety first. You're not going to be doing triangle poses | | | | do some gentle stretches to release tension. Bring |
| in the car. The goal is to reduce stress, stay present, | | | | your right ear to the right shoulder to stretch the neck. |
| and relieve tension in the small space of the driver's | | | | For some extra leverage, lightly push down on your |
| seat. | | | | head with the right hand. Repeat for the other side. |
| Let's start with the breath, our primary weapon against | | | | To give some relief to the back, do some gentle hip |
| stress. As we learn on the mat, purposeful breathing | | | | rotations in each direction. Cat and cow can also be |
| has a calming effect on the body and can allow you | | | | performed while seated by gently arching your |
| to remain present, even when other drivers are | | | | forward and back, giving a nice expansion to the spinal |
| screaming and honking at each other. While keeping | | | | disks. |
| your attention on the road, start to count the length of | | | | To relieve the hands and wrists take one hand off the |
| your inhales and exhales. Extend your inhale to a count | | | | wheel at a time and roll the wrist in each direction. This |
| of 5 and extend your exhales to a count of 7. By | | | | can help to relieve carpal tunnel symptoms that might |
| skewing the exhale length to be longer, the | | | | have been building up after a long day at work. |
| parasympathetic nervous system kicks in and | | | | When stopped at a red light, take advantage of this |
| relaxation response occurs. | | | | brief time to do some spinal twists. Eagle arms can be |
| Another breathing tool that can be used separately is | | | | quickly enjoyed to release the tight muscles of the |
| called the "soothe technique." On every inhale, begin to | | | | upper back. |
| spell out each letter of the word "soothe." For | | | | Reader tip: incorporate all aspects of healing modalities |
| example, inhale-S, exhale, inhale-O, exhale,.... By bringing | | | | and give yourself a little aromatherapy treatment right |
| your attention to the breath, you remain present and | | | | in your car. Keeps some lavender or rosewood |
| calm which can help you get through any traffic jam. | | | | essential oils on hand to combat road rage. |
| Although the small space of the driver's seat is very | | | | If the irritation of the road starts to peak, remember to |
| limiting, the most effective Hatha yoga poses can still | | | | turn to the breath and realize that, although it may not |
| be performed. Build your mountain pose (tadasana) by | | | | seem like it, the traffic will end someday. Be present. |
| sitting tall and lightly engaging the core. Keep your | | | | Be safe. Always practice. |