Follow our road trip tips and arrive at your destination feeling great!
Summer is in full swing, and for many of us, it’s time to hit the road with the family. Whether it’s the cottage, the beach, or just a trip to explore, we all seem to end up spending a lot of time in the car this season.
Long stints sitting in one position, especially in a cramped vehicle, can lead to a surprising amount of aches and pains. No one wants to ruin their trip before it even starts, so let’s talk about a few ways you can make your journey as comfortable as possible.
Sitting Posture
Make sure the driver and passenger seats are upright and in a position to maintain good posture. Reclined seats can often lead to slouching, and excessive pressure being put on your hip joints. Your headrest should be raised so that the back of your head hits directly in the centre of the cushion. Even a minor event like a sudden stop can be jarring for your cervical spine and neck ligaments. Keeping your headrest at the proper height will help keep your neck from bending at an uncomfortable angle.
If kids are using tablets for entertainment, try to attach them to the back of the seat of front of them so that they don’t have their necks angled forward and downward for long periods of time. If you have a baby sleeping in a car seat, support their head with a rolled up washcloth so they don’t spend hours with their head flopped over to one side.
Get out and move!
Regularly scheduled stops are crucial, both for remaining alert on the road and for spinal wellness. Try to stop at least every 45 minutes and allow everyone to get out of the car for some light stretching. Rest stops with green spaces are ideal to let the kids run around and burn off some energy. Get those joints moving with shoulder, wrist, and ankle rotations, and some walking lunges to loosen the legs. This is also a great time to break out the snacks, so everyone can remain alert and happy. Unsalted almonds and fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent options, and of course drink lots of water.
Following these tips will help ensure that everyone in your vehicle has a comfortable trip, and ready for whatever adventure you may have planned when you finally arrive. Drive safely, everyone!