How To Break Driving Habits That Hurt With Drivetime Yoga

You can’t break a bad habit if you don’t know you have one. It’s not the ‘Sunday Drives’ that affect your health as much as the repetitive situations you find yourself in day after day. While your vehicle is hurtling through space on the way to your destination, your body is settling into familiar patterns. Your breathing is most likely very shallow and your spine is either bent, tensed or tilted as you lean on one hip or one arm. Each of these is not a problem in them selves but when repeated over extended periods of time, may lead to long term injuries. Adapting safe, simple Yoga techniques and driving ergonomics behind the wheel can provide relief and get you to your destination feeling vibrant and clear.

The core of Drivetime Yoga® is breath and research shows that breathing consciously can reduce blood pressure, while increasing energy and mental clarity. Making conscious breathing a new habit could transform your commute. Simply let your breath drop into your belly, relaxing the core muscles and inhaling through your nose deeply. Breathe out fully and continue slowly, being sure you drive safely. In his book, Yoga Beyond Belief, noted Yoga teacher, Ganga White, suggests that “a wonderful attribute of Yoga is that many elements can be applied in many unexpected places. Friends may think us foolish or fanatical when we do Yoga poses in a car but some postures can be very beneficial especially on long drives.”

While breathing consciously, consider that “when you do something too long, it’s bound to cause wear and tear, stress and strain” as Julie Garner, Physical Therapist and Ergonomic Consultant, suggests, and that “you need movement to stay healthy”. Introducing easy, contained adjustments into your driving can make a lot of difference. Below are descriptions of 5 different syndromes that can be eased by practicing Drivetime Yoga® and using ergonomic awareness.

Please note: These suggestions can help free you from painful distractions but responsible driving always comes first. You must only do what is absolutely comfortable and safe for you while driving. The suggestions are road tested and safe when you practice a ‘Rolling Namaste©’, respecting yourself, your passengers and fellow travelers.

Carpal Tunnel and Ulnar Deviation: If you work or play on your computer much, you’re wrists may be suffering due to aggravation of nerves running through the wrist. While driving, you’re susceptible to some of the same wrist tension. There are several easy finger and wrist exercises to do while driving to avoid long term consequences. For example, to avoid Ulnar Deviation, don’t bend or tilt your wrists out unnecessarily while holding the steering wheel. Hold the wheel with your hands comfortably at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions, keeping your wrists fluid and dropping your elbows slightly. This also helps avoid finger injuries in case your airbag ever deploys. Go where you feel the most control; driving safely and loosening up with a little stretches from time to time.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Imagine ‘cruisers’ low-riding or tall drivers with their seats tilted way back with their necks craned forward, and then you'll have a mental picture of the Goose Neck pose that can lead to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. When you drive with your arms up high or outstretched, it can cause tension in the area at the front of your shoulder and under the collar bone. Nerves and blood vessels pass through there and into the arm. To relieve that tension, remember to keep your arms relaxed and your seat comfortably erect, allowing your spine to be supported while easily straight. Tuck your chin slightly, which releases the back of your neck and sense your head floating evenly and easily above your shoulders.

Herniated Disc: When the spine is flexed, it stretches the discs and if aggravated over time or held for extended periods without relief, the fluids in the disc may weaken and bulge, putting pressure on nerves in the back. This aggravation is more likely when you sit with the seat reclined too far back and your head is held too far forward, causing tension at the base of the neck and the shoulder. Again keep your seat comfortably erect and your spine fairly straight. Imagine your shoulders and head floating easily and evenly over your hips. With practice you should experience less fatigue as well.

Piriformis Syndrome: When you drive with your hip rolled out, tilted towards the door for example, your sciatic nerve is more exposed which can lead to pain over time. Sitting asymmetrically with your weight uneven puts pressure on nerves that run up your leg and into the hip. Leaning once in awhile is fine but break it up if you do that habitually and work to avoid the ‘Wallet in Pocket’ habit. Many men keep their wallet in their rear pocket while driving, which keeps their hips at an angle continuously. Create a new habit by finding a safe place in the car that is easily accessible and put your wallet there each time you get into the car.

Practice listening to your body and find what works for you. When you’ve been driving for even 20 minutes, remind yourself to breathe fully and practice a few small stretches. During your life you’ll probably spend much of your time behind the wheel and if ‘your body is like a river’, as Dr. Deepak Chopra has suggested, keep that flow going by breathing consciously and stretching often. You’ll be more comfortable, with more freedom from painful driving distractions and arrive at your destination vibrant, clear and ready for success.

Elaine Masters - Certified Yoga Teacher and Author of Drivetime Yoga® book and CDs. www.DrivetimeYoga.comnMarch 5, 2008