Maximize Recovery on the Move

So, I had a long day at work and afterwards got in a session with Corey, my manager.  It was a great workout.  Afterwards he gave me a big smile and a high five and I was feeling better, but tired, when I climbed into my car.  And then I hit the 405.  “@#$%^!!!!!!!!!”  In the span of a minute tension was racing back into my system: blood pressure rising as I got angry at traffic, my shoulders and neck getting tense.

Cars and commutes can be some of our worst enemies when we’re trying to make
positive changes in our health and fitness.  The stress seeps in and sabotages our bodies’ ability to handle life well, let alone adapt to the positive stress of a well thought-out exercise program.  Even worse it causes us to adopt harmful habits in our posture, our breathing, our sleep, and even our mindset and the way we interact with people.

So here are some simple things that I’ve been practicing  that help a lot when life seems like it’s getting to be too much.

Why not try this tonight?

6 Ways To Get a Break From Your Busy Day

1. As soon as you get in your car, take 5 deep, slow breaths.  In through the nose, out through the mouth, filling your lungs from bottom to top as full as you can.  Repeat this every time you merge onto a different freeway, or at the start of each significant leg of your journey.  Just don’t close your eyes!
2. Name 5 things that you are grateful for.  Things that are going well in your life.  Then express your gratitude to somebody before you go to bed!
3. Take 5 minutes to admire something.  It could be a view, a plant, a nice building or a yard, a child’s project, a loved one.
4. Before you go to bed, write out 1 chore outside of work that you’ve been putting off that you can accomplish tomorrow.   Put the note somewhere that you will see it tomorrow and get it done.
5. Right before sleepy time, take another 10 deep breaths, this time with your eyes closed, and think about the thing that you are the most grateful for.  Sweet dreams!
6. Daily: take 5 minutes every hour to stand up tall and straight.  Let your shoulders come down and be relaxed and broad.  Tighten your core a bit, like a belt.  Let your spine grow tall to the ceiling.  Relax and breathe deep.

All of this will help you lay a foundation for clear thinking, for better circulation, and for better rest.  And if you can practice calm, clarity, and gratitude every day, you are really going to be on track to getting your body where you want it to go!

For a few more ideas, be sure to check out this article:

11 Mini Vacations That Fit Into Your Hectic Schedule

9 Ways to Give Your Brain a Break, Reset and Reduce Stress

Breathing Techniques That Help Reduce Stress, Calm Your Mind and Relax Your Body