In the series ‘The healthy driver’: 4 habits for big changes

A car, for some just a means of transport, for others a second home. Many drivers spend most of their working day in the car. Are you regularly on the road a few hours a day? Make sure to implement some healthy habits. And coincidentally, this is also the first part of our new series ‘the healthy driver’. Enjoy your reading!

Habit #1:  Be aware of your own health

You have to hit the road again, but are you fit enough? Just ask yourself that question. Every day is different and sometimes your mental and physical health simply isn’t quite up to scratch. Sleep deprivation, headaches or high levels of stress are the main problems we occasionally encounter. So first decide whether you feel good enough to get into the car. A nap, a walk or even drinking extra water does wonders.

Habit #2: Drink water. Lots of water.

Do you drink enough? Not drinking enough water can lead to headaches, fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Your answer to this question is not a wholehearted “yes”? Then be sure to take these tips into account:

• Take a big bottle of water as your fixed co-pilot. This allows you to take a sip regularly. And go for a bottle with a sports cap, which are the easiest to open and close.
• Set an alarm for water breaks. This reminds you to hydrate at regular intervals!
• Hungry? Eat things that contains a lot of moisture, such as fruit and vegetables. You can also easily take some with you on the go (perhaps not extra juicy watermelon, that's for an advanced level).

   

Habit #3: Know your limits

On the road again? If driving takes up a large part of your job and you can call the motorway your second home, you probably know all the traffic rules by heart. Practice makes perfect, as they say!

However, refreshing knowledge is never a bad thing. In the European Union, you may be on the road for a maximum of 9 hours, but this may be extended to 10 hours (only twice a week). 56 hours a week on the road is the absolute limit.

Habit #4: move!

“Sitting is the new smoking” we’ve hear. And it may be true: exercise is and remains healthy. Long and regular sitting causes many physical health problems, especially in the neck and back. And your car seat? Unfortunately, it is not an exception. Therefore, stretch your legs regularly during your break. Crazy movements are not necessary: a short walk is usually enough.

Here’s how: these 4 habits will make your car trips much more enjoyable. But it can always be better, of course. Be sure to check out the following blogs from the healthy driver series for more helpful tips, especially if you easily suffer from back pain. You will be perplexed by the modern and very comfortable car seats!