Car journeys can be long and stressful, especially if you're stuck in a traffic jam. Cars on your left, cars on your right, cars behind you and in front of you – there's no escape. Traffic jams are a real test of patience for many people, especially when you're in a hurry. An old saying goes that there is strength in calm. It's also beneficial to make the most of every moment. Therefore, it makes sense to use the break in a traffic jam as efficiently as possible. How about some relaxation and a bit of yoga or meditation? We'll show you all the other inspirational information and instructions in this article.
Deep breathing – one of the most useful relaxation techniques
Whether in traffic, at home, or at the office – anyone who has a few minutes to spare should learn how to relax sustainably. The right breathing technique helps you switch off and float into a new dimension. The various techniques for breathing correctly allow everyone to relax physically and mentally and become calmer.
The most important breathing techniques include:
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Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodada)
This technique helps you bring your body, mind, and soul back into harmony. It balances yin and yang and helps in stressful situations. It's also helpful for achieving a more alert and rested state—perfect for those moments stuck in traffic on the highway.
Instructions : Use the thumb of your right hand to close your right nostril and breathe in through the left. Do this for a count of, say, five (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Then hold your breath for three (1, 2, 3). Then close your left nostril and breathe out through the right (again for five counts – shorter if you prefer). Repeat this process several times. The more you work with your body and incorporate numerous relaxation techniques into your daily life, the lower the likelihood of suffering from burnout or other mental illnesses. This will also improve your work-life balance, reduce stress, and lead to happiness.
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Fire Breath
The fire breath is designed to eliminate toxins from your body, bring new oxygen into your system, and massage the organs in the abdominal region. In this exercise, you breathe in and out very quickly through your nose. You may feel cold or warm, and often a little dizzy—these are normal consequences of the unusually intense breathing. However, if it becomes too intense, you should stop.
To support the body's cleansing processes, this method should be used regularly - the daily traffic jam on the way to work is a perfect time for it.
It also helps you wake up, center your body, and strengthen your solar plexus chakra. It can also help with anxiety.
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Kapalbhati
This breathing exercise is part of the yogic pranayama. It involves exhaling very intensely, and inhaling occurs automatically. The focus is on exhaling, on letting go – chronic stress can be reduced.
It's a good way to calm yourself down. The relaxation technique can also be used for anxiety disorders.
In addition to meditation and yoga exercises, proper breathing technique is essential for quickly integrating relaxation into your system. Then, no detour or complete closure can disturb you. Mental relaxation becomes significantly easier.
Yoga on the go – find relaxation
Even if you don't have a comfortable yoga mat available in your car, that shouldn't stop you from moving your entire body and finding the best exercises for your body. Your back and neck, in particular, tend to be tense while driving. These exercises are the ideal complement to breathing exercises.
a) Back exercise: Lateral rotation
You sit in the car seat with both feet on the floor. You turn your upper body onto your left side. Place your right hand on your left knee and your left hand behind you. You stay in this position for several seconds and then slowly switch positions. The positive effects aren't long in coming – you'll quickly feel that this exercise works perfectly, reduces stress, and relaxes your body.
b) Back exercise: Forward bend
As you're probably familiar with from your regular yoga practice, forward bends are a great way to relax and mobilize your back. While driving or stuck in traffic, you can benefit from the positive effects of this exercise.
To do this, sit down normally in your car seat and adjust it so it's all the way back. Then slowly lean forward. If you're on the driver's side, make sure you lean your head down first, not on the steering wheel. This will relax your lower back.
c) Supple hips: hip openers
In addition to your back, you can also train your hips in the car and thereby improve your fitness. Sit cross-legged on the seat and bend your upper body straight down. You'll quickly notice that this forward bend is clearly noticeable in the hip area.
d) Relaxed neck
Of course, you can also loosen your neck. To do this, sit upright with both feet on the floor. First, place your head on your right side (with your right ear on your right shoulder). Stay there for a few seconds. Then switch sides.
e) Stretching exercises for the shoulders
A deep state of relaxation also results from stretching your shoulders. Extend your right arm forward and pull it to the left side with your left arm. You'll feel the stretch in your right shoulder area. Now switch sides and enjoy the new energy this exercise brings into your system.
These asanas are the best for when you're stuck in traffic. Because they're so easy and can be done quickly, you don't need to take a class to learn how to relax while driving.
More useful tips for your moments in traffic
- During moments in traffic, you should try to remain as calm as possible. In addition to the exercises mentioned above, quiet meditation music is ideal for experiencing deep relaxation. So, turn off the rock music and opt for gentle sounds.
- Always drink enough water
- Pack enough healthy snacks to help you get through the traffic jam without starving. Because when you slip into a state of low blood sugar, you automatically become more impatient.
- Meditation with conscious breathing can be helpful for practitioners – but this only works with open eyes and when the congestion is really severe.
What do you do when you're stuck in traffic? Have you ever tried autogenic relaxation?
