For many, getting in the car can bring about thoughts of heavy traffic jams, honking horns, and stressed out commuters. If you live in Seattle, you might remember the dreaded daily traffic of the work week and even the hustle and bustle of the weekend roadways.
But, according to researchers, taking a nice long solo drive on a long country road, a beautiful mountain bend, or stretch of interstate can actually help you reduce stress and clear your brain of all those creativity-blocking cobwebs. Here are 4 reasons why going for a leisurely drive in your Subaru can reduce stress and improve creativity.
4 Reasons a Leisurely Drive Can Help Reduce Stress
You'll get some alone time.
Alone time is good for the soul and the mind. Taking a long drive all by yourself will give you a chance to think, breathe, or completely turn your brain off, if you prefer. If you experience any type of social anxiety or pressure around others, a leisurely solo drive can also give you the space you need to recharge.
You'll have time to practice mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the practice of taking in the world around you, checking in with your body, and clearing the mind of any extra clutter. As we mentioned, solitude can be a cure-all-and it's a great place to practice mindfulness. Take some time to hop in the car and drive around without a true destination. Turn off the music and resist starting a new podcast. Think only about your breath. Breathe in and breathe out. Completely clear your mind and feel your stress melt away.
You can break away from your phone.
When you get a chance to be alone, out on the road, you focus on driving and you get to take a break from your smartphone. Smartphones, and screens in general, can be a major source of stress. It's where a majority of our social interactions take place these days and it's where many of us work. Getting in the car and putting your phone away can give you a short break from all the extra screen time.
You'll get a change of scenery.
Simply changing your environment can also be helpful in reducing stress. Often, we associate stress with our surroundings. Getting away from your home or office can help you clear your mind and separate yourself from whatever is causing you so much anxiety.
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