7 Ways to Enjoy a Comfortable and Ergonomic Road Trip Road trips can provide exciting opportunities to create memories with family and experience adventure in new cities and towns. Whether you’re traveling on a summer excursion, circling the country during the holiday season, or exploring at any other point during the year, you’ll want to stay healthy and comfortable along the way.  Keep reading to discover how you can implement ergonomic tips and strategies into your travels so that you can avoid strain and save your energy for what matters most — having fun and maximizing your time! 

1. Take Regular Breaks

When you first hit the road, you may be tempted to cover as many miles as possible with limited interruptions — but this can be really taxing on your body. While it’s obviously important to make it to your destination, factor regular breaks into your travel time.  If possible, stop the car every hour to get out and stretch, even if you only have a few minutes. When you exit the vehicle, swing your legs outward instead of twisting, which can lead to back strain and discomfort. 

2. Adjust Seat and Posture

The position of each seat is something that, as a driver or passenger, you might take for granted. Car manufacturers design seats to be ergonomic and adjustable, but it may take some tweaking to get it just right.  Use the settings to control upper body and lumbar support, neck and headrests (more on that shortly), and distance between your body and the steering wheel. Then, stay attentive to how you position your shoulders and arms while driving. Try to maintain good posture and drop any tension you may be holding in your arms. 

3. Use Your Feet

Of course, using your feet is essential to completing any drive, but did you know that pedaling is also a matter of ergonomics? As you adjust the seat, make sure that you can comfortably press down on the brake and accelerator without having to reach too far. In doing so, also check to ensure that your back never comes away from the seat. Repeatedly arching your back to access the pedals can add up to needless discomfort, especially during long road trips.

4. Position the Headrest

After you’ve adjusted your seat and guaranteed easy access to the pedals, you should also take some time to position the headrest. In an ideal scenario, it should be aligned with the top of your head to reduce fatigue and prevent whiplash in an accident. For safety, make sure that other passengers (especially children) also have headrests set at a good height. 

5. Be Mindful and Attentive

When you’re traveling, you might be so focused on other details that you forget to truly hone in on what your body needs. You’re watching the road, observing other drivers, and maybe even caring for some of your passengers. Yet even while traveling, self-care is important.  Be mindful of the clues your body is sending when you need to rest, stretch, or eat. Being in tune with your own needs can help boost your mood and offset travel stress. 

6. Eat and Hydrate 

Stopping at new restaurants and shops might be something you’re excited about doing once you arrive at a destination, but it’s equally important to eat and hydrate along the journey. When you’re on a long trip, plan ahead for where you might stop.  Pack items like reusable water bottles and easily accessible, healthy snacks that the whole family can grab. Make sure to factor in places where you can access a rest stop or bathroom. 
  1. Don’t Feel Like You Have to Do it All 
While it’s important to be mindful of ergonomic tips as you travel, the primary emphasis should be on having a good, memorable trip overall! That’s why it’s so important to be attentive to your personal needs and the needs of your family. Don’t feel afraid or guilty if you can’t squeeze every attraction in to your itinerary.  Enjoy what you can while maintaining a good balance of downtime. Use the opportunity to travel as a way to rest, connect with your family, start new conversations, play games, and enjoy new experiences that are different from your everyday routines.  

Stay Connected with The Back Store

If trips and travels are a normal part of your family’s routine, make sure to stay connected with The Back Store on Instagram for plenty of health and wellness tips year-round. On The Back Store blog, you’ll also find helpful suggestions for making travel more comfortable whenever you feel wanderlust calling your name. Invest in quality products and strategies today so that you can start your next big adventure with ease.