Commuting

It's very rare that I spend time in a car. I am fortunate that I can do all my day-to-day activities without needing it. My go-to is by my bike and if I can't do that, I use transit.

I have had some of my best memories in extended car trips: touring with bands, living in a van exploring the mountains, hitch hiking around Hawaii and across Canada...

So it was such a treat to road trip through Oregon! What a beautiful state with such diversity.

The reason I stay out of the car is for multiple reasons. Bad drivers fill me with such road rage. It is my attempt to keep my carbon footprint as minimal as possible, but also to be more efficient with my time while optimizing my health (forces me to build in an hour of cardio every day!).

I have many patients that make huge commutes to downtown Toronto. Sometimes spending 3-4 hours in the car a day. Often people would describe this experience as stressful/frustrating/annoying, but it also has other negative health impacts:

• Poor posture, throwing off alignment and increasing the risk of hip and back complaints.

• Diaphragm can be compressed reducing optimal oxygenation as well as an imbalance of the nervous system.

• The impact of pollution on the drivers health (toxicity and free radical stress).

Driving is necessary for some people. Look at ergonomics to support good posture. Take the time as an opportunity to do something productive for you. My favourite is to practice deep belly breathing or breath holding. Or maybe just simply enjoy it as quality alone time.

If you are a commuter, what do you do in your car to make the most of it? Want to explore your options? Come have a chat with me, or visit your local naturopathic doctor!

Dr. Cristina Allen ND