How to Have a Calm Commute

By Paige Greenfield

Five ways to thrive while you drive

Release hip tension at your desk
Instead of banging the “on” button and answering e-mail with lightning speed, do a pose while the computer boots. It’s hard to get to the hips when you are commuting so you must do something kind for them once you’re out of the vehicle. Standing next to a wall for balance, place your right foot against the inside of your left thigh (or calf, if that feels better). Once your foot is at your calf or thigh (do not press the foot onto the knee joint), press the foot into the standing leg for balance. Then to open the hips press the leg of the bent knee backward. It won't go behind the plane of your body, but the effort opens both hip joints. If you find your foot sliding down the leg, grab hold of the ankle. Bring yourself to stand tall by lifting the sternum and flattening out the back. If your foot continues to slip, keep it pressed against your calf for stability or place the same arm as the straight leg against the wall for balance. Take five deep breaths. Switch sides.

Seize the day.

Note: If your morning commute is just too harried or you don’t feel sufficiently awake, do the in-car portion of this routine on your way home. It will take your day from good to great.

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