There’s something very exciting about going on a road trip. Whether it is the thrill of reaching a destination or the strong urge to go on an adventure, road trips are good for the soul. However, safety is always a concern. Staying awake while driving for long hours can become a struggle. It is important to arrive to the destination safe and sound. Here are some tips to stay awake on the road!
1. Drink lots and lots of water.
Yes, this will make you have to use the restroom frequently, but dehydration can cause drowsiness. Avoid sugary drinks and caffeine because the effects will wear off eventually. Sometimes, sugary drinks can cause a sugar crash which results in fatigue. So, keep that bottle of water by your side and replenish frequently!
2. Keep your mouth busy.
Chewing gum keeps your mouth moving which helps you stay awake. Chewing keeps your body and brain engaged because of the constant motion. It also stops you from yawning and prevents the drowsiness. Peppermint has been proven to help with fatigue and anxiety. If you don’t enjoy chewing gum, try carrying a bottle of peppermint essential oils to sniff. It’ll wake up your senses!
3. Keep the car cold.
When your environment is warm and cozy, you are more inclined to doze off. Kicking on the AC and shifting the vents to blow on your face will help. Don’t kick it on too high to the point where it makes it hard to keep your eyes open. You can also roll down the windows and enjoy the fresh air to help you stay awake.
4. Play energetic music.
Although this is an obvious tip, playing something with an energetic beat or something you can sing along to will help you stay engaged. Avoid slower songs and don’t be afraid to move to the beat! You can never go wrong with “Bohemian Rhapsody” as your song to jam to!
5. Keep towelettes or wipes nearby.
If you’re feeling drowsy and can’t stop somewhere to splash your face with water, pull out one of these to wipe your face and neck with. The moisture will cause you to feel refreshed and make you feel alert again.
Remember, these are simply tips to help you prevent drowsiness. If there is ever a point where you cannot keep your eyes open or where you feel like you are putting yourself and others at risk, pull over. Do not take that risk. According to the World Health Organization website, about 1.25 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes. In addition, road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among young people, aged 15–29 years. When in doubt, pull over. Eventually, you will get to where you need to go. Your life is worth more than the destination. The destination won’t disappear, but you could.
HCXO!