Breathe deeply.

Next time you feel the stop-and-go routine raising your blood pressure, try this: slow down your breathing and inhale using your diaphragm (also known as “belly breathing”). Research shows that rhythmic, conscious breathing decreases your body’s activity in your nervous system, which counters the stressed-out response you get when a driver cuts you off. To get the hang of it, put one hand on your belly so you can feel it moving. Breathe in through your nose for a count of two, then out through your mouth for a count of four.



Dive into podcasts.

If you haven’t tried podcasts on the commute yet, or need to update your subscriptions, a vastly expanded universe awaits. You can boost your brain with business, science, history and pretty much anything else. Want something more titillating? The true crime, comedy and fiction genres have exploded in the past couple of years. Search “best new podcasts” to find lists of the latest shows to try.



Ask your assistant.

Tap into Ford+Alexa to organize the day ahead or tick items off the to-do list before you get busy at work. Add your calendar to the Alexa app so you can say things like “Alexa, what’s my day look like?” and even create or cancel appointments.* Add to-dos just by saying things like “Alexa, I need to make a doctor’s appointment.” Then on the way home, try “Alexa, suggest a meal idea” to get a dinner suggestion and recipe, then use “Alexa, add (item) to my grocery list.”



Stretch it out.

One of the reasons commuting makes you feel bad is that it’s simply more time in your day spent sitting, inactive. Take the opportunity at stoplights for a few easy (and safe) stretches. Tilt your neck softly toward your each of your shoulders and then toward your chest, pull each arm across your body, press your hands toward the roof of the car. Need more ideas? Search “car yoga” to find some of the best seated poses.



Make your commute better in a 2020 Ford Explorer with Ford+Alexa and more great features. Click here to learn more.