3 Ways to Release the Tension from Winter Driving

Has winter driving got your neck and shoulders in knots?
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We know that driving on snowy roads can lead to muscle tension and soreness, so we've got you covered.

Here's a few tips to help ease those areas of tension after a stressful snowy commute.


1. Trigger Point Release with a Ball

Place a spikey ball or lacrosse ball in between your shoulder blade and your spine, and lean up against a wall. Stand with your feet further from the wall to get more pressure, and stand closer to the wall for less pressure.
Find an area of tension (ie. a trigger point), and apply pressure there for a few breaths, or until it eases a bit.
Then move on to another spot. Find about 5 or 6 spots on each side of your spine.

💥 PRO TIP: try moving your arm around at different angles or across your body during this trigger point routine


2. Neck Stretches

You can do this stretch seated or standing.
Press the heel of your hand away from your body, and lean your head in the opposite direction (so your ear moves closer to the opposite shoulder from your stretched out arm).
Hold for a second, relax slightly and take a deep breath. As you exhale, stretch a little further to the side. Try 5 or 6 deep breaths, increasing the stretch each time. Repeat on both sides.

💥 PRO TIP: Try changing around the angle of the stretch. Keep pressing the heel of your hand away from you while you try out these variations.

- To stretch the back of your neck, tuck your chin down towards your opposite collarbone from the outstretched arm.

- To stretch the front of your neck, look up and back at a 45 degree angle away from your outstretched arm.

3. While you're driving, try a little check in with yourself.

  • Are you fingers white knuckle on the wheel?

  • Are your shoulders up around your ears?

  • Are you breathing short and shallow into your chest?


If so:

  • Stretch and splay your fingers out and reset your pressure on the wheel.

  • Roll your shoulders back and down.

  • Take a deep breath and focus it into expanding your ribs.

Plan your routes accordingly, give yourself time and space on the road, and stay safe out there!
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Still feeling a few niggly tight spots that aren’t getting better?


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