If you’re like us, it’s HOT where you are. And, since we’re in the throes of summer, it’s time to hit the road – which is awesome but mentally and physically taxing, right? My kiddos and I just took a quick trip to see friends in OKC last week and even that 3 hour car ride had its perks and challenges. They both slept the majority of the drive home (yay for some mama time and podcasts!) which was awesome and slightly lonely without their little voices pointing out ALL THE THINGS, but it got me thinking as I listened to 5 or 6 podcasts. Yes, 5 or 6 – I listen to them on 1.5 speed! What did I do for myself on our trip?

 

Body food:

  • OK, this isn’t actual food – because I feel like road trip snacks are a whole category of food/non-food of their own, right?! – but more quick little things we can do for ourselves while in the car or right after getting out to feel good in our bodies.
  • Belly breaths – if you’ve been around me for a second or more, we’ve done some belly breathing… really expanding that diaphragm and rib cage and bringing all sorts of good oxygen to your brain and muscles.
  • Figure 8s with your booty and shoulder rolls – this is one you can usually do while stuck in a seat or driving. If it’s safe to do so, give your booty and little figure 8 shaped wiggle one way and then the other way. Now roll your shoulders backward a few times and forward a few times. Now you’re a whole new, more alert driver!
  • Stretch up tall and fold forward – obviously, this one is for after the car, but doing just as this sounds feels AMAZING after sitting for a long time!

 

Brain food:

 

  • Coffee + Crumbs podcast – I LOVE their mission statement – “we want to make moms feel safe, known, encouraged and loved.” Podcast episode 68: https://www.coffeeandcrumbs.net/season-four/2019/5/28/ep68-postpartum-recovery was one that I listened to on the way home and wow! I’ve got friends that are pelvic floor PTs and some serious love for them and I learned a few new things from this one!
  • Jen Hatmaker’s For the Love podcast – so dang funny, so dang uplifting
  • The Next Right Thing podcast – Emily P Freeman always makes me smile and gives me one little nugget of something to do next – AND her episodes are like 15 minutes or less, so boom! Super quick!
  • The BIRTHFIT podcast – because, yes, I am BIRTHFIT always! Curious about BIRTHFIT? Come in – let’s chat!
  • The Kate and Mike Show podcast – it’s a little more business-y than my norms, but I love this couple’s energy and they have some really fun topics. After I fangirled all over Kate at the BIRTHFIT Summit in May, I especially love this one for their energy. I’m pretty sure these guys would be super fun to hang out with on a weekend!

 

What do YOU love to do on roadtrips for your brain? What podcasts MUST I listen to? Let me know in the comments – I love being intorduced to new things!

 

Xoxox,

Dr. Jamie