Top tips for happier and healthier driving

What are the best (and easiest) ways to drive happier and healthier?

We all do it. 

Down goes the tree, in comes the New Year, and we all vow to do better.

More sleep, more vegetables, more exercise - but before we know it, the Christmas cheese and choccies are out again, the gym bag is still on the hook, and all your good intentions seem to have flown out the window.

But this year, we've done the hard work for you and found a resolution that'll not only be easier to stick to but also make you a better driver.

We use our cars most days. From school runs and daily errands to long holiday road trips and a cheeky IKEA trip.

You probably hop in and out of your car more times than you realise.

But have you ever considered whether the way you're driving is healthy or not?

We're all guilty of slumping down, or putting our hand in an awkward position on the steering wheel.

Doing this on occasion won’t do much harm. But if you’re a serial slumper, this can cause you some serious aches and pains.

So, for a happier and healthier year, follow these tips, and enjoy the smug feeling when everyone else around you is complaining of back pain. 

Ergonomic tips for driving

Vehicle designers use ergonomics when they're designing the interior of cars.

This means that the cabin doesn't just look good, but you can also sit comfortably without putting too much strain on your body.

However, everyone's body is different.

This means you’ll have to make some adjustments to make sure your car fits and supports you properly.

Newer cars have better options for adjustment as technology gets better.

If you want to benefit from the latest improvements in ergonomics, opting for a car lease will not only be kinder on your wallet than buying outright, but you'll benefit from the latest upgrades in technology.

But whatever car you drive, following the tips below will make sure you're in the healthiest driving position every time:

1. Make small adjustments to your posture every 30-60 minutes.
2. Make sure your seat is high enough to give you a good vision of the road, but not so high your head is brushing the ceiling.
3. Check the angle of the seat, and make sure it's not reclined too far back; an angle of 100-110 degrees is perfect.
4. Position your seat and your steering wheel so that you can comfortably reach the pedals without moving from the backrest, and that your arms aren't stuck out straight.
5. Rather than keeping your hands at 'ten' and 'two', research has shown that keeping your hands at 'three' and 'nine' on the steering wheel is much more comfortable.
6. Adjust the head restraint so it's as high as the top of your head, and as close to the back of your head as it can be.

Stay alert on the road

Road trip? Driving can be very tiring, but fatigue can actually be dangerous while driving.

At every moment, there's a multitude of things to stay aware of: signals, lights, your physical location, and other road users.

Reducing distractions like mobile phones, excessively loud music, intense conversations with passengers, and eating on the go can help you stay more aware of your surroundings and let you react quickly to any situation that arises.

Another tip is to try to combine trips into one. The more trips out you take, the more risk there is.

Organising shopping trips and appointments into one long journey is not only safer, but much more economical and will help you save money on fuel.

An awareness of vehicle maintenance is important, too.

Poor tyre condition, ineffective brakes, broken signals, or any other malfunctioning lights can increase the risk of a crash.

So, if you've been ignoring any dashboard lights hoping they’ll just magically go away (we’ve all been there), be sure to get them checked out as soon as possible.

Long journeys

Longer journeys can wreak havoc on your mind and body. It's important to be mindful of how you're driving on longer trips, and, if you can, share the driving with someone else.

Sitting in one position for a long time can take a toll on your body.

Be aware of your posture while you're hurtling (at the speed limit) up and down the motorway, and be sure to take a 15-minute break every two hours.

During these breaks, take a short walk around the service station (or an alternative pitstop) to stretch out your legs, your arms and even your back.

Staying hydrated will also help your brain to stay alert, so make sure to stock up on overpriced bottles of water while you've stopped - or, if you're more sensible than us, take a reusable bottle with you and fill it up when you can.

And don’t forget to enjoy the trip.

Listening to music, an audiobook, or a podcast that you like will help reduce your stress levels and keep you calmer on the roads, even when everyone else around you insists on driving so badly.

Your car

Have you ever given the car you're driving any thought when it comes to ergonomics and comfort, or do you go for practicality and aesthetics?

A Loughborough University study found that around 9.7% of older people found found getting in and out of the car uncomfortable, and we're sure they're not alone.

When you're shopping for your next lease deal, it's worth bearing in mind how the car will make you feel.

If you find it tricky to get in and out, opt for a vehicle with higher seats.

If you need more leg space to comfortably reach the pedals without having your knees up around your ears, don't go for a tiny supermini or a Hyundai i10 - try something like the SKODA Superb or the Peugeot 3008.

Other cars known for their comfort levels include the Honda Civic, the Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer, the BMW 5 Series, and the Citroen C3.

You don't have to spend huge amounts to reap the benefits, but generally speaking the newer the car, the better the adjustments you can make.

Following these tips (especially if you do more than 20 hours of driving every week) can help to prevent stress and pain caused by poor posture and bad driving habits.

And if we can prevent any more stress and pain this year, we'd call that a success.