Q: I’m going to be on the road driving for a 1,200 mile trip. Is there anything I can do to avoid boredom?
A: Making a long drive alone, especially if you’re not used to it, can be a tedious and potentially boring event. But take heart – there are some things you can do to avoid boredom, and make sure that your mind stays sharp. Listening to music on the radio is surely the most common thing people do to avoid being bored, and it does the trick for many drivers. Also consider listening to talk radio. The constant change, plus your reactions to the discussion can be a real ‘eye-opener.’ Another great thing to do is listen to books on tape or CD-ROM. There are thousands of choices of titles, including many classics. And most public libraries will have these available for check-out. Also, consider stopping at regular intervals to stretch. Just pull over where it’s safe and walk around for a minute or two to get the blood flowing. ‘Roll’ your neck a couple of times also – it really helps. NOTE: when you’re taking a trip that is mostly driven on Interstate highways, even though the speed limit is 75, figure you will only average a speed of about 60.
