HEALTHY HABITSâ—½ YOU
In the Car
by Marcy Lytle
We recently watched a very entertaining movie called Good Fortune, and there were angels in the movie – each assigned to different tasks for humans. One angel was the one that tapped people on the shoulder while driving, to put away their phones! Hilarious. That made me think, though, that we all need reminders of staying healthy behind the wheel, while driving this Christmas season.
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Of course, don’t text – If you’re tempted to do so, put your phone in the glove compartment or in the back seat, so you won’t even text while driving, at all. Not even at a red light, when you still need to be aware of your surroundings.
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Check controls – Before you set out on slippery roads or rainy drives or long trips, check all your wipers, your seat controls, etc. just to refresh your memory so that you won’t be fumbling around while driving. Keeping eyes on the road – that’s the goal.
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Emergency pack ready? - Maybe you live where it’s cold so you need a basket or box with a blanket, hand warmers, etc. in case of a prolonged stop in the car. Hats and bug spray still might be a necessity where you live. Whatever your winter brings, be ready with a pack of the goods you might need.
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JIC Jar – we have one of these in our glove box. It has little items we all need from time to time, “just in case.” We have salt and pepper packets, a straw, plastic fork, Ibuprofen, Scotch tape, nail clippers, a hair clip, a Band-aid, etc. and it all fits in a small box that stays in the glove box. We use it all the time!
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Clean and stay clean – Nasty Kleenexes piling up in your door pockets? Do you even have tissues available in the car? Is there a garbage sack? Is the carpet clean? Make a routine of keeping the car clean this winter season.
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To-go drinks – do you have a Stanley or other to-go cup? Maybe it’s time to refresh and make sure you have ones that fit in your cup holders. And by the way, clean those out, too!
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Air freshener there? - How long has it been hanging or clipped in your car? Since last Christmas? Having something nice to smell while driving makes everyone smile. Bath and Body has options!
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Kid packs – You might be road tripping a lot this season, so grab some zipper bags and make car activity pouches for the kids that you can leave in the car. Easy, and nice, and gives you a break when running out the door! Books, too!
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Make some car rules – and share them with your riders. No arguing, no fighting, no loud noise, etc. and talk about how it all affects the driver and the atmosphere on the road. Safety is paramount!
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Pray – A prayer before you set out to see loved ones, go to parties, travel to see family, can ease tension and stress so much. Give thanks, ask for provision, and bless those you’re going to see.
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What else would you add to have your travel home (your car) a healthy place to ride?