How do I learn to enjoy driving?

[Anonymous]

I get so fatigued I can barely stay awake, my butt hurts, and traffic jams make me hot with rage. Unfortunately, some logistical circumstances demand I do several several road trips over the next few months (combination of being somewhere not close to an airport + business schedule demands). I'm dreading every single one of them. Flying is not an option. How can I learn to enjoy them? Or at least not dread?

[Anonymous]

M&Ms.

[Anonymous]

I really love driving. You should spend time figuring out how to be more comfortable first - pillow? fix the seat and mirrors? different clothing or whatever?

I enjoy making phone calls to friends I don't talk to enough and listening to music, my DH likes podcasts - find something you will look forward to doing in the car as well.

Bring snacks and drinks you enjoy.

[Anonymous]

Ugh that sucks. The answer I’ve always heard is audiobooks. I know of a lot of people look forward to their commutes because it’s their only time to do something entertaining. I’d also say get something to make your butt feel better and make sure you’re managing your stress so you’re just generally more chill.

[Anonymous]

Have you learned the art of opening the windows while blasting Free Fallin', Fast Car, and Life is a Highway?

[Anonymous]

I hate traffic but enjoy driving, for me good music or audio book/podcast make me feel less annoyed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I really love driving. You should spend time figuring out how to be more comfortable first - pillow? fix the seat and mirrors? different clothing or whatever?

I enjoy making phone calls to friends I don't talk to enough and listening to music, my DH likes podcasts - find something you will look forward to doing in the car as well.

Bring snacks and drinks you enjoy.

This is actually the only thing I've found that helps, so maybe I need to lean into it. Wish more people liked talking on the phone!

[Anonymous]

Get a seat cushion to help with your butt hurting.

And definitely find things to listen to that you like. Audiobooks are great for this, or even a few podcasts.

Phone calls are good, and even better if you can schedule it in advance. If I knew a friend was driving solo and wanted to have a call to catch up during the drive, I'd plan my day around the chat!

[Anonymous]

I love driving! I hate driving in the DC area. Where are you headed for your trips? Maybe it’s someplace better than here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love driving! I hate driving in the DC area. Where are you headed for your trips? Maybe it’s someplace better than here.

High desert. One of those deals that by the time I drive 2+ hours to the airport and wait for a flight, it's faster and cheaper to drive.

[Anonymous]

What about the fatigue? I don't sleep as a passenger, but I swear I want a nap as soon as I start highway driving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I get so fatigued I can barely stay awake, my butt hurts, and traffic jams make me hot with rage. Unfortunately, some logistical circumstances demand I do several several road trips over the next few months (combination of being somewhere not close to an airport + business schedule demands). I'm dreading every single one of them. Flying is not an option. How can I learn to enjoy them? Or at least not dread?

That is incredibly dangerous and irresponsible of you. Whatever you do, don't drive like this, because you are a danger to yourself and others. Driving when you're that sleepy is no different than driving drunk.

[Anonymous]

coffee and snacks keep me awake.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get so fatigued I can barely stay awake, my butt hurts, and traffic jams make me hot with rage. Unfortunately, some logistical circumstances demand I do several several road trips over the next few months (combination of being somewhere not close to an airport + business schedule demands). I'm dreading every single one of them. Flying is not an option. How can I learn to enjoy them? Or at least not dread?

That is incredibly dangerous and irresponsible of you. Whatever you do, don't drive like this, because you are a danger to yourself and others. Driving when you're that sleepy is no different than driving drunk.

Not everyone has a choice.

[Anonymous]

Driving in fun places where you can actually drive, is pretty fun. Driving in the DC metro area is like taking your life into your hands surrounded by people who think their calls are more important than your life.

That being said, good music will get you there.