If you have ever driven alone for an extensive period of time, I’m sure you recognize the struggle of extreme and utter boredom that has the tendency to creep in.
A drive can also be tough if you are constantly taking the same route (from college to your hometown, for instance). As a person who frequently takes the uniform two-hour trip, I am the first to say that I often times dread the drive.
After many drives down the state of Florida, I have come up with a number of ideas on how to stay entertained during long car rides. These ideas may sound bizarre, but I assure that you will be entertained and the drive will go by much faster! (Bare with me here.)
1. Get a workout in.
You heard me! Driving for a long period of time is the perfect opportunity to get in a quick ab workout. Yes, I know I sound crazy, but it is certainly effective and helps the time to go by quickly. I usually try to tighten my core for 10 minutes (Three sets with a 10-minute rest in between).
2. Follow an audiobook.
Though I’m not particularly a fan of audiobooks, I know a number of people who thoroughly enjoy listening to stories while driving. All have assured me that audiobooks do in fact make the drive go by extraordinarily fast.
3. Listen to a church sermon.
For me, car rides tend to trigger my deep-thinker mindset. I think about happy memories and remember the times that maybe weren’t so joyful. A long and quiet car ride creates the perfect environment to connect with God and fully take in what is being said. Joyce Meyer is my go-to girl when listening to church sermons in the car. I fully suggest you try this out!
4. Memorize a song.
Make it a goal to have a full song memorized by the end of your drive! This is harder than it sounds.
5. Sing car karaoke.
Just so you don’t look like a psycho, you may only want to do this if you have someone else in the car!
6. Try to make a hard candy last a certain number of miles.
I don’t think a description is needed for this…
7. Try to keep the taste of your gum alive for 45 minutes!
As an avid gum chewer, I have different gum flavors and their longevity almost down to a science! I’ve figured out that the flavors of good brands of gum (Extra is my favorite) last for roughly 30 minutes. However, there are strategies in how to make it last longer. I’ll leave that part up to you!
8. Learn a new language.
Long car rides are great for learning new languages. You can listen to lessons via phone app or YouTube. This is a great way to keep your brain active and stay awake during a drive.
9. Enjoy the scenery
Too often we drive thinking about nothingness that we miss God’s beautiful creation, which surrounds us. If you’ve always been one to gaze blankly at the road, I suggest you look at the change in sceneries and find beauty in your surroundings the next time you drive.
10. Catch up with friends or family members via phone call.
Talking on the phone while driving can potentially put you in a dangerous state. However, talking to someone can definitely make the long trip feel like 20 minutes. To provide a happy medium, talking to someone on speaker phone is convenient and can ensure a safe drive!
