If you’re from Quebec, you probably know that I’m thinking of Pierre Flynn’s song.

I could just as easily sing “On the road again” in several versions, in fact. Willie Nelson or Bernard Lavillier.

Because with my work schedule at the moment, I’ve got a lot of bands on the road, and I’m back on the road again. Much to our delight.

And when I say take to the road, I mean it, because the trips I have to make range from 2 to 6 hours to get there. And, you guessed it, the same amount of time to get back!

Which means I spend a LOT of time sitting in my car – driving most of the time.

To keep me alert and attentive

In the past, I used to go to the library to borrow audio novels. I LOVE listening to stories.

The only hitch was that sometimes I became less focused on the road and felt myself getting drowsy. Some voices are so soft and calm that it had a “sleep-inducing” effect on me! And when you’re driving, the last thing you want is to fall asleep at the wheel. Either that or I didn’t want to get out of the car, too enthralled by the story! HAHAHA!

So…

I started listening to podcasts. Of all kinds. Both podcasts that taught me things and others that amused me and made me laugh (the latest being the excellent“Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe” by the late Stuart McLean, my #1 national treasure).

But then again, after a while, my attention sometimes wanes.

Except when they deal with more exciting subjects. Police investigations, for example. Or, for the past few months, my two favorite podcasts have been really inspiring stuff.“We regret to inform you – The rejection podcast” and“Under the Influence” with Terry O’Reilly.

And of course, I listen to mine! L’Élément JOIE and The JOY Element. Still. It’s always good to refresh my memory on all the inspiring conversations I’ve captured over the years!

Still, it can get a bit… sleepy at times.

So Linda, what are you doing? you might ask!

Well, I start laughing!

I surprise you, I know! HAHAHA!

But laughing works on several levels in my body and it both relaxes me and whips up my energy.

Does that seem contradictory to you?

Think about it for a moment.

When you laugh, your body activates – so all your body’s systems activate. By doing so, you increase the oxygen in your body AND IN YOUR BRAIN. More oxygen to the brain awakens my attention. I don’t have to laugh for long for the effect to work its magic. A few 30 seconds and that’s it. For a while. Until I need to laugh again!

However, if I’m in rush-hour traffic or in traffic jams (which works my patience muscles!), then laughing allows me to breathe more. And when I laugh, I breathe deeply. And deep breathing means, “Let’s calm our nerves! The nervous system takes a little break.

There are days, however, when I choose something else: SINGING!

Now I’ve got the whole shebang in my car!

I have several playlists set up for my moods. And the ones I listen to in the car are more often than not upbeat. Not only do I sing, I almost dance in my seat! HAHA! In any case. I certainly jiggle. And that, too, keeps me alert and in a good mood.

Are you trying any of my effective methods? Are you already doing it?

Let me know. I’m interested!

And off to new adventures!

Laughter, joy and health

Linda