Ford takes mindfulness behind the wheel

By Sonya Davidson

It seems that everyone is jumping on the mindfulness bandwagon these days. It may be a strategy to grab the attention of millenials but I'm keen on taking these ideas to test. Recently, I had an interesting idea coming from Ford Canada. Having spend several years tracking the company's initiatives and research on a lifestyle perspective (because you can get all the specs and driving views you want from everyone else) this was definitely of interest. What sets one brand apart from others? 

From my experience on the side line, Ford has invested heavily into research and development to provide drivers and passengers of their vehicles a better experience. In the past, I've seen technology used in everything from safety and comfort of pregnant women to experiential based learning of what it would be like to drive impaired. Both offered hands-on understanding of physical challenges behind the wheel that would not soon be forgotten. 

Now with a positive approach to mindfulness I wondered how a vehicle can be all that? Ford called upon a yoga expert YuMee to offer up tips to keep us mindful behind the wheel.

We had met at a busy downtown parking lot on a beautiful day - a surprise to me as I was anticipating a zenful afternoon at a yoga studio! But I can roll with it and I was ready after a quick change in the back seat. I can see how obvious some of the mindful techniques work especially as we prepare for the the summer road trips ahead. A few quick stretches on the vehicle are great. YuMee showed me how to adapt the downward dog and triangle poses with ease using the car door for support. 

A few other great tips to keep in mind...

Ever notice clenching of the wheel? Over time this action, or reaction, when driving isn't great for the wrists. When safely stopped on your drive, take a moment to give your hands and wrists a good shake to help loosen any tightness. 

Tight neck? YuMee told me to find relief from "tech neck" by sitting tall and always checking your posture. Roll your shoulders back and send shoulder blades down. Breathe deeply and find relief by bringing your chin forward for a bit of a stretch. 

Many seats are adjustable but the 2016 Ford Edge Titanium, which we were in, went a few steps beyond with 10-Way Power driver and passenger seats. Both seats include lower back lumbar support that is adjustable. How to position properly? Sit as far back into the seat as possible, with head, ribs and pelvis in one line. We're often in our vehicles for long periods of tme and sitting with the bones of the spine in a joint stacked position is the key to a happy back. Also take advantage of heated seats to soothe lower back pain. 

But I wanted to know more about how the Ford Edge helped to keep us calm behind the wheel. YuMee pointed out the innovative driver assist technology such as the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS). By using radar the vehicle will alert you when there's another vehicle hidden in your blind spot. The Enhanced Active Park Assist helps drivers manoeuvre in and out of both parallel and perpendicular parking spots. Okay, that's stress relief for many drivers! 

In addition, Ford's new SYNC3 allows drivers to interact through voice control or with a tap on your touchscreen. Voice navigation helps drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel while offering peace of mind to connect at ease when safe to do so. When the smartphone is paired to the SYNC3 the "do not disturb" feature blocks incoming phone calls or text messages. While drivers can make voice-activated outgoing calls everything else is diverterd to voice messages or saved on the smartphone for viewing at a later time.

Glad to have spent some time with YuMee to learn how mindfulness should be part of our everyday activities...even behind the wheel.