The Art of Zoom

Aug 06 2008 by Lori Hindman

8/6/08

Mazda Drives Home its Zoom-Zoom Lifestyle

By: Lori Hindman

Unless you live under a rock, you’ve seen Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom marketing campaign. For Mazda, Zoom-Zoom is more than just a catchphrase. It’s a philosophy, an experience, a way of life that the automaker wants to share. During the launch of its 2009 Mazda6 sport sedan, Mazda shared its Zoom-Zoom lifestyle with journalists outside the traditional automotive world. And since we at MotherProof.com are anything but traditional, I got to go along.

Mazda’s event was all about making driving fun, healthy and productive. Impossible, you say? Well, a team of experts made the impossible possible. I’m talking about healthy meals you can prepare in less than 5 minutes and bring along to eat in the car (Mazda brings a healthy dose of Zoom-Zoom to the kitchen, right?). I’m talking about stretches you can do while driving that release tension, increase circulation and promote correct posture. I’m talking about ways to reduce stress and re-energize our minds while fighting traffic. Seriously! C’mon, admit it: you’re curious, right?

At the launch, registered dietitians from the California Health & Longevity Institute reminded me about the importance of breakfast. They explained how skipping that first meal or eating the wrong things can lead to that dreaded 3 p.m. meltdown (you know the one, where we go looking for caffeine and sugar to make it through the day). A peanut butter and banana sandwich or healthy yogurt parfait for breakfast can solve that problem. For long-term energy, the secret is eating protein rather than carbs. So skip the doughnut already!

Most of us spend a majority of each day sitting. We sit at our desks, in classes, at mealtimes and in our cars. Fabulous physical trainers showed me how to use the car to stretch my muscles to help undo all that sitting. While sitting in the car, reach back and grab the headrest to stretch your triceps. When you get where you’re going, hold onto the car’s door frame and twist away to open up chest and shoulder muscles. Put your foot up on the tire and stretch out your hamstring and calf muscles. Give it a try the next time you’re in the car.

As useful as all these suggestions are, what really got my melon spinning was a lecture by Dr. Robert Maurer. He suggested that time spent in the car can be productive, and he didn’t mean talking on your cell phone, which, even with hands-free devices, can put you at risk of an accident. No, the good doctor meant productive in terms of better mental health and stress reduction by changing your thinking about stressful driving situations. For example, instead of cursing at the slow driver in front of you, pretend that person is your grandparent. When a reckless driver cuts you off, assume there’s an emergency and wish them well. When you’re behind the wheel, practice kindness and generosity to other drivers and yourself, compliment yourself out loud, practice slow breathing, and find your driving zen.

Mazda wants us to know that feeling good and living healthy are all part of its Zoom-Zoom lifestyle. I don’t know about you, but I feel better already.

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