Nikita Serov is a blogger and founder of SRV Group, running an online fitness club that reaches audiences beyond borders. He shares his practical routine for long road trips, drawing from his experience traveling between Moscow and Ivanovo. The journey spans roughly four to six hours, and he admits that he often travels from early morning through late night, catching only a slim window of sleep. To stay alert and safe, he relies on a handful of simple strategies that keep him focused without compromising rest or performance.
- Telegram
Serov explains that life in two cities means frequent trips and careful planning. He treats each journey as a test of stamina, prioritizing rest, energy management, and mindful activity to avoid fatigue at the wheel. His approach emphasizes practical steps anyone can adopt to maintain wakefulness and safety on the road.
1. Prioritize sleep
The night before a drive, he makes sleep a priority to help his body recover. By ensuring solid rest, the body has a better chance to function at peak levels during the trip. Adequate sleep acts as the foundation for alertness, mood, and reaction times behind the wheel.
2. Lighten the load
Before departure, he clears mental and physical clutter. A 30 to 60 minute wind-down, a cup of coffee, and a brief rest help the caffeine peak when the journey begins. The goal is to wake the body and mind so energy is available for the drive, not to rely solely on caffeine to power through fatigue.
3. Music and an energizing tempo
The first hour on the road is calm, yet he plays music that energizes rather than lulls. A lively volume helps him stay attentive while keeping an ear on traffic sounds. A familiar playlist and occasional singing can make time pass more quickly, though safety remains the top priority and road awareness is never sacrificed.
4. Conversational breaks
If a close friend or family member is available, a hands-free call can help combat loneliness and fatigue. Using speaker mode makes it easy to chat while keeping attention on the road. He keeps a short list of people to connect with, creating a sense of companionship during the night drive and turning the time into a more engaging experience.
5. Short, regular stops
Stopping every half hour is part of the routine. At each pause, he does quick activities to boost circulation and mood. A few sit-ups, some light jumping, or a quick set of push-ups if space allows help keep the blood flowing. Many gas stations now offer small fitness setups with bars or mats. Even a simple stretch can reset fatigue and help the body stay awake, because stagnant blood flow can invite drowsiness.
6. Beverage choices that sustain energy
When it comes to drinks, he avoids milky options in the evening since dairy can have a relaxing effect. Instead, he favors beverages with a sharper kick, like an espresso-style drink without added sugar or a cup of green tea for a caffeine boost. Water stays in steady supply as well, since staying hydrated increases bathroom breaks and helps prevent sleepy spells during a long haul.
In summary, if night driving is unavoidable, these practical steps can make a difference. They combine preparation, light physical activity, strategic snacking and hydration, and mindful music and conversation to keep alert healthily and safely on the road.
- “Behind the wheel” is also available on Telegram.