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Road Safety Instructions For A New Family Man

How do you like being a new dad?

It must be exhilarating and scary at the same time. After all, it is exciting to know that someone will be calling you Daddy sooner than you realize. You may also feel scared of letting your son or daughter down or being unable to keep them from harm.

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In truth, experiencing both emotions is a positive sign that you will become a great father. When the baby comes, you need to see that it won’t be rainbows and unicorns forever. Different circumstances can occur, and they won’t be good for your child. Thus, by mixing your excitement with a hint of fright, nothing will surprise you and prevent you from taking proper action.

This brings us to one topic that most new family men do not typically get advised about: road safety. Helping your wife take care of the newborn is fantastic and all, but you must especially look after your loved ones when you are behind the wheel.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately six million vehicles end up in crashes yearly. Some of them result in injuries, but others, unfortunately, cause deaths. From one dad to another, I am sure that you cannot even bear to imagine your child being in one of those accidents. So, let the following tips refresh your mind about road safety:

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Make Sure Your Car Is In Tiptop Shape

Before you even think of starting your vehicle, you must ensure that it is in perfect condition. The engine light should not be blinking; the tires should be fairly new; the air-conditioning unit must be working properly. If you can only check one or two out of that list, then letting a mechanic fix it first is important.

Think of what may happen once you insist on ignoring this advice. In case the engine is busted, the automobile may stop in the middle of the road. It is alright if you only earn dirty looks from other people or hear some yell, “Haul it to the curb!” However, assuming you stop abruptly and an unskilled driver is right behind you, they may collide with your vehicle.

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Keep Your Eyes On The Road

When you are driving, you should act like a real driver. You cannot be a caring father who keeps on looking back at your baby and reaching down to get their toys, no. That is a suicide, especially if you are on the highway with a high speeding limit.

To guarantee that your family can get to your destination unscathed all the time, you must keep your eyes on the road. You may check on your child through the rearview mirror sometimes, but that’s just it. In case your baby needs feeding or a diaper change, you may park somewhere and do so. That is better than fulfilling your parental duties with one hand while the other is at the wheel.

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Be Mindful Of Other Motorists

The reality is that you may not always have control of your fate on the road, regardless of how careful you may be. Many people get entangled in car accidents even when they stay in their lane, wear their seatbelts, and follow the speed limit. Why? It’s because of the other motorists who are too irresponsible to be allowed on the road.

How many times have you heard of a drunk driver falling asleep at the wheel and ramming into other cars? If two regular-sized autos collide, you may be able to leave the crash site unharmed or with nothing but a scratch. But if the drunkard is riding a ten-wheeler truck while you are in a minivan, then your entire life may start flashing right before your eyes.

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Try To Stay Cool At All Times

When you get behind the driver’s seat, you must make sure that you are level-headed. Your family will be riding with you, and you cannot afford to lose your cool anytime throughout the trip. Otherwise, a slip-up may cost you everything.

What I mean by this is that plenty of altercations on the streets start with road rage. Someone likely overtakes the other without warning, thus making the other feel crossed. It may push the latter to confront the former and exchange expletives without a care in the world. But if you end up engaging with a motorist who is trigger-happy, well, you know where that may lead you.

Final Thoughts

Keep in mind that you are a family man now, not a single guy who can do anything with his life. You’re not in a race car safety is paramount. Your spouse and child are relying on you, so you must do everything to make them proud. You can achieve that even when you are on the road when you can drive safely and avoid problems with other motorists.

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Bringing Car Racing Online While On Lockdown

 

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It will probably be months before race track action will be seen in different motorsports channels. Still, e-sports is anticipated to allow race car enthusiasts to witness their heroes with their daredevil racing skills put to action.

The Supercars Company has released a public statement that although the three consecutive races that were scheduled were postponed, an online tournament match will be organized and will showcase the top drivers of the category. Expectedly, these races will be shown through Twitch, Kayo, and Fox Sports, giving motorsports fanatics something exciting to watch while the lockdowns are currently enforced.

Lee Holdsworth, a champion racecar driver who is part of the online tournament, says that the race will be as intense as the track races that we see live. Even paybacks from past races will be seen through these exhilarating online races. He says he is as excited to get into his car and do some action as he has wanted to do something physically active since he, too, was stuck at home because of the pandemic.

Esports essentially offer different possibilities that wouldn’t have been accessible for Supercars, and there should be no reason to limit the action only to the tracks of the United States. They are planning to extend these races to the magnificent tracks in Australia as well. Holdsworth adds that many of his fellow race drivers can’t wait to race internationally, and they want to do it now despite the fact that viewers will be seeing them race through digital platforms.

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Most racing fanatics, on the other hand, agree that Esports can pull this off. People are quarantined at home doing nothing, and when these races go online, all they have to do is jump on their laptops and watch their favorite racers with their families. Though it may be true that they won’t be able to go and watch these races on a real-life track, there are no barriers online. Supercars boast of being one of the most interactive sports companies in the world, and they have made competition online to be as exhilarating as the ones that they get to watch on the tracks.

The organizers and executives of Esports are hoping that their fans will tune in and witness the same hardcore racing that they always prepare for them every time. They said that one good thing about racing online is not having to face the whole team after the race, especially if they finish the race with a lot of damage in their cars. Motorsport, becoming a digital sport, has successfully replicated the real races, as they have perfected their simulators to look very realistic.

The cancellation of sports across the world has left a lot of media companies struggling to figure out what content they will write or report about. With the advent of Esports, these companies have positioned themselves at an advantage. It has filled the gap of many stories that cannot be told because of the lockdowns. Live races or any live content right now would be highly appreciated. NRL has been talking to ESPN about possibly airing in the United States, as with everything closed or suspended, the world has an appetite for live sports.

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With strict regulations around social and physical distancing, as well as guidelines to minimize the volume of people in gatherings, one advantage of digital racing is the volume of the production staff as well. There won’t be any need for hundreds of track officers all over the track or cameras that cover all angles of the circuit. The competitors can race remotely and create content for television in the confines of the studio.

Last year, according to the organizers, they had tried to run an event where they gathered all their drivers in the Moore Park Studio, and they were asked to go on simulator setups. They did that for a few rounds, but for the rest of the rounds, they were in their homes using their equipment. They recorded the feeds and produced content in the studio with the use of two cameras and a few commentators and then did a live stream across different digital platforms. How can you top that?

 

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The COVID-19 Pandemic: Not The Time For Street Racing

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For the past two months, the coronavirus has forced previously noisy and productive streets into sleeping highways. The usual bustling cities of Los Angeles and New York are now no more. The parking lots filled with varying types of automobiles seem like ghosts lots with no one and nothing on them. The rush hour is history. However, where others see blankness, some may see it as an opportunity to race in the streets. They see a speedway.

Lately, police across the United States have had reports of street racers turning the clear-out highways into their personal race grounds. In the Southern California area, racers challenged each other at deadly speeds at intersections to do burnouts or car stunts. The large crowds that gather because of these street races are not at all safe in light of COVID-19, police officers say. In addition, some supermarkets leniently allow more than what is required of their customers inside their stores. What’s worse, they sometimes don’t require them to wear gloves or masks. And with these crowds starting to gather in the intersections when they get out of the stores to stop and watch the races, there is a very high likelihood the spread of the infection will occur.

Cities At Risk Due To Street Racing 

The dangers of street racing, particularly in a pandemic like the one we have now, cannot be over-emphasized. It is definitely dangerous, with or without the existence of the virus. A report from the Los Angeles Times stated that almost 200 people died due to speed competitions in Los Angeles County alone between the years 2000 and 2017.

Source: pxfuel.com

In Sacramento City, police officers said that they had trouble dealing with several street races that caused crowds of a hundred or more in different locations during Easter Sunday and other holidays. In Oakland, sheriffs arrested participants of three separate sideshows in their streets.

It seems that street race enthusiasts are taking advantage of the COVID-19 lockdown to do what they’re not supposed to do in the streets. They’re trying to escape from getting caught, especially in areas where the pandemic situation is more severe, and police and other city officials are busy handling the situation. When cases of street racing increased, members of organizations advocating safe driving and racing went out of their way to personally hit the roads to promote awareness of the dangers of racing on the highways and intersections, especially during these challenging times. Not only does it risk death by accident but also death by virus infection.

Additionally, state and city officials have tightened their protocols concerning social distancing. They have implemented additional violations and penalties for street racers as well as spectators who tolerate and watch these races. In California, several sideshows were reported earlier this month, and one led to a crash involving a police officer’s vehicle. The racers have been detained and have been dealt with according to the rules and regulations of the city in relation to street racing and gathering crowds during the lockdown. The spectators who were caught were also issued a violation ticket. Officials only hope that the growing financial dropdown will be sufficient enough to discourage some of them from watching and joining racing scenes.

Source: resilience.af.mil

Sadly, police officers often have difficulty handling drivers and spectators during scenes where crowds are relatively larger, as they are very much undermanned. Only a handful of officers break up sideshows that involve over 300 people. Arrests have become more dangerous and challenging.

It is only the officials’ hope and prayer that these street races will no longer persist in the weeks to come – that speed racers will understand the depth of the problem. They hope that they will cooperate and do their role of keeping the infection from growing further by following the rules placed on their cities.

 

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Modern Classic Cars That Are Hot In The Market Today

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I can still remember decades ago when my room was filled with posters of my favorite cars. Now, I don’t see many posters on the walls of rooms and stores. The generation today is more interested in seeing their dream cars live in closed garages and showrooms and is into the modern classic vehicles with V6 or V8 engines that rock their worlds. These models are fated to just grow exponentially in price. Here are some 4-star classic automobiles that are loved by the modern generation (hence, the name modern classic) and are destined to make very good investments.

The Solid Porsche 996 Turbo-S

This supercar is built with a 3.6-liter engine that gets you to 60 miles/hour in barely 4 seconds! But you don’t need to know all about the stats and numbers to acknowledge how awesome this car is. Take a look at those impressive curves that have made Porsche the famed and loved brand that it is today. The 996 offers great value for your money, as Turbo-S and similar models provide high-quality performance.

The Classic Jaguar Cruiser XJS-V12

If you have a luxurious family trip planned for this year, this beauty would be the best option. It’s a combination of the company’s 80s style and a more modern soft top. Whichever angle you look at it, it remains as grandiose as ever. This cruiser is worth having because of its proven durability, its rust-free features, and a price that’s relatively affordable compared to the new competition that has continually gone up. Fasten your seatbelt as you tour in this V-12 convertible.

Source: pixabay.com

Makinen’s Mitsubishi Evo Lancer

This rallying car is much more than your ordinary Evo, and your kids will love it if you bring them to school in this! Tommi Makinen’s championship car model boasts of its retail affordability and market demand. Plus, car owners are raving about the red Makinen edition, which is the most sought-after color.

The Sporty BMW Z4M Coupe

There are only a few cars that are foreseen to appreciate in market value, which can be attributed to the previous car models, and this BMW is one of them. Its previous models are currently in demand, so you may make money with this one even in the coming years. There have been more than a thousand right-hand driver coupes that were manufactured, that being proof that this model deserves to continue demanding a premium.d

The Reliable Mercedes SL-500

Because of its continued high-quality engineering standards, German cars have been known to be among the most reliable car brands in the world. The Mercedes SL-500 is a luxury car that has been consistently manufactured over the last 50 years, which is why it’s worth checking into.

Source: pixabay.com

It was introduced in the 1950s and has since then proven to be among the top designs that the Mercedes Company has ever created. Because of this, it continues to be manufactured to this day. Big engine R-129s like the 5-liter and V-8 are the best options if you are planning to purchase a racing car that performs excellently and with high investment potential.

Conclusion

So what’s your best bet? As for me, I will surely have difficulty choosing between these modern and classic beauties. If you’re looking for a classic with a touch of the present plus a speed that overwhelms you, then go for one of the cars above.

 

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The Four Safety Considerations Of Car Racing

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Everyone who has experienced racing a car knows that the sport is as dangerous as it is exciting. New models of cars are getting faster as the car industry is continually reinventing to keep up with the competitive car business. Racecar drivers thrill their fans by driving 200mph and above and risk their lives in the hands of their seasoned mechanics, engineers, and pit crews who are focused on keeping their cars safe and ready to race.

But because of this extreme kind of sport, racers must be keen enough to watch out for their safety and the safety of their racecars as well. One of the most important rules in World Racing states that ‘you and you alone are responsible for your safety.’

Below is a list of safety considerations that racecar drivers must remember while their lives are at risk at the wheel.

The Racecar Driver Must:

  • Be Aware Of The Things Around Him. This pertains to the racer’s awareness of the risks and incidents that are bound to happen should he neglect the safety precautions that he must follow before the race begins. Accidents can happen just because the racer is not mindful of the dangers surrounding him, and they happen despite the improvements done with helmets, seatbelts, and car technology as a whole. The risky nature of the sport requires racers to keep a heightened awareness amid the varying changes affecting personal safety.

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  • Be In Control. Being in full control of one’s self is key to being a safe racecar driver. Rick Mears is a role model in personal safety and, according to racing promoters, is the representative of what they are trying to mold in the team. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a mechanic, engineer, driver, or pit crew. Rick Mears says that it is wise to learn preventative measures before and during the race.

 

  • Follow Strict Rules And Guidelines. This goes for everyone who drives. We, as drivers, tend to bend some rules from time to time, but others do it more frequently. Safety for every driver depends on the fact that he will follow the rules that make up the race, like slowing down when instructed to do so. Not abiding by these rules puts the driver, as well as all the participants, at risk. So in car racing, following the rules strictly is very crucial. As one popular racer said, “Safety never goes on a holiday.” The racing industry is equally making all efforts to provide innovations for safety to improve the status quo of the racing world.

 

  • Be Cautious. The typical racer is an adrenaline junkie who loves to seize the moment and is willing to put his life at risk to get ahead of the finish line. However, the truth is that this love of the rush that keeps many racers united is also what injures most of them. Perhaps it is because they tend to forget the fear of death when they are at the wheel. For this reason, racers are reminded to keep their love of adrenaline rush in check so that they may finish the race without any injury.

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Takeaway

Keeping these considerations in mind plus a keen awareness of maintaining patience and the wisdom to make the right choices will make a tremendous difference in the life of racers old and new. Just as we strive to keep ourselves safe at work and home, we must consider our safety if we want to be live a long race driving life.

 

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The Basics Of Becoming A Race Car Driver

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Racecar driving is an exciting and thrilling sport, let alone a fulfilling career that a lot of people wish to become. However, only some are curious about the steps to take to become an accomplished racer. If you do love driving cars and driving is something that you want to take seriously, it is possible to not only dream of becoming one but to achieve the dream by testing the waters to determine whether or not racecar driving is for you.

Learning About The Sport

Of course, if you are a racecar enthusiast, we’re guessing that you do spend time watching local and international races, be it at the dirt tracks in your community or the interstate where you want to check out the next Schumacher. Follow your favorites by searching as much as you can about backgrounds and secrets through the web. Read about the different racecars and how each automobile operates its mechanics, and its safety features.

Check Out Go-Kart Tracks

You can start with the easiest and the most enjoyable for kids and adults alike. Go-karts come in different types. There are slow and simple ones that kids can ride on, and there are larger and faster ones that can give you a sense of whether car racing is something that you want to pursue. Practice driving go-karts in a small track then proceed to the larger ones. Go-kart tracks are relatively safer, plus there are attendants who can guide you along the way so you can try taking your driving to the next level. Additionally, gauge your attitude towards driving.

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Enroll In Driving Classes

Some racetracks give opportunities to ‘racer wannabes’ and offer driving classes from beginner to advanced levels. If you are serious in your pursuit of becoming a professional racecar driver, you would consider enrolling in classes so that you will finally get the feel of how it is holding that wheel with that surge of energy and thrill running through your whole body while driving through the tracks. It also allows you to meet other hopefuls who can share experiences that you might still have not experienced yourself. You can give yourselves some helpful tips on how to become better at your game.

Time To Purchase A Car

Getting a new car must be on your list of priority tasks if you want to be a racecar driver shortly. Invest in a vehicle that is not very expensive yet a model that is popularly used by professionals. When you choose a car, bring your trusted mechanic along, someone who knows what you want (you must have one even before starting your journey). The mechanic can capably check for safety features and other important elements needed for your car to be in good racing condition.

Join A Sports Club

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Joining a professional sports club like the Sports Car Club of America allows you access to reliable knowledge and resources to help you participate or learn more about car racing opportunities. You’ll have connections nationwide and pretty soon worldwide, with the privilege to watch first-hand car racing events throughout the year. And when you’re ready, you’ll have your opportunity to compete.

However, if competing is not something you are looking to pursue, you can always live your life knowing that you have fulfilled your dream of becoming a racecar driver. Kudos to you!

 

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What Nourishes The Best Racing Drivers?

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Because race drivers are just so tough and energetic, a lot of people want to know what they eat. Although some don’t consider car racing as an actual sport, getting ready to hit the racetracks is as critical as playing football and other physical sports. Car race drivers need high-performance nutrients to maintain and their physical and mental health. Moreover, race drivers can take care of their mental and emotional state better through platforms like BetterHelp.

It is a fact that talent is an inevitable factor in performing efficiently, and fitness in driving, whether it’s a race car or any other automobile, is done by consuming the appropriate food that’s best for you.

The diet required to be prepared and ready to drive one that:

  • Keeps the driver maintain his correct body weight.
  • Maintains healthy and strong muscles.
  • Allows the driver to feel full but light.
  • Provides energy that can keep the driver going throughout the day.

Fundamental Nutrients Needed To Fuel The Race Driver

We all know that different types of food carry different nutrients as well as varying roles. A seasoned driver is aware that he must consume the right kinds of food to increase metabolism and burn excess fat as well. And the fundamental fuels that he needs to perform exceptionally are, as always, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Race drivers can also follow social media pages that provide reminders of what a healthy meal is. The content of these platforms incorporates expert advice from trained professionals who specialize in mental, emotional, and physical health.

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Carbohydrates are composed of starches and sugars, and their healthy, simple components are what feed the brain and body. Whole-wheat grains, vegetables, and fruits are examples of these simple carbohydrates. Before a workout, about 40 units of carbohydrates are recommended, which should consist of apples, leafy greens, cabbage, and beans. Post-workout, on the other hand, like pumpkins, bananas, potatoes, bread, and cereals are best for the body to recharge.

Fats are also among the important foods that help power up the brain, but consumption of fats should be restricted to those that contain Omega-3 fatty acids. These types of fats, which are found in plant oils, krill oils, fish oils, and egg yolks, are vital in forming neuronal membranes in the brain so that the nervous systems function effectively. The function of fatty acids is important to be incorporated into the race driver’s diet.

Proteins are required at higher levels, and the higher levels are what power the driver to drive at higher speeds. A sufficient supply of fish, red meats, dairy, and eggs, incorporated with grains, vegetables, and essential vitamins like A, C, and E, enables the driver to maintain focus and sharpen his memory. Ultimately, all these nutrients are the driver’s fuel for health, muscle tone, and energy.

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Other Recommendations

As a race driver equips himself with a diet filled with everything necessary for him to have the energy, focus, and vigor to drive safely and responsibly, he must also remember to keep himself hydrated at all times. While he is on the wheel, his body water is lost through perspiration. Dehydration causes slowed responses, driving slip-ups and other negative results. Drink a lot of water before and during the race. Sports drinks, although not so much recommended because of their sugar content, can be made an exception, especially when engaging in strenuous or physical sports like car racing.

 

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4 Effective Ways To Improve Your Mental Wellness (List From A Psychologist)

As a person who enjoys racing, it is crucial on your part to be in perfect shape when it comes to hitting the road. Make sure that you are in good condition before you drive your car. Take note that the failure to do this can be dangerous not only for yourself but even for the other people around you. Because of this, you need to see to it that you will focus on having improved mental wellness. Fortunately, there are several ways how to make it happen. Apps like BetterHelp allow you to monitor your mental health and make changes as necessary.

In today’s article, allow us to provide you with a complete list of some lessons from a psychologist on how to do it the right way.

 

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Below are the things that you must do regularly if you want to experience an improvement in your mental health:

 

Be Fit Or Physically Active

 

The first thing that you must consider is to get moving so that you can avoid having a sedentary lifestyle. Remind yourself that it is crucial on your part to engage in exercises or other physical activities. You must see to it that you will attend sessions at the gym or set aside some time to complete home exercises. Stop making excuses for not doing this. Otherwise, you will only end up getting mad or regretting your choices. Another good thing about being physically active is that you increase the supply of dopamine in your body. A recent study also shows that the more a person exercises, the higher his supply of happy hormones becomes. “The more you are active, the more you decrease your risk for chronic diseases, including cancer.” Whittney Thoman, Senior Exercise Physiologist, said. So, no matter how busy or hectic your schedule is, do not forget that taking care of your body is a primordial consideration before you can make yourself available to other people.

 

Follow A Balance Diet

 

Are you aware that eating right is not only good for your physical health but also your mental wellness? The moment you achieve your fitness goals, you will be surprised to find out that you rarely get into a bad mood. At the same time, you will begin to notice that you no longer get annoyed easily. The reason behind this is that you feel confident in everything about yourself. Aside from this, your body is also reacting positively because you are beginning to take in more healthy food choices instead of food items that can have adverse effects on your overall wellness. “A balanced diet that includes lots of fiber helps keep your gut system running efficiently by helping to support a more diverse gut microbiome.” John M. Grohol, Psy.D. said. Once you experience a healthy weight loss, you will start to feel lighter about yourself. Together with this is the liberating feeling and awareness that you can get everything you need as long as you exert efforts to make it happen.

 

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Be With Happy People

 

Another thing that you must never forget is to surround yourself with the right set of people – from your work colleagues to your friends and even family members. The moment that you realize that someone is too negative for you be sure to avoid that person right away. Do not wait before you realize that it is too late on your part to walk away from the relationship. Keep in mind that the longer you surround yourself with the said person, the sadder or more depressed you become.  “Your environment, both your social and natural surroundings, can greatly impact how you feel.” As Marjie L. Roddick, MA, NCC, LMHC  used to say. Whether you admit or deny it to yourself, the negative individual can influence the way you think or act. If he keeps on complaining about certain things, you will end up becoming a worrier just like him. It is the reason why you need to keep your distance while you still can.

 

Seek Professional Help

 

Some people engage in racing activities for fun, while others do it professionally. The second group of racers usually has a therapist or psychologist that they can get in touch with any time they want. Even if the said professional car racers are always in top shape, we cannot expect everything to remain the same. There are times when they may break down because of too much stress and anxiety because of their perception of themselves combined with the expectations of other people. Just like these individuals, you must also not be afraid of seeking professional help when necessary. Just because you are talking to a mental health expert does not mean that you are crazy or insane. Instead, it is only a way of making sure that you can get the right help whenever you need it.

 

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Remember to follow the tips and tricks mentioned above if you want to become an accomplished racer. Remember, the best way to ensure your mental wellness is to engage with a mental health professional. It can be highly beneficial for you in the long run when it comes to coming up with practical coping skills. Be mentally prepared for whatever may come your way.