What is your favorite wellness activity?
I work on old cars. Mainly German from 1960 – 1975 or so. I have a simple garage and nothing fancy.
How long have you been doing it?
My dad taught me. He was an interventional radiologist. I believe he liked to turn a wrench to burn off nervous energy.
How did you get started?
Dad and I worked on a car I have kept my whole life. It’s a 1974 BMW 2002.
It has carbs that I fiddle with. Also suspension, brakes, and minor body work.
How does this activity impact your mental, physical, and / or emotional well-being?
I can get lost in the projects whereby I use my hands for defined tasks that are immediately rewarding.
If a car project turns bad I can sell or crush the car. I don’t have to worry about a lawsuit for a bad outcome, and I don’t have to explain to the other cars what happened.
How does this activity bring wellness to your life when other activities have not?
I have complete mindfulness during tasks. I can take a break for a call or surgery and return to finish up later.
I taught all three of my daughters to drive stick shift in this car, check the oil, and change a wheel. My dad had done the same.