Aussie actor opens up about wellbeing behind the wheel

Clearing your mind with a gentle drive can be a great escape from everyday pressure.

In the fast-paced world, mental health and emotional wellbeing are at the forefront of many conversations, particularly on R U OK? Day, a moment dedicated to checking in on each other.

Research shows that our mental health can significantly influence driving performance.

According to a study by the Australian Road Research Board, driver distraction extends beyond the obvious.

While we often think of mobile phones or billboards as distractions, emotional states, whether it be stress or sadness, can impact how we perform behind the wheel.

The research shows that when we’re feeling balanced and positive, we tend to be more focused and make safer decisions.

For Australian actor Marny Kennedy, the road offers more than just a way to get from A to B.

Actress and Mazda ambassador Marny Kennedy. Photo: Supplied

Known for her roles in Home and Away and Wentworth, Marny has spent much of her life in the public eye.

However, mental health is something she constantly prioritises.

“I’ve learned that my own mental health is often pretty intrinsically linked to my work, as that’s always been such a defining part of my identity, so I’m incredibly conscious of finding a sense of self-worth beyond that,” she said.

Actress and Mazda ambassador Marny Kennedy. Photo: Supplied

Openly discussing her struggles with mental health, Marny explained it was difficult to transition from a child star to an adult actor.

“That transition from girl to woman is always notoriously difficult, even away from the industry.

“So to see that play out on screen was deeply confronting for me, on a conscious level I wanted to be doing what I loved most, but subconsciously, I didn’t feel ready,” she said.

During those challenging times, Marny has found that hitting the road in her Mazda CX-30 has become an important way to clear her mind and reset.

Marny Kennedy. Photo: Supplied

“I find that connecting to nature is always a great equaliser for me,” she said.

“I’ll always just jump in my Mazda and take myself on a road trip to just be in nature, that’s when I feel my most whole self,” she said.

The ability to switch off and focus on the present is something Marny treasures.

“One of the best things about my last trip up to Alice Springs was the five days of driving with very limited pockets of reception,

“So instead of the constant streaming of notifications, I was able to reconnect back to my childhood self who was happy enough singing along with the windows down,” she said.

Marny’s story is a perfect example of how taking care of our mental health not only benefits us off the road but also makes us safer and more attentive drivers.

As the research highlights that emotional regulation, learning to manage stress and anxiety can reduce the number of road accidents.

Originally published as Aussie actor opens up about wellbeing behind the wheel