The average commute is about 25 minutes, and most people go it alone. Research reveals that longer commutes can trigger health problems and decrease the overall quality of your life. If you have to commute more than 45 minutes a day, you may be more likely to suffer from stress, excess weight, sleep difficulties and a decreased lifespan. If you have a partner, you may even be at an increased risk of splitting up.
The daily commute can be difficult even apart from the stress of sitting in traffic. Every moment you spend behind the wheel is less time spent with your loved ones, enjoying your favorite hobby or simply relaxing. Trimming your drive time may not be an option, but there are some ways you can lighten your load.
1. Multitask
If you absolutely must drive, find a way to fill in that otherwise-blank time with safe, pleasurable activities. Books-on-tape, relaxing music or simple reflection can all be options. Avoid texting, accessing the Internet on your mobile device or talking on the phone since these activities could be risky.
2. Unplug
Turn your phone off or silence the ringer and take a step back from your everyday life. Avoid answering work-related calls or emails while you are commuting to and from your job, and wait to check your email, social networking pages or text until you are home or at your desk. This allows you to create an easy buffer between your professional life and your home life.
3. Be mindful
Some people end up grabbing convenience food or end up eating fast food while they are behind the wheel. While eating behind the wheel is not inherently dangerous, it can be distracting for drivers. Eating in the car can be unhealthy, too. Not only are you more likely to grab unhealthy options, but you are also unlikely to be paying attention to your body’s natural hunger cues. Keep granola bars at your desk or a bowl of fruit at home for a convenient grab-and-go alternative.
Whether you spend 25 or 45 minutes driving to work or other location every day, add up the hours per year that you spend in your car. You are not exercising, and you are possibly stressing. Calculate the cost to your wallet and your mental health, and consider other solutions. If you, like many of us, simply cannot easily move, then finding ways to make your drive more pleasurable may be one of the best solutions.
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