5 Ways To Reduce the Stress of the Daily Commute
Telecommuting is a growing phenomenon; in fact Research from Forrester suggests that by 2016, about half the workforce could be telecommuting/occasionally telecommuting, which means working from home between one and four days a week.
But, equally, this means that at least 50% of the work-force won’t be telecommuting and will still have to cope with the stressful daily commute long into the 21st Century. Many of these workers won’t have the option of using telecommuting as a flexible working tool, as it just may not be possible. So, for all you workers who currently have to undergo the stressful daily commute and may do for many years to come, I thought I would prepare 5 tips to help you reduce the stress of the daily commute.
1.Reduce your commuting time
Studies show that generally the longer a person spends commuting, the more stressed they feel and the more trapped they feel in a daily routine. 23% of commuters reported their days as ‘very stressful’ with a 15 minute commute, rising to 26% for a 30 minute commute, jumping to 32% for a 45 minute commute and climbing again to 36% for an hour commute.
So, its simple, when planning for jobs, try and find a job or relocate yourself so your home and work are within a 15 or 30 minute commute. If you are currently in a job with a long commute and you are experiencing stressful days (which are exacerbated by the commute), you should consider trying to find a similar job closer to home.
2.Listen to classical music when driving
One of the most stressful parts of the commute is of course traffic congestion. So, we recommend that you engage in some stress reduction in the car. The safest and most effective way to do this while driving is, according to a study by Halfords, to listen to calming music such as Vivaldi – Four Seasons while commuting. If classical music is not to your tastes, then try some other calming music. Make your own play list of relaxing compositions to listen to as you drive, especially when you hit congestion. Avoid hyper, dynamic rock anthems as these will raise your blood pressure and stress levels.
3. Leave Earlier to give yourself more control
Try to leave the house or office earlier as this can reduce your stress levels as you will have more time and therefore more control. Also, According to Richard E. Wener, PhD, the lack of predictability is the main element of commute that generates the most stress. And there is plenty of stress, as research from the International Stress Management Association shows that stress levels in commuters are higher than that of pilots and police officers on training. This stress is thought to result from a lack of control of the situation, so leave 10 minutes earlier than you need to give yourself more control.
4.Accentuate the positive
Research from Agnes Scott College has shown that if you use your commute time to enjoy very simple activities such as listening to talk radio or books on tape, you will reduce stress. Many people see the commute as a valuable buffer between office and home during which you can process the day’s stress so you are more ready and relaxed for your family when you arrive home.
5. Change your working hours
Can you alter your working hours to avoid the daily congestion, e.g. can you work from 8.00am to 4.00pm or 10.00am to 6.00pm? Traffic congestion is a huge cause of stress. If you can avoid congestion you will avoid the stress of the daily commute.
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