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Tips to Dealing with a Stressful Commute

Research shows difficult commutes can sometimes create or compound stress and anxiety—especially if you travel by car. Difficult commutes can also negatively impact sleep, weight, physical activity, blood pressure and cardiovascular health, too. In general, the longer the commute, the more likely it is to have an impact on your health.

Here are some easy things you can incorporate into your day to help alleviate some of the stressors experienced on the roadways:

Understand your stressors

• Hungry? Try eating before you get in the car. It’s difficult to stay relaxed when you begin your commute hungry – and sometimes grumpy.
• Bored? Ditch the stress and disappointment of surfing for a good radio station or podcast while you’re driving and load up your cellphone with your favorite music or podcasts on topics you find engaging.
• Tired of the same view day after day? Alternate routes! Who knows. You may find a secret backroad to work that may reduce your commute time.
• Rushed? Prep the night before and give yourself extra time to get where you need to go. Know where your keys are BEFORE you go to bed.
• Lonely? Carpooling is a great way to save money, make friends and make the commute go faster.

Commute Alternatives

• Public transportation
• See if you can shift your commute to non-rush hour windows

The average commute to work in the United States is about 20 minutes. Frustration over wasted time, bad drivers and overthinking about things you can’t address because you’re trapped in your vehicle can negatively affect both your physical and mental health; especially when that time begins to climb to 30 or even 60 minutes or more. The more tools you use to take care of yourself at the start and close of your day, the better co-worker, partner, and parent you can be.

So, take a few deep breaths and remember to drive safely, with no distractions…and a smile!