No matter who you are or where you live, if you’re of working age, you’ve most likely dealt with a few commute situations that made you want to pull out your hair and scream some choice words at other commuters. While it’s often hard to avoid stressful situations while driving or taking public transport, there are ways to ease stress and anxiety so you can get to and from work without losing your mind.
5 Ways to Ease a Stressful Commute
1. Set Job Location as a Priority.
Studies show that long commutes, specifically those involving driving, can be linked to “lower life satisfaction,” possibly due to the fact that they take time away from other fun, stress-easing activities, like spending time with family and exercising. If it’s at all possible, nip a stressful commute in the bud by seeking jobs that won’t see you driving for more than an hour each way or that offer flexible options, so you don’t have to commute every day.
2. Have a Pair of “Car Shoes” Ready at All Times.
Give your feet a little TLC before or after a long day by slipping into a pair of comfortable shoes for your commute.
3. Make It a Time to Meditate.
Consider listening to a meditative podcast or book while driving. Research shows “moderate evidence” linking meditation and lowered anxiety, so even though you won’t be able to close your eyes or zone out, listening to a podcast designed to lower stress and help you see things from a bigger perspective certainly won’t hurt.
