Do you dread your commute to work? You are not alone if this is the case, but it is not something that should be brushed off as it could actually be having a serious impact on your well-being and workplace performance. An Australian study found that those with longer commutes took more unplanned absences than those with shorter commutes and those with shorter distances also were more relaxed, calm and productive.
Getting a job closer to home is not always an option, so what can you do to make your commute more enjoyable?
Get the Right Car
If you drive to work, you should seriously think about the vehicle that you use and if it is suitable for your daily journey. You might find that buying a new car that is comfortable for long distances, easy to drive, has air-con, low emissions and entertainment options will make a big difference to both your journey and life. Brands like Mercedes-Benz are ideal for commuting and you can find these for more affordable prices in the used car market.
Find Something to Listen to
Having something enjoyable to listen to can really make a big difference and help to pass the time. You could create a playlist of songs that will put you in a good mood, find a podcast that will keep you engaged or listen to an audiobook or something that you have been meaning to read for a while.
Practice Mindfulness
For many people, the commute is a stressful start to the day which means that you arrive at work already feeling tense and in a bad mood. Instead of getting stuck in a loop of negative emotions, try to be mindful during your journey and see it as a time to spend with your thoughts. Being aware of your thoughts and feelings can help you to be calmer in your daily life and identify the things that are causing you stress.
Give Yourself Enough Time
Another reason that people stress about their commute is that it means that every morning is a mad rush. Instead of leaping out of bed and having a chaotic start to the day, try to give yourself as much time as possible to get to the office. You might find it helpful to set your clothes out the night before, make your lunch and get up slightly earlier each day.
Hopefully, the information in this post will help you to improve your commute and make your mornings less stressful. A stressful commute every day can take its toll both on your mental wellbeing and workplace performance, so it is an important area to address in your life and there are always ways that you can make it less stressful for yourself.
Article by Born Realist