10 Ways to Reduce Commuting Stress

Do you exit your vehicle with a sick stomach, a headache, and your blood pressure skyrocketing? If so, the energy vulture known as stress may have caused your heart rate to soar. According to a study done at the University of California, Irvine, the stress of commuting has a significant negative impact on health. According to the study, it has direct physiological impacts, including an increase in blood pressure and the release of stress chemicals. In addition, long commutes (more than 18 miles one way) may increase the probability of having a heart attack owing to exposure to high air pollution levels, which appears to be a risk factor for heart disease.

There is no remedy for stressed commuting, but there are several strategies to repel the energy vulture. Here’s how to succeed while driving.

Get ready in advance

One of the most effective strategies to reduce road rage is to prepare everything the night before. To prevent the morning rush, clothes, paperwork, attache cases, and even meals should be prepared the night before. You would have ample time to complete your daily rituals, have a hearty meal, and spend quality time with your family if everything were in a state of impatience. The best part is that there is no congestion on the freeway.

Get sufficient rest and rise early

A restful night of sleep refreshes the body. Develop the habit of sleeping enough and rising early. If you were already stressed out the day before, a lack of rest will have a cumulative effect on your job and home life. Eventually, your irritation at work increases, your mental capacity declines, and your disposition at home deteriorates. You have no energy left for enjoying life.

Balance your work schedule

Why clog the highways with 9-to-5 workers when you can work a ten-to-six or eight-to-four shift instead? Check out alternative shifts that meet your lifestyle, depending on your company’s policies. Choose one that will assist you to /*eliminate energy-draining tension and alleviate your travel troubles.

Share your vehicle

It may be difficult to schedule your arrival and departure with one or two other individuals, but carpooling is advantageous. Studies indicate that ridesharing considerably reduces commuting stress. With carpooling, there is less air and noise pollution, and less traffic congestion, and you may be more relaxed while someone else drives.

“Cocoon” in your vehicle

Instead of being agitated when traffic is heavy, spend your time effectively. To divert your thoughts from the stop-and-go driving and traffic jams, listen to the radio or insert some music recordings. If you enjoy reading but don’t have the time to turn pages, check out books on tape. Many libraries provide both full-length and condensed versions of books on tape. You may also study a new language or perform vehicle exercises such as shoulder rolls, neck extensions, and belly tucks to keep alert and relaxed.

Pillow your back and wriggle.

The lumbar region of the spine (the lowest section) often flexes inward, toward the abdomen, when standing. However, while seated, it tends to slouch outward, placing stress on your spinal discs and compressing them. According to back expert Malcolm Pope, Ph.D., director of the Iowa Spine Research Center at the University of Iowa, placing a wrapped towel or a cushion in the lumbar region can assist support the back. Even with a back cushion, sitting in one position for longer than 15 minutes progressively stiffens you, so make the required modifications for a comfortable drive on longer trips. Try placing the majority of your weight first on one buttock and then the other. Then, slightly adjust the location of your seat or buttocks. For fun, you may even try sliding down in your seat and then sitting back up.

Exercise after work

As the evening rush hour is harsher than the morning rush hour due to the cumulative effects of the workday, it is preferable to wait out the traffic. Take meditation classes or exercise at a gym near your job to ease your tension. If you want to dine out, watch a movie, or go shopping, attempt to do so close to your place of employment, delaying your departure just enough to avoid the frantic rush.

Allow yourself a rest.

It could be a good idea to take some time off from work. Numerous businesses offer shortened workdays or extended workweeks in order to provide you with days off to relax.

Transfer your office

If your daily commute to work is lengthy, ask your employer if you may work from home on certain days of the week or if you can find a job close to your house. A different work schedule might help you feel less tense and in charge, so decreasing your stress levels.

Occasionally vary your routine.

The occasional modification of commuting practices may also be recommended. Try walking or cycling sometimes for a change of pace. There is no better way to relieve stress than with a leisurely stroll, especially if it means avoiding rush-hour traffic.

By reducing the stress of commuting to work, you conserve significant quantities of energy that would otherwise be lost. It not only offers you a lot more energy to complete your job and be more productive, but it also makes you feel good and provides you with a strong incentive to always begin your day well.b