Commuting on the Road less travelled
Even if you love your job, you may not love your commute. Traffic in the Baltimore-Washington corridor is some of the heaviest in the nation, and it seems to get worse each year. Is traffic congestion making you crazy? |
If you are lucky enough to only drive a 45 minute round trip—the national average—you will still spend 4 hours of your week in rush hour traffic. Some of us spend much more than that.
Whether you carpool, take a train, or drive your car, long commutes can increase your stress, bring on fatigue, and contribute to your waistline, say experts. People who commute longer tend to have higher cholesterol and more back and neck pain.
Here are some ways to make your commute more healthful and pleasant.
Replace your worrying with laughter
According to a 2010 Gallup poll, 32% of people with an average commute length say they spend much of that time worrying. As the mind wanders during a commute, it can focus on negative thoughts. Instead, load up your iPod with some standup comedy podcasts. Relax and de-stress from your enormous to-do list--laughter will lower your stress hormones.
If you train, bus or metro ride, practice a sensory meditation by closing your eyes and feeling the movement, relaxing into the gentle rocking motion of the vehicle, or engage another passenger in a pleasant conversation—you may meet a new commuter buddy!
Your drive driving you crazy?
Stop and go driving can make your mood plummet. But boredom can kill: last year British researchers found a link between a chronic listlessness and heart problems. So put the time to better use: play your favorite music and sing along; listen to audio books; learn a language or listen to a work-related seminar; brainstorm an idea for work or solve a problem in your personal life.
Trade in traffic turmoil
Driving in highway traffic is painful, and most of us carry the tension in our shoulders. Road rage is also on the rise. According to a study, road rage affects up to 16 million Americans. But we do have a choice about how we respond to what goes on around us. During your commute, consciously try to relax. When we are tense we take shallow breaths from the chest. You can reverse your stress by simply taking five deep breaths from your diaphragm. With awareness, you can practice letting tension go from your body. Loosen your grip on the steering wheel; relax your neck and back, stretch your neck from side to side when you are safely stopped. Another way to alter the effects of traffic stress is to mentally compose a gratitude list. In short order, you will find your spirits lifting and a more positive attitude replacing negative thoughts.
When you arrive at your destination, you will have a more centered emotional and physical state. Who doesn’t need that to start the work day or begin your leisure time?
Explore these and other ways to turn your commute into a relaxing and productive transition. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination!
Contact Software Consortium or call 1-877-850-9393 if you would like to discuss how to leverage our top-level talent to empower your business.
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