A stressful commute is not healthy. It can affect your attitude for the rest of the day and make you more prone to work-related stress. You could also start to dread each morning, which could also affect your ability to sleep at night. Over a long period of time, it could even be detrimental to your physical and mental health. 

But just how do you relax on your commute? Is it possible? While some commutes are longer and more challenging than others, commuter stress is often unnecessary. By making certain changes or adopting certain activities as you commute, you may be able to relax more on your way to work. Here are just a few tips to consider.

Choose the right mode of transport

It’s possible that you may be restricted to a certain mode of transport. However, if you have multiple options, it’s important to weigh these up. Trying another mode of transport could be worthwhile if your current option is stressing you out. Here are just some of pros and cons of the major modes of transport:

Public transport

Pros: less concentration required, can look at phone or read, encourages exercise, better for environment than driving, often cheaper than driving

Cons: leaves at set times, set routes and stops, potential for delays, may have to deal with crowds, occasionally more expensive than driving

Car

Pros: flexibility over time and route, don’t have to share with passengers, can take more equipment with you

Cons: fuel costs can add up, traffic jams, potential for road rage, no exercise, often least environmentally friendly option, can’t use your phone or a book

Bicycle

Pros: cheaper than driving or public transport, a source of exercise, flexibility when it comes to choosing your route, can combine with public transport, environmentally friendly

Cons: slower than driving, may not be feasible for long commutes, not all roads are safe for cyclists, can’t really use your phone or a book

Walking

Pros: the cheapest option, a source of exercise, flexibility over which route you take, you can use your phone, environmentally friendly

Cons: the slowest option, only feasible for short journeys (although can be combined with public transport)

Of course, there are many other alternative modes of transport that could also make commuting more relaxing/fun. 

Leave early

Delays such as cancelled trains and traffic jams can often be a source of commuter stress. By leaving for work early, you can reduce the risk of delays making you late. This does mean that if everything goes smoothly, you may arrive earlier at work. If you don’t want to start work early, find somewhere local you can hang out in the mornings near your workplace. This could be a chance to further relax before you start work.

Check the weather

The weather may affect your journey – potentially leading to delays or making it more unpleasant. Check online weather reports as soon as you get up to determine what the weather will be like to and from work. You can then prepare for the weather and reduce stress. This could include:

• Bringing an umbrella if you’re walking and there’s a chance of rain
• Taking a few minutes to de-ice your car if its icy
• Finding new routes if certain roads are flooded or railways are blocked

Bring a drink/snack

A drink or snack to take with you could give you something to look forward to on your commute. You could even plan to have your breakfast on your commute. Invest in a flask so that you can take hot drinks with you and keep them warm. Make sure to choose appropriate foods and drinks for your mode of transport (you don’t really want to be eating as you’re cycling or driving, and smelly foods should be avoided on public transport). 

Listen to music

A reliable way to relieve stress is to listen to music. Some people like to listen to the radio, while others prefer to create a playlist. You could even use your commute as an opportunity to check out new music. If you’re walking, cycling or taking public transport, make sure to always pack headphones (and if they’re wireless, make sure they’re charged up!). Consider only one headphone when cycling for safety. 

Try a book/audiobook

Reading a book could be a fantastic way to spend your commute if you take public transport. This could be a physical book or an e-book. If you’re walking, cycling or driving, listening to an audiobook could be an alternative option. Podcasts are also something you could look into.

Solve puzzles

Solving puzzles is another activity that can be very relaxing. Puzzles can also exercise our brain and prepare us for problem solving tasks at work. Puzzles you may want to consider include:

• Crosswords
• Sudoku
• Word searches

Obviously, these are only really an option if you’re taking public transport.

Play cards

Playing card games could also be a relaxing way to pass the time when commuting by public transport. You can play many card games online. Solitaire is a particularly relaxing game that can be played solo if you don’t want to play against other players. Such card games are also great problem solving activities that can also get your mind ready for work. If you enjoy collecting as a way to unwind, you might also find that sorting or planning Pokémon card additions from places like Danireon gives you a similar sense of focus and calm during your commute.

Plan your evening

Start looking forward to your evening by planning what you’re going to do while on your commute. This could include messaging friends to meet up with after work, planning meals you want to make, researching movies to watch or even booking tickets for activities. Planning your evening could make you more excited for the day ahead and prevent you wasting the evening when you get back home. 

Commute with someone

This option is not always possible. However, if you do know a friend or family member who is going the same direction as you to work and you don’t mind their company first thing in the morning, consider whether commuting with them could be a good idea. Having someone to commute with can help the time pass by quicker and could help you to be less stressed. If you typically drive to work, you could consider a carpool. If you’re taking public transport, you could aim to meet them at the bus or train station and board the same transport.

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