Could your commute to work be affecting your wellbeing?

Commuting is a necessity for most working people around the world. While the early morning dashes for the train and hours spent defrosting the car were temporarily put on hold during the pandemic, the new normal has seen the commute make a return to many of our weekly schedules, even if for just a few days.

When it becomes part of your routine, you probably don’t give too much thought to your commute and how it could be impacting your wellbeing. However you choose to travel into work, there are lots of ways in which these daily journeys could affect both your physical and mental health: from rushing to make the train to doom scrolling once we’re on it. In this guide, we explore how different ways of commuting could have an impact on your wellbeing, and highlight some key ways you can enjoy a healthier and happier commute.

Car

According to 2022 statistics, cars are the most popular mode of transport for commuters in Great Britain, with 68% of people opting to drive. Although this might be the most comfortable option when it comes to our physical health, being on the road during rush hour can quickly take a toll on our mental wellbeing.

In addition, whether it’s early in the morning or at the end of a busy day at work, we’re more likely to be tired behind the wheel when driving as part of a commute. This can impair decision making faculties and subsequently heighten the risk of being involved in an accident. The combination of feeling tired and heavier traffic can also leave you and other drivers more susceptible to road rage, which can be dangerous if it’s not handled correctly.

Giving yourself a bit of extra time and leaving slightly earlier can help reduce stress on the road and help you to arrive at work in a more peaceful frame of mind. In addition, in the winter time when snow or frost can delay your set-off time, make a conscious effort to prepare your car as part of your morning routine so you aren’t frantically clearing the windscreen just as you should be leaving.

Public transport

Especially for people working in a city, public transport can often be the most convenient option. Be it a bus, train or tram, commuters familiar with these means of transport during rush hour will know all too well how stressful they can be. Not only are you at the mercy of timetables and impromptu delays, but crowded carriages can make for a more stressful journey.

Fortunately, when you don’t have to focus on the road ahead, it’ll naturally be easier to adopt some healthy habits that can support your wellbeing on either side of the working day. Whether you’re a scroller, eater, reader, sleeper or listener, consider dedicating (at least part of) your travel time to doing something that’ll either set you up for the day, or help you to unwind at the end of it. This could be a quick guided breathing session or maybe writing in a journal about whatever’s on your mind. Experiment with different things until you find some options that work best for you.

Cycle or walk

If you’re close enough to the office to have the option of walking or cycling in, this can be a great way to start the day, since you’re automatically factoring some exercise into your routine. Not only does this support your physical wellbeing, but even spending a short time out in nature – especially when you’re doing something active – can have mood-boosting effects. It could even support your performance at work, with one study finding that even 30 minutes of daily exercise can boost both creativity and memory.

 

If you are adopting a more active approach to the morning commute, make sure you have the necessary clothing and equipment. If you’re cycling this will mean a change of clothes, helmet and appropriate footwear. For walkers, it can be helpful to bring a change of footwear – especially if you usually wear smart shoes in the office – and dress accordingly depending on the time of year. Especially if you find yourself struggling to factor exercise into your weekly routine, incorporating it for at least part of your commute is a great way to lean more towards a healthier work/life balance.