5 ways to have a less stressful commute
Stress can be damaging to our bodies, skin, happiness and wellbeing. It is important for us to look after ourselves, below are our tips on how to do this.
Acts of self care
Psychologist Dr Mimi Goess-Saurau suggests acts of self care to include in your life.
Reducing levels of stress is an issue that should be taken seriously seriously. As a psychologist, in every professional interview I have had I have always been asked what I do to take care of myself. Below is written a list of small acts of self care for you to try.
- Taking a long bath.
- Going to see an exhibition.
- Doing a guided meditation.
- Turning the music up and DANCING IT OFF!
- Writing a list of 3-5 things you are grateful for at the end of the day for a whole week and see how changes perspective.
- Taking a yoga class.
- Paying complete attention to something you usually do on autopilot.
- Unplugging for an hour-no phones, no laptop, no TV.
- Paying complete attention to something you usually do on autopilot.
- Using your commute for a “Beauty Scavenger Hunt.” Find five unexpected beautiful things on your way to work.
- Getting positive feedback. Ask three good friends to tell you what they love about you.
HOW TO HAVE A LESS STRESSFUL COMMUTE
“Journeys are the midwives of thought. Few places are more conducive to internal conversations than a moving plane, ship or train. At the end of hours of train-dreaming, we may feel we have been returned to ourselves - that is, brought back into contact with emotions and ideas of importance to us. ” - Alain de Botton
The average person in the UK spending almost 54 minutes commuting per day. More often than not our commutes leave us feeling stressed and anxious.
Advice about how to make the most of your commute often focuses on using the time to prepare for the working day by reading your emails and writing your to-do list. But we’d like to suggest some small ways to make your commute less stressful and more mindful.
Leave plenty of time
This means you can avoid the stress of running late and focus on enjoying your journey. The worst that can happen is that you’ll arrive early!
Read a book
Studies have shown that reading has many health benefits, including reducing stress by 68%. Reading during your commute is a great way to pass the time and help you arrive feeling refreshed and calm.
Observe your surroundings
Take the time to observe your surroundings; the sights and sounds of your journey. When you arrive at your destination is mostly out of your control, paying attention to your current surroundings can help you stay relaxed.
Take a different route
Take yourself out of autopilot by trying an alternative route from time to time. This could mean getting off the tube or bus a stop early and walking. The change will give you a fresh perspective.
Resist looking at your phone
You miss a lot when you’re looking at your phone, particularly if you’re walking. Try to keep your phone in your pocket and focus on what you can see and hear around you.