The Actual Impacts of Commuting on Your Life

Sometimes the voyage is just as important as the destination, but to those who try to get to work on time every morning, commuting isn’t exactly an adventure. The bigger the city, the longer the voyage, and knowing how to manage these daily travels is essential for workers. Commuting has more negative than positive effects, but there are ways to mitigate that while making the most of the good things.

What are the Main Downsides of Commuting?

Few people are lucky enough to go to work with enthusiasm and to look forward to the start of a new business day. Commuting only aggravates matters for many of them, by stressing and frustrating them even before they get to work. These are some of the things that commuters complain about most often and they also appear frequently in studies.

Commuting Makes People Anxious

Recent studies reveal the fact that long commutes have the most negative effects on people going to work. When the voyage takes more than 30 minutes, people start feeling anxious and frustration quickly mounts. Pre-existing stress is amplified and people tend to get annoyed more easily with the slightest delays. At the other end of the spectrum, commutes longer than three hours give people more time to adjust and even use the hours in a more effective way. As a result, their frustration diminishes and they are not as dissatisfied with their lives as those who commute between half an hour and 90 minutes.

People get Bitterer with Co-workers

By the time commuters reach their destination, they are sometimes so frustrated they can no longer control their emotions. They are easily annoyed and are more likely to lash out at co-workers and even friends. Many have confessed that their patience runs out much faster and sometimes behave in a manner they regret later. This report by PlayOJO.com shows that 12% of the British take out their built-up frustrations on their loved ones.

Pollution is a Real Problem

Some people prefer to walk to work or take the bike if the distance allows this type of transportation. The obvious upside is that people who choose to walk or ride the bike burn more calories and exercise on a daily basis. The problem is that most of them must travel through busy city areas, where they are exposed to very high levels of pollution. The numbers highlighted in studies that monitor the effects of traffic-related air pollution on commuters say that those who drive with the windows closed are exposed to the lowest levels of pollution. Bikers and pedestrians are the most vulnerable.

Looking for the Silver Lining in Commuting

There are fewer positives, but it’s important to consider them as well when trying to make an educated decision about commuting. Pluses and minuses are the faces of the same coin and there is still good news for those who have no alternative but to travel long distances to work every day.

Daily Exercise is Good for Your Health

Those who don’t have to deal with the nasty effects of traffic-related air pollution should consider walking or taking the bike. These means of transport allow you to exercise every day and you move a lot without even realising it. In many urban areas, there are ways to avoid traffic congestion and the busiest routes even if this involves a little detour. New research by a team of investigators from the University of Glasgow indicates that people who choose to cycle to work are in better physical form and feel healthier.

You can Spend Some Time for Yourself

Today people lead busy lives and when time is of the essence, they usually cut down on personal time. Reading a book, thinking about life, work and relationships are just some of the things that can be done during a daily commute. These activities have the merit of making time pass faster and also help you prepare for future obstacles. When travelling by a busy means of transportation, reading and introspection might be impossible. On the flip side, sharing a car or travelling by bus or train provides the best opportunity to socialize with fellow commuters.