In the USA, the average commute to work is around 27 minutes. This is almost an hour a day where people are on their way to work or returning home, which can add up to quite a bit of time.
Commuting can be stressful, both because of the methods used and the time lost.
However, if you follow these five tips, you’ll make that commute so much better.
1) Consider Not Driving
A commute to work can be made even more stressful by driving. A lot of people don’t like driving or aren’t confident on the roads.
Some people are fine with driving but don’t like the traffic they hit!
Consider other methods, or even carpooling with a coworker that lives nearby.
2) Be Eco-Friendly
If you need another reason not to drive during your commute, how about being eco-friendly?
We should all do our part to help the environment. Using public transport significantly reduces the effect on the atmosphere over everyone using their own car, and electric bikes like this are even better.
Why not arrive at your destination feeling good about doing your part?
3) Examine Costs
Examine the costs before you decide on a final method. Your work stress will only be made worse if you’re paying a ton to get there.
If using public transport, see if your method has a ticket you can buy for the month or week instead of daily that may take money off. Compare the cost of gas or charging your car to how much public transport is.
Of course, you have to weigh up the other advantages and disadvantages of each method — but it never hurts to consider the cost too.
4) Check Out Routes
Long commutes are only made worse by traffic. You might think a route is the quickest, but the traffic may actually make it worse.
Make sure you consider the routes at the time of day you tend to travel there if driving. Don’t plug the same one in automatically, because the quickest way may change.
The navigation apps on your phone should be able to tell you at that specific time of day.
5) Time It Well
Lastly, you should time your commute well.
If you have a flexible start and finish time, consider missing rush hour. Arrive and leave early or even late!
This doesn’t just go for driving but works on public transport too. There’s nothing worse than being crammed on a train or bus with tired and irritated people too close for comfort.
Commuting to Work Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
Commuting to work can be stressful, but there are ways you can take the pressure off. Examine all of these things and consider what the best method for you is, as well as how to make that method easier.
In most places — particularly if you’re in a city — you have options, so don’t forget to use them to your advantage.
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