From week to week, we can spend hours getting to and from work. Whether we drive alone, carpool, use transit or rely on active transportation, odds are we devote more time than we prefer traveling from home to work and back.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average one-way commute is 25.4 minutes. The National Association of Home Builders’ estimate adds almost 90 seconds to that estimate, reporting a commute time of 26.8 minutes.
While we may not be able to reduce our travel time, we can take steps to make our trips more enjoyable.
Get Comfortable
If you drive, or are one of the drivers in a carpool, why not make the ride as physically comfortable as possible?
If you are in the market for a new vehicle, explore options to see which one has the best seats for a longer or smoother ride.
“Making a vehicle as comfortable as possible can improve a commute,” wrote the metro staff at the Press, a series of Bay Area newspapers. “When selecting a vehicle, opt for one with supportive seats with comfort features like lumbar support and heated seats.”
Even if you aren’t ready to buy a new car, you can still make your seat more comfortable. On his YouTube channel, Dr. John Saunders offers tips on how to make the seat more to your liking. He suggests adding lumbar and neck support, as well as making the seat a little softer by adding cushions.
“Use a lumbar cushion, memory foam insert, or a rolled-up towel at the belt line to maintain the natural curve of your spine,” explained Dr. Saunders. “Place a small travel pillow or rolled-up towel behind your neck to reduce strain.”
He also suggests getting a memory foam seat cushion, “to alleviate pressure on your thighs and buttocks, particularly if the seat is too firm.”
Other items you can buy to make your ride more comfortable include heated seat covers or massage seat cushions.
Mix it up
Sometimes a little change to your routine can make your commute more enjoyable or at least less tedious.
If you drive, consider switching to transit and let someone else do the driving.
“Leaving the driving to someone else can make commuting a bit less taxing,” wrote the Press staff.
By using transit you can relax, get work done, or do something to entertain yourself.
Can’t ride the bus? Consider changing your route. Try taking a different way to work a few times each week instead of the same route. Not only will a new route vary the view and keep things fresh, but you can also discover alternative routes to use when there is a traffic jam or detour.
Entertainment
Music can convey emotions and set the tone for the day. Create a playlist to put you in the right mood to face the day. Stressed out? Consider some mellow music to help you relax. Need to tackle a big project? Put on some tunes that will get you pumped up. Big presentation? Play music that makes you feel confident.
While some of us like the randomness of the radio, a cultivated playlist can set the tone for the day and let you hear just the tunes you want.
Not a music fan? Try starting a new podcast or an audio book. If you are using transit or are the passenger in a carpool, then reading a book, newspaper or magazine is a good way to pass the time and help you unwind.
You may want to avoid any form of entertainment and use the ride to enjoy the silence, clear your head and relax before a busy day at work or a hectic night at home.
