*Please note that this is a Guest Post provided to me via Joshna Joe. 

Let’s face it, commuting is stressful. Driving long distance, getting stuck up in the traffic, car breakdown, reporting late for work – everything is stressful. In turn that makes our day least enjoyable. Commuting is an unpleasant experience for many. It causes anxiety, frustration, tiredness, poor sleep, obesity (due to lack of exercise), and back pain.

In fact, that is one of the reasons why a growing number of people in America prefer to work from home. However, work from home is not for everyone. If you are commuting by car and wish to make commuting less stressful, then it makes sense to choose cycle commuting. On that note, here is a commuting to work Infographic that highlights the economical, emotional, and environmental cost of commuting, which you need to know.

Mindful commuting

It’s possible to lower your stress by applying mindful practices to commuting. An increasing number of office goers (about 1.2 million) are using apps like Headspace that offer guided meditation to relieve commuting stress. Here are some easy mindful techniques you can try in order to get rid of commuting stress:

1. Breathing Exercises

No matter how frustrated or stressed out you are, breathing exercises can help calm down your mind. Try this simple breathing exercise you can practice while driving: Take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Again inhale slowly and breathe out slowly. Repeat the procedure 10 times and you’ll find yourself in a much relaxed state.

2. Disconnect from Mobile and Internet

Checking Whatsapp, Instagram, and mails and texting friends while driving has become a regular habit for many. This is similar to multi-tasking at office. It puts more pressure on your brain and kills the enjoyment of driving itself. Using the phone is a digital stress you’re putting on yourself. Next time, try putting your phone in silent mode and avoid using it when driving. You’ll feel a lot better.

3. Do not think about other problems

Most of the time, it’s not the commuting that bothers us. It’s the countless thoughts and problems that come to our mind that spoil our mood while driving. The best way to counter this is to say an affirmative mantra like “I feel calm and relaxed”. Repeat the mantra until you convince your mind to not think about your problems.

4. Pay attention to your body

If you are using public transport, then the physical pain of standing and sitting for long hours could cause frustration and uneasiness. The best way to deal with the physical pain is do simple physical exercises like rolling your shoulders, stretching your chest, and sitting in different positions (i.e. positions that are comfortable for your back and neck). And yeah, do not keep texting – it’s the main reason for neck pain among commuters.

5. Be courteous

Whether you’re driving or travelling in bus or train, you might encounter some irritating people. A lot of people are already frustrated about their life, work, or relationship so they find the silliest of reasons to enter into an argument with others. Do not let them affect your mood. The best way to deal with such people is to not mind them. Do not pay attention to what they say and don’t give them a chance to argue further.

CONCLUSION
These are some easy and effective ways you can try in order to reduce your commuting stress. Additionally, if you are using car, then it would be a great choice to start commuting on a cycle instead. Cycling helps improve the physical and mental well-being of a person and also leads to a lot of savings for the daily commuters in the form of fuel, car insurance, service and maintenance. If you have suggestion, please let us know in the comments.