How To Reduce Stress During Your Commute To Work

At least once a year, there is a new report about the growing congestion on roads in North America and the psychological effects of commuting.  Not everybody can take public transit to work.  Luckily, there are several ways to reduce stress during your commute to work.

The six ways for stress reduction during commutes that I’m sharing with you are those that work for me and my husband. We’ve tested them out over the years of long commutes in and around the Toronto area.

For anybody who’s driven Highway 401 in rush hour traffic, you know that it’s a madhouse. There are many bad drivers and I’ve got a whole bunch of pet peeves about their lousy driving habits. Stress reduction is a must!

We can’t change bad driving habits that we see on the road. However, hopefully with these stress reduction tips, we can make your commute to work and from it, a more pleasant one.

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Tips to Reduce Stress During Your Commute To work

When you implement even a couple of these tips, you may notice it becomes a bit less chaotic to drive in traffic.

At the end of the day, remember that  YOU are in charge of easing your stress due to traffic congestion!

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1 // Car Maintenance

A “no brainer” way to reduce commuting stress is to keep your car maintained.

Windshield wipers not working properly and a few raindrops starting to appear? The change oil light is on and you’re not sure if your car won’t conk out on you before you get it to a garage for a tune-up?

Keeping on top of car maintenance eases your mind and reduces anxiety when on the road.

The chances of your car stalling or malfunctioning are greatly reduced if you take care of your car regularly.

Nothing is worse than having to deal with bad traffic during a rainstorm when the windshield wipers don’t work. Or you don’t have enough windshield washer fluid on a very snowy day!

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2 // Clean Your Car Regularly

A neat freak? Feeling discombobulated if there’s way too much dirt on the windshield, dust on the dashboard or dried spittle on the windshield from the coughing attack you had last month?

My favourite way to deal with traffic stress is to drive in a clean car.

Nothing stresses me out more than the urge to clean while stuck in traffic. Of course, I can’t do it, because I need to pay attention to those who want to cut me off or merge right into me.

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3 // Reduce Strong Scents

One of the easiest ways to reduce stress during a morning commute is to give your nose a break. The scent of eau de sweaty hockey equipment or smelly feet is gross in any situation. In a closed space it’s downright annoying.

Just as with cleanliness, trying to get rid of a smell in a car can be stress-inducing when you are stuck in traffic. If cracking open a window doesn’t help, consider air fresheners, washing floor mats and carpets and upholstery.

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4 // Breathing Exercises

The best way to reduce stress during your commute is to regulate your breathing.

Navy Seals use a 4 x 4 breathing method to reduce panic, stress and to keep focused and ready for whatever is thrown at them. I sometimes use this technique in heavy traffic situations to keep calm and focused.

Here’s how you do it:

• Exhale all air from your lungs.
• Then slowly inhale using your diaphragm while counting to four.
• Hold your breath for four seconds and then let it out over the span of four seconds.
• Hold your empty lungs empty for four seconds.
• Repeat this for five minutes.

So breathe on and carry on!

| Related: 10 Self Care Ideas For The Fall Season That Help You Balance Your Life

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5 // Listen To Relaxing Music

Morning show hosts can get listeners riled up with controversial topics. Listening to talk radio can do the same. Heavy rock or hip hop music can make some anxious.

I’ve often switched the radio to rhythmic electronic dance music (Deadmau5 is my favourite), classical music, spa/ambient or chill lounge music to reduce my anxiety. Right now I have Costa Rica – Dan Gibson’s Solitudes on my iPhone in heavy rotation, as well as the Spa station on Sirius XM. It helps me reduce my stress during commutes.

Another alternative is music from your youth. It’s always fun to go down memory lane with songs with which you can sing along.

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6 // Get Off the Highway

When all else fails to reduce stress during a commute, escape what’s causing it!

Sometimes taking a slightly less used road or cutting through sub-divisions can take about the same amount of time as being stuck on a major highway.

The feeling of moving and getting closer to your destination can be a big stress-reducer. You also escape the big trucks that inevitably get in front of you and take their sweet time accelerating.

I often use this approach to keep myself from going nuts when I’m stuck in a traffic jam.

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Just A Few Ways To Get A Better Drive Into Work

These are only some ways to reduce stress during your commute. Try to implement one and see if it helps with your anxiety and stress levels.

For some, the best option is to not drive and use public transportation. But that comes with its own set of issues… for another blog post.

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QUESTION: What are some of your tips to reduce stress during your commute?

Until next time!