04/ 03/ 2006
by Vicki Gerson
You've overslept! Now, it’s 7:30 a.m., and you're trying to find a spot in the parking lot before your train pulls out. You park the car just in time, dash up the steps and jump on the train before it rolls away from the platform. What a way to start your morning!
Maybe you drive to work instead and are rushing to the office for an early morning meeting. An accident has backed up traffic for miles. Worried that you won't make it on time, you lean on the horn, as if that will make traffic move faster.
Commuting can be stressful and time-consuming. Here are some ideas to make your daily commute more interesting and comfortable:
By road or rail
If you work more than 30 minutes away from your home, you might prefer to commute by train or bus, if you have that option. Public transportation allows you to read the newspaper or a book and relax. You can bring a headset with you so you can listen to your favorite tunes or catch up on sports scores on the radio. If you have hobbies like knitting or doing crossword puzzles, you can work on those while riding to the office.
If you want to relax or doze while traveling to work, try sitting away from commuters who constantly talk on the phone. Their conversations tend to be annoying and distracting. Since trains and buses can sometimes get quite warm in the winter, open up or remove your coat to get more comfortable.
Taking the wheel
Most Americans drive to work. Motorists get upset by rush-hour traffic jams, accidents, idiotic drivers and reckless motorcyclists, all of which cause stress on the road. Here are some suggestions to help you relax during your daily drives:
- Give yourself enough time for the commute. Wake up earlier to avoid heavy rush-hour traffic. Factor in extra time on holiday weekends or in bad weather. This will keep you from feeling pressed for time. It pays to look for other alternative routes as well (especially during construction periods).
- Make sure your car is in good working condition. Make sure the air-conditioning unit and heater work well. Although it may be freezing outside, don't stay bundled up in the car. Open up your jacket or take it off. Wear comfortable driving shoes, too.
- Most people find music relaxing. Find your favorite radio station or put in tapes or CDs. Audio books are a great alternative as well. You can listen to everything from mysteries to classics while you drive. You will be amazed at how many books you “read” while on the road.
- If you share the car with family members, make sure the front and back of the driver’s seat are adjusted to a comfortable position before you start driving. When the seat is pushed back too far, it’s difficult to reach the pedals. When it’s too close to the steering wheel, you'll feel squashed and uncomfortable.
- When you're stuck in a traffic jam, breathe deeply. This will help your body to relax and not feel so tense. If you're tense, chances are your muscles are tightening, and a headache is on the way.
Caution sign
Don't try to get work done or read while driving. This kind of multitasking goes too far. Keep in mind that driving consists of speeding up and slowing down. Jumping from lane to lane isn't going to help you get to work any sooner.
