Studies show that
longer commutes lead to decreased job satisfaction and increased risk of mental health issues
, while shorter commutes have the opposite effect. Yet, despite a year of working from home, our job satisfaction and general mental health have continued to deteriorate.
Why is commuting so depressing?
Commuting also has significant psychological and social costs. It can be a major cause of stress, due to
its unpredictability and a sense of loss of control
. Commuters can experience boredom, social isolation, anger, and frustration from problems like traffic or delays.
How long is an unhealthy commute?
More generally, the term refers to those who spend hours per day commuting — as much as
three to four hours each way
. “This kind of travel raises your blood pressure,” said Richard Jackson, professor emeritus of environmental health sciences at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health.
How does commuting affect wellbeing?
It is found that longer commute times are associated with
lower job and leisure time satisfaction, increased strain and poorer mental health
. The strongest association is found for leisure time satisfaction.
How stressful is commuting?
Commuters also reported
higher psychological stress scores
, more health complaints, essentially of psychosomatic nature, and greater absenteeism from work due to sickness. Commuting, in addition to shiftwork, further increases sleep problems, psychosomatic complaints and difficulties with family and social life.
What are the benefits of commuting?
- Employees save on commuting costs while employers save on payroll taxes.
- Attract, retain and engage employees.
- Create a happier, less stressed and productive work environment.
- Easy, hassle-free sign up leaves more time for other important tasks.
Is 45 minutes too long of a commute?
Commutes longer than 45 minutes are up 12 percent in that time span
, and 90-minute one-way commutes are 64 percent more common than in 1990. The longer your commute, the less time you have for family, friends, exercise and nutrition—and it’s awful for your mental state.
How do you cope with commuting?
- Leave for work early.
- Create a relaxing environment.
- Be strategic.
- Try public transportation or carpooling.
- Pack food and beverages.
- Limit technology.
- Determine your job satisfaction.
How do you cope with commuting stress?
- Call and connect with others. Studies conducted by the University of Chicago found that striking up a conversation with others during a commute made it a more positive experience. …
- Let go of negative feelings. …
- Listen to a podcast or audiobook. …
- Don’t get hangry.
- Practice gratitude.
Can everyday traffic affect our mental health?
Traffic congestion and noise can cause stress, fatigue, irritability, and rage in commuters
. Sunny Joseph, clinical psychologist, shares his insights on the topic and tells us what we can do.
Do long commutes cause stress?
Car commuters experience higher stress levels and episodic moodiness more often than those using public transportation
, in part due to the unpredictability of traffic. “It’s important not to discount the psychosocial effects long commutes can have,” says Van Herle.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of commuting long distance to work?
- You have more time to think and relax. …
- You do not have to move closer to your work. …
- You have more choices for where you want to live. …
- It may make it easier to leave your current employer. …
- You have to leave earlier and get home later. …
- You risk being later more than you normally would.
Is commuting a waste of time?
Every year, commuting motorists spend about 42 hours stuck in traffic.
Idling and stop-and-go traffic wastes 19 gallons of gasoline per commuter per year
. Traffic delays costs commuters about $960 a year, which adds up to $38,400 over a 40-year career.
Why is commuting so tiring?
One reason commutes are so stressful, economists say, is the
unpredictability and lack of control
. Not only are you spending lots of time in your car, but you’re also facing stress when you hit a traffic jam and worry that you’ll be late for work or to pick up your kid.
Is commuting to work worth it?
The prospective company is important to consider, not only for the standing job offer but for potential future career opportunities.
A longer commute now might be worth it for the experience you will gain or the doors it will open.
Are commuter benefits worth it?
A commuter benefits program
can provide savings for both employers and employees
. Employers can save by reducing their payroll taxes. The more employees who sign up for transportation benefits, the more the employer can save. Employers can also attract and retain employees by offering transportation benefits.
What are the psychological benefits of working?
Work can
help you maintain a positive identity and self-worth
. If your identity and self-worth only revolve around your work, that can be a problem. In this scenario, when work is going well, you’ll feel good, but if your work collapses, so will you.
How far should you live from work?
Thirty minutes at most
, according to the wisdom of the crowds. That comes from reams of data and piles of research that suggests commute times tend to cluster around this point. People tend to be good at weighing their options, economists think.
How long is too much to commute?
Commutes
longer than 45 minutes
are up 12 percent in that time span, and 90-minute one-way commutes are 64 percent more common than in 1990. The longer your commute, the less time you have for family, friends, exercise and nutrition—and it’s awful for your mental state.
How long is an unbearable commute family Feud?
| Answer # of Responses | 1 hour 41 | 30 minutes 26 | 45 minutes 15 | 20 minutes 6 |
|---|
How can I improve my commute?
- Listen to Podcasts. …
- Discover New Music. …
- Practice Self Care. …
- Leave Earlier So You Can Slow Down. …
- Check in With Your Work Progress. …
- Mix Up Your Route Once in a While. …
- Brainstorm Solutions to Your Problems. …
- Sit in Silence.
Is 1hr commute too long?
I think
anything up to 1 hour is a reasonable commute time
. I spend 8-9 hours at work, add on another two hours of commute time, then that’s is nearly half the day gone. What do you consider a reasonable commute time? The reasonable average in my personal opinion and experience would be 45 minutes.
Should I move closer to work?
If the answer is yes, then it may be worth it to move closer to the office
– even if you have to pay up for a place near work. Remember: sleep deprivation, unnecessary stress and poor nutrition due to commuting are all reasons to consider moving closer to work.
