COVID-19 impacted the world greatly. Its impact has mostly been negative. However, it has also introduced new concepts into our daily lifestyle. One such novelty is working from home. We know that during those times, the only way to keep things going was to avoid public transport. Therefore, all the working sectors made the employees work from their homes. In fact, for the last two years, we have become comfortable with it. Obviously, working from home has many benefits. One of the main benefits is avoiding the commute.
Now as the pandemic days are over, we are slowly entering our normal lives. However, people’s discomfort with the commute is becoming stronger day by day. We all have been accustomed to working from our homes. Therefore, people are still trying to avoid the commute. In fact, a study by McKinsey revealed that around 30% of people threatened to leave their job if their employer asked them to attend the office every day. The main issue with them is the commute.
However, leaving the job is never a solution. Rather, we must look for ways to get accustomed to our normal ways of life. Therefore, we have to accept the commute as an important part of our lifestyle. In fact, there are some research-based ways to have a better experience of the commute. Therefore, read the article to know about the ways to make the most out of the daily commute.
Factors Affecting Daily Commute
There are certain factors which affect your daily commute. These are:
1. Commute Time
A study by the University of Waterloo reveals that a long commute time results in lower work satisfaction. Moreover, another study by the University of Montreal reveals that there is a link between burnout and commuting. Therefore it suggests that greater commuting time may lead to emotional drainage. It may also make people less effective in their jobs.
Therefore, the best way to avoid this is to select your employer wisely. Always try to select a workplace that you can reach in minimum time. Thereby, the trick is to minimize commute time.
2. Schedule Your Commute
Scheduling your commute is essential. In fact, a study by Dartmouth College suggests that if the commute is scheduled, we tend to be less stressed. In fact, it will also make us more effective at work. Therefore, try to schedule your daily commute. It is better to plan your weekly commute beforehand. We know that it will not always be possible. However, being consistent is necessary.
3. The Route of Commute
A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health suggests that travelling through natural spaces results in better mental health. On the other hand, another study by Arizona State University suggests that travelling through areas with a lot of fast food or grocery stores results in higher BMI and reduced physical well-being. Therefore, it is better to choose a route of commute that goes through natural spaces.
4. Type of Transportation
As per studies conducted by the University of Waterloo and Dartmouth College, a more active mode of commute leads to better mental and physical health. Therefore, it is important to choose active modes of transportation like walking or cycling.
Also read: Is Remote Working The Future? Detailed Insight
Ways To Make The Most Out of Daily Commutes
Apart from concentrating on the factors mentioned earlier, there are also ways in which you can make the most out of your daily commute:
1. Try To Be Reflective
The study conducted by Dartmouth College suggests that those people who use thier devices during travelling, feel more stressed. Therefore, it is important to leave your devices aside during travelling. In fact, one must take in the experience and listen to songs. It is essential to think about the day ahead. Similarly, you might also reflect on the work you have finished. This will help to make your commute meaningful.
2. Try To Be Productive
One way to make your commutes interesting is to make them productive. Without being passive, engage in something interesting, like reading books, watching podcasts, talking to friends or learning a language. Therefore, it is necessary to feel that your commute time is valuable. Thighs will help you raise the quality of your life.
3. Become Friendly
As per research at the University of Chicago, when people talk to strangers they feel satisfied and happy. Therefore, another way to make the most out of your daily commute is to engage in friendly conversations with strangers.
Conclusion
Therefore, these are a few ways in which you can make your daily commute interesting. These ways will also help you to step into life’s normalcy more effectively in the post-pandemic era.
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