Healthy Mind

How to keep your morning commute calm

Start your workday feeling calm, energised and prepared

11 September 2023 5 minute read

You girl with long dark hair and white t-shirt wearing headphones and holding her mobile smiling whilst standing in a bus

Half of all workers report feeling stressed by their morning commute, opens in a new tab. No matter how you get to the office, you deserve to start your workday feeling calm, energised and prepared. Here’s how to switch those morning moments from slog to serenity.

Why are commutes so stressful?

Research, opens in a new tab tells us that there are several key reasons many of us find our morning commute a bit of an ordeal.

Overcrowded public transport, lengthy delays and unexpected cancellations can cause symptoms of anxiety and trigger a cortisol spike which makes us feel stressed. Physical and emotional symptoms include sweating, irritability and feelings of panic which, over time and if constant, can cause health issues. Extended journeys can also mean you’re late for work – another stress-inducing factor.

How can I make my commute less stressful?

There are some practical ways to ease the symptoms related to a stressful morning commute.

Speak with your team about flexible working hours. If you can remove the need to travel at peak times when there are more likely to be issues your commute will be less fraught.
Investigate alternative methods. Consider carpooling, cycling or walking part way so you’re less reliant on stressful options.
Schedule a call with a loved one. Using your commute to connect with a friend or family member will incite some feel-good emotions while distracting you from the journey itself.
Download a funny podcast or tune into a meditation app. Giving your mind something else to focus on will help keep feelings of anxiety at bay.
Clear your Inbox. Using the time to do mundane but essential tasks will lighten your load once you get to work and give your commute a feeling of purpose.
Start a project. If you’ve been wanting to learn a new language or skill up on a new software, allocate your commute time to your studies.
Do your life admin. From booking a gutter clean, buying a birthday present or scheduling a dinner with friends, use your commute to reduce your To Do list.
Exercise. Walking or cycling to work won’t only mean you aren’t impacted by traffic or transport delays, it will tick off your daily exercise and fire up some endorphins to set you up for a positive day.

Why a working from home (WFH) commute is important

While there are myriad benefits from WFH, one downside might be that you don’t take the time to prepare for your day, mentally or physically. Research, opens in a new tab suggests that a commute offers us structure, initiation and closure of the workday, and a type of ritual we need to feel part of a connected community.

If you’re working from home, taking the time to do even a short walk between getting ready and actually sitting down for your first meeting or work call can improve physical and mental health.