Commuting to work is simply a fact of life. With an average daily commute of 35 minutes, most Americans are spending the equivalent of 19 workdays a year driving to work. That doesn’t mean that the start and end of your day has to be negative. Whether you’re traveling to Washington DC, Baltimore, Montgomery County or somewhere else from your home at Brunswick Crossing, here are some tips for making your morning and afternoon commutes just a little better:
Tortoise and the Hare – Don’t hurry up and change lanes just to wait. Not only is this potentially dangerous, but it also causes you stress in the long run. A slow and steady approach to your morning commute is the way to go. Match your speed with the drivers around you and make sure that there is space between you and the vehicles in front of you. Being an aggressive driver will only serve to raise your blood pressure and endanger your fellow drivers. Everyone is trying to get somewhere, just take your time and “go with the flow,” so to speak.
Listen In – Instead of running through your Spotify Daily Mix playlists why not listen to a podcast? Within the past few years, podcasts have exploded in popularity. Podcasts can be entertaining while being informative. Topics and themes vary from politics to entertainment to hobbies and everything in between. Is life a little too busy for you to sit down with that novel you’ve wanted to read? Try an audiobook on for size. Many books are available in an audio format. Simply check out Audible or Amazon for books by your favorite author. Your local library might even have audiobooks available for download for free. You can listen to a novel, learn a new skill or even a new language! The possibilities are endless.
Breathe Deep – Feeling overwhelmed? Consider trying some simple meditation techniques. According to a Huffington Post article, here are just a few of the benefits of meditation:
- Meditation reduces stress
- Improves concentration
- Encourages a healthy lifestyle
- Increases self-awareness
- Increases happiness
- Increases acceptance
- Slows aging
- Benefits cardiovascular and immune health
If nothing else, deep breathing exercises can help you calm down and get your mind in the right place to start the workday (or prepare yourself for your life at home after the stresses of the day).
Rock Out – Load up your music library with your favorite songs that will cheer you up and get you ready for the workday, or calm you down on your way home. Make a special commuting playlist and switch it out every now and then so you don’t get bored.
Before You Leave – The best way to improve your commute begins before you even walk out the door. Start simple: eat breakfast. Trust us, if you don’t usually eat breakfast you’ll notice a difference right away. Eat before you leave. Eating in the car can be a distraction and makes a mess. Even something as simple as eating a granola bar can start your day on the right foot. Another great tip is to set your alarm a few minutes earlier than usual. By giving yourself a few more minutes to get ready in the morning, there’s less of a chance of being overwhelmed by being late and rushing.
While commuting is a way of life in this area, that doesn’t mean that it needs to be unpleasant. While there’s no helping the attitudes and driving skills of others on the road with you, do your best to make sure that you’re not contributing to the problem. Brunswick Crossing hopes that you have a safe and relaxing commute! Follow these guidelines to get on your way to a better trip to work.
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