With the vaccine rollout well underway and pandemic lockdowns beginning to ease, many of us are finally starting to return to a more normal daily routine. Of course, this is great news, and many people are eager to get back to the office and see their colleagues in person rather than through a laptop screen. However, one aspect of normal work life that you might not be so keen to get back to is your commute.
Anyone who commutes by car will know all too well how stressful the experience can be. From traffic jams and mechanical problems to angry motorists and difficulties parking, the list of woes can seem endless at times. Unfortunately, we don’t all have the option to switch to public transport, walking or cycling, but thankfully there are some steps you can take to make your daily drive more pleasant. So here are our top tips.
Make your car a pleasant place to be
If you have a long drive, you want to make sure that your vehicle is a comfortable and pleasant environment in which to spend your time. Firstly, deal with any issues that have been irritating you. For example, if the driver’s seat is uncomfortable, try a cushion or seat cover. Don’t have anywhere convenient to put your cellphone? Get a holder for it. Use an air freshener to keep the interior smelling pleasant, too – as an added bonus, pick a relaxing scent like lavender to help you destress at the same time.
The same goes for the exterior of your car. If you don’t like the color of your vehicle, change the paintwork. Want to stamp some personality on it? Try putting a sticker in the rear windshield, or get yourself a personalized number plate. Anything that will bring a smile to your face when it’s time to get behind the wheel!
Use your commuting time wisely
What you do during your commute can make all the difference to how it makes you feel. If you commute alone, try using the time to listen to podcasts or audiobooks or even learn a new language. Not only will this make the journey more enjoyable and go by more quickly, it will also keep your brain active. Another top tip is to simply blast your favorite music and sing along like no one is listening! This is a surefire way to make yourself feel happier and healthier.
Alternatively, see if you can find someone to carpool with. That way, you can make commuting more sociable and share the actual task of driving with someone else. Plus, it takes an extra car off the road, reducing both traffic and carbon emissions. If you find that driving plays havoc with your back or you get stiffness in your neck, try to make stretching a part of your daily routine. It shouldn’t take too long for you to notice a difference. Lastly, timing is everything. Try to leave a little early to beat the traffic – your blood pressure will thank you for it!
Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.
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