Top 10 tips for Commuters or How to Make Your Commute Suck Way Less

If you're lucky, your morning routine might look something like this: Get up on time, squeeze in a quick workout, grab breakfast on the go, and head out—for the long commute ahead.

Longer office hours and pricey inner-city real estate mean people spend more time commuting than ever before. According to the 2009 census, Americans spend just over 25 minutes commuting every day. According to the same census, 86 percent of all workers drive to work, while only 5 percent take public transit, and just over 3 percent walk or bike.

Besides boredom, why is a long commute such a big deal? Studies show a time-consuming commute can have detrimental effects on mental and physical health. But it doesn't have to be that way.

“Women, especially, are prone to the psychological effects of traveling to work (possibly because they often have more household responsibilities).”

Your Action Plan

Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to improve your commute. Here are 16 tips that'll make the daily trek less stressful and more pleasant.

Public Transportation

1. Take the train.

Good news: According to one study, train commuters are less stressed and have better moods than those who drive to work. And, depending on your city, public transportation can often be more reliable than driving—meaning you spend less time commuting. Since commute time is adversely related to overall health and stress levels, that's a good thing.

Use a train commute to prepare your brain for "work mode." Instead of zoning out or mindlessly thumbing through Instagram, use a book or puzzle to warm up for or cool down from a long day at work.

More Commuting Ideas

1. Bike to the office.

Start pedaling: Studies show people who bike to work take fewer sick days than their driving or train-riding peers. If biking isn’t an option, consider cycling to a train or bus station, or meeting a carpool group a few miles from home.

2. Grab a friend.

Spending tons of time alone in the car is not only boring, but it can also cause feelings of isolation and general unhappiness. Instead of commuting alone, find someone to share the drive or ride. People who use public transportation have more frequent and varied social interactions than car commuters. Drivers can reap similar social benefits by setting up a ride share or carpool, which has the added bonus of conserving resources, reducing expenses, and cutting down on the wear and tear of your car.

3. Snack smart.

Unexpected evening traffic jams or delayed trains can quickly turn a great day sour. To prevent a pre-dinner meltdown, get in the habit of keeping a healthy snack (like an apple or a bag of unsalted almonds) on hand.

4. Sit straight.

Yes, we all know sitting for long periods of time is the worst. But if you have to sit during your commute, watch your posture. Sit at the edge of your seat, keep your feet flat on the floor (unless you're driving!), draw your navel up and in, and lift up through the crown of the head. Hold this anatomically friendly position for 20 seconds, then relax and repeat. Stuck standing during a crowded commute? Apply the same guidelines: Stay square through the shoulders, keep spine straight, and avoid leaning on one hip.

5. Listen to soothing music.

It may be tempting to use high-energy music to wake up in the a.m., but up-tempo tunes can actually make a morning commute more stressful: One survey showed that drivers who listened to heavy metal or loud rock were more prone to road rage and collisions. Plugging in classical or similarly relaxing music can make for a safer and calmer trip.

6. Walk whenever you can.

Most commutes involve at least some sitting, so try to walk wherever possible. Hoof it to the train station instead of getting a lift or park the car in the commuter lot in the farthest-away spot. Even taking the stairs to the office instead of the elevator makes a difference.

7. Smell something nicer.

Commuting can be downright stinky. Grab some essential oils and try on-the-go aromatherapy: A drop of lavender or lemon oil can keep anxiety and funky smells at bay. Lemon, lavender, and other plants like basil, oranges, jasmine, and laurel contain linalool, a chemical compound that has a calming effect.