adjusting to long commute
Positive PsychologyPreventive Health

Surviving a Long Commute: 8 Ideas to Help You Nail it and Stay Relaxed

Long commutes are inevitable! They are the most draining part of our daily routines. Especially when you are pinned in a metro city like Bangalore.

Stuck in the traffic, waiting in the long lanes, most people spend 2 to 3 hours every day on the road! 

Long commuting not just add to the exhaustion of their daily grind, but it can even lead to several serious issues!!!

But then, is there an alternative? Buying or renting a house next to your office is not much of a feasible or practical idea!!!

Read on to discover how blending in can make a world of difference…

Long commute: A recent anecdote

A few months back a young techie knocked the doors of my clinic. But it was his unspoken yet so common problem that made me put the pen down. 

This young man moved to the electronic city to carve his career. The tune hummed by many hearts in this beautiful pot of mixed culture.

On a normal day, his daily commuting comprised of 3 hours. For the first six months, it was his zest for the new job that made him see everything with a frenzy frame.

But soon this excitement fizzed out!

He got bored with the long commute. Some days, he slept on the company bus. Other days he tried to read or listen to music. He even gazed blankly through the window for hours. But everything he did consumed him with boredom.

At 25, his life got cocooned in an envelope. His personality got tainted with shades of boredom. All his conversations revolved around the topic of ‘long commute’

Working like a machine, tolling like a slave, living like a prisoner, he looked at the mirror with guilt and regret. He often stirred his hollow soul and echoed haunting thoughts!

He would nag his boss asking for ways to adapt to the city culture. Fortunately, his boss was a good man who understood the mental tides of these young men!

His boss suggested to him to see me. He said, “You should go and consult this Ayurvedic doctor. He treated my anxiety issues very efficiently. You must meet him. ”

Also Read: How to survive isolation in the time of coronavirus?

Long commute: Common problem, unusual complaint

Issues of a long commute are common to many men. This young men’s story is similar to many professionals straining in the traffic. 

Many people struggle with the problems of their long commute without seeking help!!!

And visiting a doctor’s clinic to communicate commuting issues is probably the last thing one could think. 

After all, medicines can’t shorten the commute time.

Well, in reality, it’s not the commute that you need help with. 

A helpful hand and mindful counselling help you to rethink life in a bigger frame. It helps you adapt better. It helps you to take things in the right stride!

People with longer commutes have higher blood pressure, bigger waistlines, and larger chances of diseases. So, knowing the medical complications associated with long commute helps to take proper preventives.

Also Read: Coping with Boredom

8 superb ideas to survive a long commute

After listening to the complaints of these young men, I shared a few simple tips that have made commuting a less tedious task for many!

1. Make your way with Meditation

Life is all about finding time to do what you love to do! While nagging in the traffic is one way to cross the commute. Sitting in the calm and meditating is another way to do it! 

If the noise disturbs you then put your headphones on, Let all your thoughts, worries, stress and tiredness evaporate. And energy and vigour make away in your body.

Meditation also bestows ample of other benefits. From mental stability to physical immunity. Meditation helps in restoring the balance. So, the best way to survive a long commute is meditation.

2. Sneak a nap

There is no better way to fight fatigue than a relaxing nap. Shut the mindless thoughts humming in your brain and give it the rest it deserves. Taking a nap relaxes your eyes. It rejuvenates your brain. 

Also read: Do you know about the amazing Coffee Nap?

Most people stick to their mobile on commutes. But mobile phone has serious health implications.

It engages your brain, eyes and hands. Constant staring spikes your stress. Increases your fatigue. It can also cause complications like Text Neck, eye issues etc.

3. Direct your thoughts

You are what you think!

But how often have you seen people thinking really hard about their life? Not the frivolous thoughts of daily life.

But thinking about the future, about a better life, about a plan or about their course of action!

Most people live their life on autopilot mode! They don’t think. Neither do they dream. They don’t direct. That’s why they stay stuck in the same cubicle all their life!

4. Talk to your friend or family

Do you feel detached with your old friends and distant family? The commuting is that time to bond back. Call your old pals and cousins, aunts and uncles. Relive your old memories and make plans to create new ones.

5. Take time for ted talks 

This tip to survive a long commute is all things inspiring.

We all need a little dose of inspiration to get through the tough day.

And what’s better than one episode of Ted Talk? It stirs your thoughts. Inspires your ideas. Gives you hope. And most importantly it shows how the extra-ordinary arises from the ordinary.

Choose an episode once in a while and watch it to lighten your mood. If watching the screen strains your mind then you can tune in the audiobook version!

6. Listen to three songs of one singer

Music is the best remedy to stress!

But don’t turn your radio on. Take out time to cue up a playlist of classical songs.

Tune in three songs for your daily dose of refreshment.

Create your song list with three songs from the same singer. Make sure to pick a different singer every day!

Music is meditative.

Try to choose classical or soothing music to have inspiring and positive lyrics.

Research shows that classical and pop music fans are more relaxed. Studies have proven that relaxing music can help to decrease anxiety. 

7. Open your mind to Motivational Speakers

Words can make or break a person!

So, make sure you listen to the right words.

Open your mind by listening to a motivational speaker. It helps you to stay positive even in the most stressed situation.

Listen to the leaders, the guides or gurus.

They will really help you grow professionally and personally. Their experience, thoughts and ideas are valuable lessons that will help you grow!

8. Take down your to-do list

Sitting idle in the traffic makes the mind more anxious. So, use this time more effectively and productively.

Do things that you can do even while you are travelling. 

Make your to-do list for the next day. Set your schedule.

Adjust some time for recreation and refreshment.

Planning your day ahead saves you ample of time that otherwise seeps away.

This is a productive pass time that will help you survive a long commute!

Bonus

9. Comedy is an ultimate remedy

If you are comfortable with watching videos during commute then tune to a great comedy video.

It lightens your mood and makes you smile. 

But make sure the video is funny but short. You don’t want to strain your eyes and get a headache.

10. Nail your networking skills

The best thing about travelling in public transport is the public!

Talk to the people present there.

Engage in positive and productive conversations.

It not just makes your networking strong but also opens your mind to illustrious ideas.

This is the best way to survive a long commute if you are an extrovert. For introverts, you can either snooze to your world of dreams. Or you may try to develop people’s skill!

Conclusion: Long commutes

Don’t let your circumstances decide what kind of person you are. Know your worth and change your circumstances!

This young man came back to me 4 months later.

And he is a completely changed person. His face exhales a breadth of calmness and positivity. 

He thanked me and said that he is more confident now. This new guy is well informed. He has honed many skills. And after mastering the art survive a long commute, commuting is like a blessing to him!

Related posts

The Health Benefits of Talking to People: A Doctor’s Perspective

Dr. Brahmanand Nayak

You should never neglect your emotional immunity

Dr. Brahmanand Nayak

Introducing the “Weekend Couple”: The New Urban Relationship Status and How to Make it Work

Dr. Brahmanand Nayak

56 comments

Satvik March 11, 2020 at 8:33 am

Nice article. I could relate to this so much. Travel so frustrating. Bangalore is such a nice place, I wish Metro construction rate speeds up. That would be the real stress buster.

Reply
How to make 'Work From Home' work? Ayurvedic doctor's recommendations - Dr. Brahmanand Nayak November 23, 2021 at 6:15 pm

[…] ‘Work from home’ always seemed like a dream, that’s too good to be true. No commute. Flexible timing. No restrictions. Home-cooked food. Working in pyjamas and handling a few […]

Reply
Kathrin November 24, 2021 at 5:28 am

Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday.
It’s always interesting to read through content from other writers and practice something from other web sites.

Reply
Elois November 24, 2021 at 4:18 pm

If some one wishes to be updated with most recent technologies after that hemust be pay a visit this webpage and be up to date daily.

Reply
Ayurvedic doctor on coronavirus: It’s not a joke! - Dr. Brahmanand Nayak November 24, 2021 at 5:55 pm

[…] People commute in metros and local trains, buses and carpools.  […]

Reply
Leanna November 24, 2021 at 8:45 pm

Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this
website before but after browsing through some of the post I
realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll
be bookmarking and checking back frequently!

Reply
German November 25, 2021 at 12:52 am

Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you,
However I am experiencing troubles with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I can’t subscribe to it.
Is there anybody else getting identical RSS problems?

Anybody who knows the solution can you kindly respond?
Thanks!!

Reply
Ezekiel November 25, 2021 at 1:37 am

I enjoy what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting!Keep up the terrific works guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll.

Reply
Valentin November 25, 2021 at 4:24 pm

Magnificent website. A lot of helpful information here.

I’m sending it to some buddies ans also sharing in delicious.
And naturally, thank you for your sweat!

Reply
Gidget November 26, 2021 at 2:57 am

Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this post plus the rest of the site is really good.

Reply
Jeffery November 26, 2021 at 3:14 am

I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!

Reply
Blaine November 26, 2021 at 5:09 pm

As the admin of this website is working, no doubt very soon it will
be renowned, due to its feature contents.

Reply
Rich November 26, 2021 at 11:40 pm

Definitely imagine that that you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be at the internet the simplest factor to be mindful
of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed even as other people consider worries that they just
do not realize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and also defined out the entire thing with no
need side-effects , other people can take a signal. Will probably be again to get
more. Thanks

Reply
Leesa November 26, 2021 at 11:48 pm

My brother suggested I might like this web site. He was entirely right.
This post actually made my day. You can not imagine just how much
time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

Reply
Kasie November 27, 2021 at 12:00 am

Magnificent site. Lots of helpful information here. I’m sendingit to some pals ans also sharing in delicious. Andobviously, thank you in your effort!

Reply
Silke November 27, 2021 at 4:43 am

It’s an amazing post in favor of all the internet users; they will
take advantage from it I am sure.

Reply
Rowena November 27, 2021 at 6:08 am

WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching for website

Reply
Mitchell November 27, 2021 at 3:08 pm

Excellent article. Keep posting such kind of info on your page.
Im really impressed by your site.
Hello there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I will definitely digg it and for my part recommend to my friends.
I’m sure they will be benefited from this website.

Reply
Victor November 28, 2021 at 12:52 am

Hello very cool web site!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb ..
I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds also? I am glad
to search out numerous useful info right here
within the publish, we need develop more techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing.

. . . . .

Reply
Beth November 28, 2021 at 12:59 am

Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you, However I am encountering issues with your RSS.
I don’t understand why I am unable to join it. Is there anybody getting similar RSS issues?
Anybody who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanx!!

Reply
Solomon November 28, 2021 at 2:15 am

Some truly nice and useful information on this internet site, too I believe the design contains great features.

Reply
Bell November 28, 2021 at 3:53 pm

Right here is the perfect webpage for everyone who wishes
to understand this topic. You realize so much its almost
hard to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa).

You definitely put a new spin on a topic that’s
been discussed for many years. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!

Reply
Carina November 29, 2021 at 1:49 am

Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my
newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking
for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping
maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
Please let me know if you run into anything.
I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

Reply
Xiomara November 29, 2021 at 2:07 am

I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good.I don’t know who you are but certainly you’re goingto a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!

Reply
Rita November 29, 2021 at 6:12 am

I do not know if it’s just me or if everybody else experiencing issues
with your blog. It seems like some of the text within your posts are running off the screen. Can somebody else please comment and let
me know if this is happening to them too? This could be a problem with my
internet browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
Thanks

Reply
Brent Prendes November 29, 2021 at 2:18 pm

http://vgutopia.com/nielsen-report-digital-distribution-and-streaming-entertainment-on-the-rise-in-american-gaming-market/

Reply
Britt November 29, 2021 at 7:56 pm

This article will help the internet viewers for building up new webpage
or even a weblog from start to end.

Reply
Kandis November 29, 2021 at 8:02 pm

It’s very simple to find out any topic on web as compared to books,
as I found this paragraph at this website.

Reply
Lavonia November 29, 2021 at 8:26 pm

Hi it’s me, I am also visiting this web page on a regular basis, this website is genuinely fastidious and theusers are truly sharing fastidious thoughts.

Reply
Wilma Fanny November 29, 2021 at 10:35 pm

http://ceoprotegemagazine.com/2012/03/19/you-need-a-mentor/

Reply
Emmitt Dejean November 30, 2021 at 2:57 pm

https://www.lgcypower.com/lgcy-gives-back/

Reply
Arlene November 30, 2021 at 4:18 pm

Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it,
you may be a great author. I will remember to
bookmark your blog and will come back in the foreseeable future.
I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great
posts, have a nice morning!

Reply
Brook November 30, 2021 at 4:56 pm

Thanks for another great article. The place else could anybody get thattype of information in such a perfect means of writing?I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m at the look for such info.

Reply
Chanelle Chambley November 30, 2021 at 10:26 pm

http://famousfoodinchina.com/china-on-table-manners/

Reply
Tresa Guitano December 1, 2021 at 8:47 am

http://www.designproo.com/pressionada-pelo-bing-google-e-lider-e-paranoica/

Reply
Johana Trevillion December 1, 2021 at 1:01 pm

http://www.camericalcio.it/2020/10/02/programma-gare-del-03-05-10/

Reply
Clement Rossbach December 2, 2021 at 5:29 am

http://f1.mypersonal-training.com/2012/04/05/formula_1_austin_texas_construction_site_4/

Reply
Omar Shortridge December 5, 2021 at 12:31 pm

https://ruangonline.com/2021/08/18/tb-ace-hasan-syadili-dunia-pendidikan-tak-boleh-berhenti-sekalipun-pandemi/

Reply
john weak December 9, 2021 at 6:04 am

Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author.I will always bookmark your blog and may come back at some point.I want to encourage you continue your great posts,have a nice weekend!

Reply
Dr. Brahmanand Nayak December 9, 2021 at 3:48 pm

thank you

Reply
Leandro Deleeuw December 10, 2021 at 2:31 pm

http://www.madamanu.bluepink.ro/?p=454

Reply
Roland Geiken December 11, 2021 at 4:45 am

http://antiaging8.com/userreports/about-c-norman-shealy-m-d/

Reply
Lindsey Walcott December 12, 2021 at 8:20 am

http://www.abomag.com/sq/yvesraben/la-wii-ne-finira-jamais-de-vous-etonner/comment-page-1/

Reply
Norris Foradori December 12, 2021 at 2:10 pm

http://www.affordableelkhunts.com/publisher/Hunting-News/2011/3/10/Batting-Cage-Bucks

Reply
Issac Knouse December 13, 2021 at 9:54 am

http://anastasiachopelas.com/vitae/

Reply
Phillis Edem December 13, 2021 at 12:57 pm

http://blog.networkingactivo.com/2007/10/15/82C2AA-edicion-de-thursday-internet/

Reply
Delmer Speagle December 16, 2021 at 12:52 pm

http://www.cooltvworld.com/india/discovery-channel.html

Reply
Bradly Bruffee December 16, 2021 at 11:36 pm

http://www.camerahiend.com/eforcity-audio-stereo-cable-for-all-ipod.html

Reply
Stacy Laplaunt December 17, 2021 at 2:14 pm

http://acne.mens-health-update.com/2012/03/16/how-to-cover-acne-scars-and-hyperpigmentation/

Reply
Blaine Brinck December 22, 2021 at 7:43 am

https://shandeeland.com/episode-11-robyn-moore/

Reply
Hunter Brockington December 24, 2021 at 9:39 am

http://metamorphosisbytracyanderson.com/the-tracy-anderson-method-presents-post-pregnancy-workout-dvd

Reply
Ginger Giardina December 24, 2021 at 11:53 pm

http://quick-tutoriel.com/astuce-191-restaurer-la-commande-executer-dans-windows-7

Reply
Daniela Reifsnider December 26, 2021 at 2:51 pm

http://blog.robertkania.com/2010/01/04/links-for-2010-01-04/comment-page-2/

Reply
Teofila Zebrowski December 28, 2021 at 1:08 am

http://anunturi.smartbride.ro/ads/cotroceni-hall/

Reply
Penni Kurtzer December 29, 2021 at 7:52 am

https://yournever2old.com/protein-in-rabbit-food/

Reply
Shirely Stubbe December 29, 2021 at 1:41 pm

http://www.hellboy.ro/topul-celor-mai-populare-branduri-romanesti-pe-facebook/

Reply

Leave a Comment


You cannot copy content of this page