Minimizing Commuting Stress

Minimizing Commuting Stress

However it is done, commuting can be a source of unpleasant stress.

If we commute by car, then we can experience stress from congestion, physical discomfort, air pollution and noise.

Of these, congestion is often the most intense source of frustration: While our goal is to get to our destination as quickly as possible, congestion directly prevents us from achieving this. Plenty of studies have tracked the direct physiological effect of traffic congestion in raising blood pressure and releasing stress hormones into the body.

On the other hand, commuting by public transport has its own set of stresses. These mainly involve the stresses of lack of control over our environment, overcrowding and violation of personal space. Noise, delay and unwelcome interaction with other travelers can add to the frustration of using public transport.

Don't underestimate the significance of overcrowding as a source of stress: As with congestion (a form of crowding), it becomes a problem when it interferes with our ability to achieve our goals. This is often the case when we need to get somewhere quickly. Crowding also forces us into closer contact with strangers than we would often like, triggering all of the social taboos associated with unwanted physical contact and invasion of personal space. Again, many studies have confirmed the direct effect of crowding on the release of stress hormones into our bodies (fortunately, it is something we can get used to with time).

Whatever we do, commuting is likely to remain a source of stress. Despite this, there is a lot we can do to improve the situation - depending on whether we commute by car or by public transport, we can make things better by:

Leaving earlier for work so we beat the rush

Checking on a map to see if there is a better way around regular congestion spots

Making sure that we adjust the controls of our car so that our driving position is as comfortable as possible

When using public transport, reading or distracting ourselves in some other way

Playing calming music when frustrated

Using relaxation techniques to manage stress when we experience it.

Using the positive thinking skills to think about the commute in a more positive way.

The stresses of public transport are more difficult to manage than car commutes because we have less control over our situation. A long-term solution may be to move further towards the start or end of a commuting route (at the start of a commuting route, crowding is usually less intense and people have more freedom to arrange themselves and their possessions before things get busy).

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Imagery & Relaxation Techniques

Imagery - Mental Stress Management Relaxation Techniques from Mind Tools

Introduction:

Imagery is a potent method of stress reduction, especially when combined with physical relaxation methods such as deep breathing. You will be aware of how particular environments can be very relaxing, while others can be intensely stressful. The idea behind the use of imagery in stress reduction is that you use your imagination to recreate and enjoy a situation that is very relaxing. The more intensely you imagine the situation, the more relaxing the experience will be.

This sounds unlikely. In fact, the effectiveness of imagery can be shown very effectively if you have access to the biofeedback equipment we discussed in the introduction to this section. By imagining a pleasant scene (which reduces stress) you can actually see or hear the stress in your body reduce. By imagining an unpleasant and stressful situation, you can see the stress in your body increase. This very real effect can be quite alarming when you see it happen the first time!

Using the Tool:

Imagery in RelaxationOne common use of relaxation imagery is to imagine a scene, place or event that you remember as safe, peaceful, restful, beautiful and happy. You can bring all your senses into the image with, for example, sounds of running water and birds, the smell of cut grass, the taste of cool white wine, the warmth of the sun, and so on. Use the imagined place as a retreat from stress and pressure. Scenes can involve complex images such as lying on a beach in a deserted cove. You may “see” cliffs, sea and sand around you, “hear” the waves crashing against rocks, “smell” the salt in the air, and “feel” the warmth of the sun and a gentle breeze on your body. Other images might include looking at a mountain view, swimming in a tropical pool, or whatever you want. You will be able to come up with the most effective images for yourself. Other uses of imagery in relaxation involve creating mental pictures of stress flowing out of your body, or of stress, distractions and everyday concerns being folded away and locked into a padlocked chest.
Imagery in Preparation and RehearsalYou can also use imagery in rehearsal before a big event, allowing you to prepare for the event in your mind.

Aside from allowing you to rehearse mentally, imagery also allows you to practice in advance for anything unusual that might occur, so that you are prepared and already practiced in handling it. This is a technique used very commonly by top sports people, who learn good performance habits by repeatedly rehearsing performances in their imagination. When the unusual eventualities they have rehearsed using imagery occur, they have good, pre-prepared, habitual responses to them.

Imagery also allows you to pre-experience achievement of your goals, helping to give you self-confidence. This is another technique used by successful athletes.

Summary:

With imagery, you substitute actual experience with scenes from your imagination. Your body reacts to these imagined scenes almost as if they were real.To relax with imagery, imagine a warm, comfortable, safe and pleasant place, and enjoy it in your imagination.Imagery can be shown to work by using biofeedback devices that measure body stress. By imagining pleasant and unpleasant scenes, you can actually see or hear the changing levels of stress in your body change.