Long Commute Getting You Down? Here are Some Tips for a Better Drive to Work

The average GTA commute is 32.8 minutes, meaning that Torontonians drive longer and farther to get to work than in any other Canadian city. These vehicle commuting times are just shy of New York’s 34.7 minutes of seemingly wasted time driving to work. Even getting behind the wheel of a top of the line luxury vehicle can’t fully hide the reality that commuting takes a toll on your schedule, stress and health. Especially because many commuters are coming into Toronto from as far away as Oshawa, Burlington and even Barrie, driving long distances to get to work is a way of life for us here in the Greater Toronto Area.

There are a few things that can be done to make your daily driving time a little less of a drain: 

Music

New cars are often outfitted with jaw-droppingly good sound systems, so why not take advantage of the clean treble and resounding bass with your favourite beats? Studies have shown that those who listened to talk radio in their car arrive at work more stressed than those who listened to music on their drive. Classical music is well-documented to be what works the best.

A Well-Maintained Car

Is there an annoying speck on your windshield that needs attending to? Not sure what that rattling noise is? Your car doesn’t have to be the most luxurious vehicle on the highway, but keeping it in top shape is one significant way to reduce commuter stress. The last thing you want is to be driving in traffic worried about the condition of your car, or being distracted by annoying sounds.

Peak Driving Times

There’s nothing worse than sitting in your vehicle at a complete stand-still in Toronto’s notorious gridlock. Can you change your working hours slightly to reduce being on the road when everyone else is? A little bit of re-scheduling can lessen the hours you spend in your car.

Vary Your Route

Is there more than one way to get to work? Including a bit of variety can provide for more visual engagement, reducing stress levels. This doesn’t have to mean weaving through back roads, but try to switch it up every once and a while.

Complete Phone Chores

Do you have a few tedious or long calls that need to be made? Invest in a hands-free phone system for your car and kill two birds with one stone. Arrive at work having already accomplished a few items on your to-do list.

The next time you step into your car, keep these tips in mind for a bit more peace at the beginning and end of each day.