HealthyLife Articles

Tag: commute

  • Make The Most Of Your Commute

    WORK LIFE

    Image of man on phone while waiting at the subway.

    A commute is just a part of life for many working people. But whether you spend that time on a bus, train, or in a car, your commute doesn’t have to be a low point in your day. Instead, use that time to make your day better! Try these tips:

    *Practice relaxation.If you’re not driving, try doing some meditation or guided imagery. You can purchase scripts and songs for your phone or other device to listen to.

    *Stay cool while driving.If you’re driving, listen to peaceful music and focus on slow, deep breaths. Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. This can help relieve “road rage” while you focus on driving.

    *Wait for work time.Don’t check email or do other work tasks before you’ve arrived at work. Instead, stay “unplugged” for a more relaxing start to your day. This is especially important if you’re driving!

    *Exercise your brain.An audiobook or podcast can help you feel productive during this down time. Some mobile phone apps and podcasts can even help you learn a new language.

    Commuter-friendly snacks

    If you’re starving by the time you walk through the door each night, you can end up overeating or reaching for the first bag of chips you see. Hold off your hunger by packing a snack for your ride home:

    *  An ounce of nuts, such as almonds, cashews, or walnuts

    *  A cup of fresh berries and a piece of string cheese

    *  Baby carrots or celery with hummus

    *  Plenty of water to stay hydrated, fight fatigue, and curb hunger

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Ride Your Bike To Work

    BE FIT

    Image of young man in a business suit with a bike and helmet on.

    Think of the money you’ll save on gas, train fare, and parking. If you live within 10 miles of your work, find solutions to overcome these popular excuses:

    *Not safe:Use less congested roads if rush-hour traffic clogs the main streets.

    *Have to dress nicely at work:Drive to work one day each week and leave a week’s worth of clean clothes.

    *No place to shower:To clean up, use a deodorant soap and washcloth in the restroom.

    *No secure place to park my bike:Check for a storage closet or furnace room, or stash your bike with a friend who lives nearby or at a bike shop.

    *I’d have to ride in the dark:Wear light-colored, reflective clothing, attach lights and reflectors and use a route that’s lit by streetlights.

    *Hate riding in cold and rainy weather:If it’s pouring or sleeting, leave the bike at home.

    *Too far:Drive part way and cycle the rest. Look for a park-and-ride commuter lot.

    Source: Bicycling magazine’s 1,000 All-Time Best Tips

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine