What are the mental effects of commuting?

You may not feel like socializing. Another recent study found that those with a commute of more than 90 minutes are far less likely to make trips for social purposes, such as to visit friends and relatives, play sports or go out to a movie. This, in turn, can lead to loneliness and depression.



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Research has linked long commutes to a host of negative health impacts, from increased stress and poorer cardiovascular health to greater pollution exposure. Here, learn how your commute can negatively impact your health, and the simple measures you can take to offset the detrimental effects.

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Commuting also has significant psychological and social costs. It can be a major cause of stress, due to its unpredictability and a sense of loss of control. Commuters can experience boredom, social isolation, anger, and frustration from problems like traffic or delays.

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The dreaded commute to work could be good for your mental health, according to a recent study. Researchers at Wayne State and Rutgers University found that commuting creates a so-called liminal space that allows your brain to switch off and recharge.

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Tips to Help You Survive Your Long Commute
  1. Leave 15 minutes earlier. ...
  2. Be strategic. ...
  3. Take control of your environment. ...
  4. Pack snacks. ...
  5. Leave your car at home (if you can) ...
  6. Minimize screen-staring. ...
  7. Keep a regular schedule.


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The U.S. Census Bureau defines extreme commuters as workers who travel 90 minutes or more each way to work.

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Newman said previous studies had shown that commuting affected physical health, with those travelling a long distance less likely to take exercise or eat home-cooked meals, and more likely to suffer from insomnia and joint pain.

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People who commute 90 minutes or more are more likely to have back and neck pain, and long commute times also up your blood pressure and anxiety levels. Then there's also the time suck of it all.

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Commuting from home to work should be less than 50 miles and within 30 minutes, and the surrounding area of your workplace should be within 50 miles of your home. It is ideal for commuters to take at least 5 minutes to commute to work, and the one-way commute should take more than 16 minutes.

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Determine your job satisfaction.
  1. Leave for work early. Leaving home and getting on the road earlier than usual can help relieve a great deal of stress. ...
  2. Create a comforting environment. ...
  3. Be strategic. ...
  4. Try public transportation or carpooling. ...
  5. Pack food and beverages. ...
  6. Limit technology. ...
  7. Determine your job satisfaction.


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Leave 15 minutes earlier Spending your entire commute worried about whether you're going to be late will leave you exhausted before you even walk into the office.

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The average American commute time to and from work is 55 minutes. Given that Americans spend an average of 27.6 minutes traveling one way, that means it takes nearly an hour for them to commute both ways each day.

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Research has linked long commutes to a host of negative health impacts, from increased stress and poorer cardiovascular health to greater pollution exposure.

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