Why might driving to work increase injury risk?

Regardless of how much you like your job, you must continually dedicate your best efforts to completing projects and proving your value to your employer. That process typically begins with arriving on time, ready to focus on the company’s needs.

If you work from home, you may struggle with self-motivation. Yet, if you commute, it’s possible that your drive to and from work could be both physically and emotionally detrimental.

Road construction often creates traffic delays during the summer months. Meanwhile, unpredictable snowfall can easily double commute times during the winter. No matter the weather conditions, you must respond to countless motorists around you during rush hour traffic. So, how can you share the road safely when you’re in a hurry?

Three ways to make your commute less stressful

Matters outside of your control, such as a crash ahead, mechanical failure or medical emergency, might make you clock in a few minutes late or miss an appointment. Yet, if the fear of getting yelled at by your boss creates anxiety, you’re not alone.

Being stuck in traffic can create frustration, anger and boredom, in addition to raising blood pressure and potential negativity about others. However, the aggressive driving that often results may be unsafe.

Without changing jobs, reducing the length of your drive time is unlikely. However, some of the ways you can approach your commute include:

• Prepare the night before. Making lunches, choosing your outfit and packing your work bag in the evening can help you get out the door faster in the morning. You will also probably have a more positive mindset as you start the day.
• Go to bed. It’s natural to want some time to decompress when you return home at night. However, getting adequate sleep could equip you to manage stressful situations in a healthier manner.
• Leave home earlier. Although it might seem contradictory to getting more sleep, making slight changes to your evening routine is a good way to get on the road a few minutes sooner each morning. Although you can’t control traffic, allowing yourself a little extra time could reduce the likely tension of handling the distracted or aggressive drivers you encounter along the way.

Once you recognize the ways you can make your commute a more positive experience, you may see improvements in your attitude and productivity at work. However, if another driver’s negligence or recklessness injures you, you might want to temporarily shift your focus to holding them accountable.