Studies show that longer commutes lead to decreased job satisfaction and increased risk of mental health issues, while shorter commutes have the opposite effect. Yet, despite a year of working from home, our job satisfaction and general mental health have continued to deteriorate.

Is a long commute unhealthy?

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

What commute time is too long?

Commutes longer than 45 minutes are up 12 percent in that time span, and 90-minute one-way commutes are 64 percent more common than in 1990. The longer your commute, the less time you have for family, friends, exercise and nutrition—and it's awful for your mental state.

How long does commute affect health?

One study found that those who commuted for over an hour were 33% more likely to suffer from depression and 21% more likely to be obese than those whose journeys to work took them half an hour or less.

What is the problem with commuting?

Commuters also reported higher psychological stress scores, more health complaints, essentially of psychosomatic nature, and greater absenteeism from work due to sickness. Commuting, in addition to shiftwork, further increases sleep problems, psychosomatic complaints and difficulties with family and social life.

It's not you. Commuting is bad for your health.

28 related questions found

How do you deal with long commutes?

How to handle a long commute

1. Leave for work early.
2. Create a relaxing environment.
3. Be strategic.
4. Try public transportation or carpooling.
5. Pack food and beverages.
6. Limit technology.
7. Determine your job satisfaction.

How does commuting affect well being?

Commuting between home and work is routinely performed by workers and any wellbeing impacts of commuting will consequently affect a large proportion of the population. ... It is found that longer commute times are associated with lower job and leisure time satisfaction, increased strain and poorer mental health.

Should I take a job with a long commute?

A good rule of thumb in deciding if the commute will kill the new job opportunity is to actually do it. You may save this test for a point further along in the hiring process – say, for an interview. Just make sure you do it on a day you would be commuting into the office, around the time you would be traveling.

Can a long commute cause anxiety?

Your Risk of Depression and Anxiety Escalate

It's not just your body that suffers because of that daily commute. In the United Kingdom, the Office of National Statistics reported that long commuters suffer higher levels of stress and anxiety than those with short or no commute.

How commuting is harming your mental health?

'Regularly battling peak hour traffic and travelling long distances to work leads to poorer mental health, stress and an increase in road rage incidents.

Is 1 hour a long commute?

That's because the journey is a little longer than most. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average one-way daily commute for U.S. workers is 25.5 minutes. ... "Total commute time is about one hour and 45 minutes each way – if everything goes exactly right.

How long should your commute?

Most people don't want their commute to be too long or too short. It turns out the scientifically determined ideal commute time averages out to be 16 minutes — not long enough to feel like you're wasting time, but not too short so you can catch up on the news or the latest podcast.

Is commuting to college worth it?

The clearest pro for commuting to college is the money saved. On-campus dorms in the U.S. cost an average of $10,440 for the year — a hefty price if you are also paying high tuition fees. ... Depending on where you live, you will likely be able to find housing within driving distance for much less if you decide to commute.

Does commuting shorten your life?

Turns out long commutes really are bad for your health. Commuting has been linked to higher rates of obesity, stress, and depression. One Swedish study also found that it could shorten your life span.

Can long commuting cause depression?

Longer commutes also contribute to depression. Those with longer commutes are 33% more likely to suffer from depression, 40% more likely to have financial worries, and 12% more likely to report issues due to work-related stress.

Is it better to live closer to work?

A shorter commute

By living closer to work, you could also have more transportation options available. ... Even if you still end up driving to work, a shorter commute will mean using less gas, lower insurance costs, and less wear and tear on your vehicle.

Is driving 3 hours a day bad?

“We know that regularly driving for more than two to three hours a day is bad for your heart. This research suggests it is bad for your brain, too, perhaps because your mind is less active in those hours," said Kishan Bakrania, a PhD student at the university's Department of Health Sciences.

Is driving a lot unhealthy?

Driving is stressful. Study after study links stress to cancer, heart disease, and a lot of other scary health issues. And researchers have found driving is one of the most stressful activities people do on a daily basis. "Driving-related stress could explain some of the mental health risks we observed," Ding adds.

Is driving all day bad for you?

The health risks of long distance driving

Air pollution, lack of physical activity and driving fatigue can all lead to oxygen deficiency which can cause dizziness, fatigue and headaches. That means organs like your lungs, heart and brain aren't getting the necessary amount of oxygen to function at peak performance.

Why is commuting to work bad?

Studies show that longer commutes lead to decreased job satisfaction and increased risk of mental health issues, while shorter commutes have the opposite effect. Yet, despite a year of working from home, our job satisfaction and general mental health have continued to deteriorate.

Is a higher salary worth a longer commute?

If the job is truly a dream job and you get paid more, you might be more willing to sit in traffic every day. In a survey conducted by the Conference Board, nearly 51% of respondents reported job satisfaction. If taking this new job will set you firmly in the 51%, it could be worth a longer commute.

What are the benefits of commuting?

Top reasons to offer commuter benefits:

• Employees save on commuting costs while employers save on payroll taxes.
• Attract, retain and engage employees.
• Create a happier, less stressed and productive work environment.
• Easy, hassle-free sign up leaves more time for other important tasks.

Does commuting make you tired?

It's no secret researchers believe people who are working long hours and commuting longer distances are too tired to exercise. The stress is causing problems with their sleep.

How long is the average commute to work?

In 2019, the average one-way commute in the United States increased to a new high of 27.6 minutes. In 2006, the average travel time for the nation was 25.0 minutes. The increase of about 2.6 minutes between 2006 and 2019 represents an increase of about 10% over 14 years.

How can I make my long commute enjoyable?

12 Long Commute to Work Tips: How to be Productive

1. Turn on the Tunes. The psychological benefits of a good playlist are vast. ...
2. Make a Mental Checklist. ...
3. Stay Present. ...
4. Listen to Audio Books. ...
5. Put on a Podcast. ...
6. Connect with a Phone Call. ...
7. Prepare for Your Day. ...
8. Meditate.