Commuting is part of daily life for millions of people in the UK, but have you ever thought about how much it affects you? The long hours spent in traffic or on crowded trains might seem like a normal part of your routine, but they could be taking a toll on your health in ways you don’t always notice. Here’s how it happens and what you can do to manage it.

Why can the daily grind affect your health?

We navigate crowded spaces, deal with delays, and face traffic stress every day. All this can lead to rising anxiety levels, sleep disturbances, and constant fatigue. The stress from unpredictable situations, like getting stuck or waiting for the next bus, adds up over time, which makes it unsurprising that it can start to affect your health. If you’ve ever felt your heart race or your mood shift from frustration after a long way to or from work, you know exactly what we mean.

Long commutes can lead to burnout; The added pressure of constantly being on the move makes it harder to unwind after work. It’s the very unpredictability of it – traffic jams, delays, or overcrowded buses – that makes it so draining. You can never fully prepare for it, which creates a sense of helplessness.

How does it affect your body?

Our bodies aren’t built to stay still for long periods and sitting for hours – whether stuck in traffic or on a train – puts stress on your muscles and joints. Over time, this can cause back pain, neck stiffness, and poor posture. It doesn’t help that the daily travel often means little to no physical activity. Long hours sitting in one position can contribute to conditions like obesity, heart disease, or even deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

When it keeps you from exercising, you lose out on a vital way to counteract these physical strains. But getting out for even a short walk during the day can help break up the monotony of sitting and prevent some of these health risks.

What is the impact on your mental health?

The potential mental strain is just as serious as the physical toll. Being late, dealing with unpredictable delays, and sharing cramped spaces with other people around you can quickly build up.

With crowded roads and tensions high, accidents might happen more frequently – creating a ripple effect that takes up even more time and energy. Dealing with the immediate stress, filing for a claim, dealing with insurance – things can leave you feeling overwhelmed.

A pre-pandemics survey shows that 43% of workers in the UK feel that long commutes lead to significant mental health strain. The frustration and anxiety of it every day can add to feelings of burnout, leaving you emotionally drained by the time you get home.

What are some practical tips to manage stress?

To counter this, find ways to make the route more manageable. Try using the time to listen to calming music, a podcast, or even a self-help audiobook. Instead of allowing it to add to your stress, use it as an opportunity to unwind, catch up on some personal development, or simply enjoy some quiet time before or after a busy day.

Can you possibly reduce your commute by working from home or adjusting your hours to avoid peak traffic time? Do you take enough regular breaks to stretch, breathe deeply, and clear your head? Prioritising your health outside of your way to and from work by exercising regularly and eating well can help to counteract the long hours spent in transit, too.