Making the Most of Your Commute
For many, the commute to work has become tedious. Per the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Sydney’s average commute is 15km, and other major cities in Australia are not far behind.
Full article: Sydney Morning Herald
Why do people live so far away? For many the cost of living in the city is unaffordable. The Sydney Morning Herald explains that on an average NSW wage, one can afford to live in the city or nearby suburb, but people on salaries less than that, certainly cannot. Living in the outlying suburbs is affordable but that could be decreasing productivity, health, and a good work-life balance. To minimize these challenges, a company is trying something new that may be an interesting solution.
Flanders Institute for Mobility has a new project allowing employees to ride a bus that has amenities like coffee and wi-fi so people can work while they commute. Right now, I am on a bus to the city of Melbourne for a work trip, and because of free wi-fi I can type away making this blog post. Only time will tell if this project does positively impact employees and companies, and whether it catches on, but it sounds great to us at Holistic Services Group.
What are some things you can do on your commute to work?
If you are on a bus or a train:
Try 10 minutes of meditation! You can even set a timer so you do not miss your stop.
Meditation 1 – Just try to look around, be aware of the sounds around you, and pay attention to what you see
Meditation 2 – Close your eyes and listen to a guided meditation on your phone or mp3 player, like this one
Meditation 3 – Close your eyes and repeat in your head a positive affirmation (eg. “I am confident” or “I am grateful”)
Practice non-judgement – as people bump into you, hit you with their bag, and/or invade your personal space, try to give them the benefit of the doubt. Keep in mind that you have probably done all these things traveling as well, and it is really no one’s fault – it’s just an optional source of stress.
If you are driving:
Sing along to your favourite tunes. Singing is a great way to relieve some stress… just make sure you’re still paying attention to the road.
Whenever you get to a red light, take a slow, deep, belly (diaphragmatic) breath. Deep breaths are shown to reduce stress and help maintain focus.
While Holistic Services Group cannot offer buses with wi-fi to employees, we can offer your workplace the convenience of an onsite workout class, meditation class, or Tai Chi class right in your office. You may also be interested in work-life balance workshops, and/or a stress reduction session teaching effective and appropriate strategies for the workday.
Click the links below to get more information:
Meditation classes and workshops
Fitness, Yoga, Tai Chi classes
See our full listing of Corporate Wellness Solutions
