10 Jun Can The Daily Commute to Work Affect Your Health?
Workplace wellness is not just about having a positive work environment. It can be other factors such as job satisfaction, employee engagement, and flexibility.
For employees, commuting or at least facing the paralyzing traffic of Metro Manila has become part of their daily routine.
Sometimes allotting extra time for traffic has become a requirement to reach the office on time.
However, the constant commute to the office can have an impact on your physical and mental health. Factors contributing to the stress of daily commute can be attributed to unpredictability, lack of control over transportation, and overcrowded transport systems.
Daily Commute and Your Health
A 2021 study noted that daily commuters are more likely to experience pathological disorders such as metabolic, cardio-respiratory, and psychological illnesses.
In addition, commuting time takes up so much of one’s schedule, which leads to less physical exercise, leisure time, and spending time with loved ones.
Less quality sleep has also been reported for those experiencing daily commutes. Sleep problems can open several health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It can also impair cognitive functions.
Commuters are also more exposed to more pollutants, especially those who are traveling to the city for work.
Stress levels may also rise due to the unpredictability of the transport system.
In the long run, your job satisfaction may also suffer, especially since there are workplaces that offer a more flexible work schedule and setup.
Workplace Wellness: What Can You Do?
If you have a long commute ahead of you, there are things you can do to ease the uncomfortable trip including:
- Insert some leisure time during your trip by reading a book or listening to a podcast
- Pack snacks for a quick pick-up
- Reflect on your job satisfaction and whether the setup still works for you
- Talk to your team about your commuting problems for solutions
When it comes to workplace wellness, your physical health is not the only thing that matters. You should also be comfortable and more engaged with the kind of work environment you have, which will then help you have more time for yourself and your health.
When you feel at your best, you give your best performance.
Learn more about your health with iCare. Visit https://icare.com.ph/
SOURCE:
https://www.keckmedicine.org/blog/commuting-and-your-health/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29338957/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/long-commute