How To Make Long Commutes More Bearable

Is a long commute getting you down? These tips can help

All drivers (and passengers) know that long commutes are mentally and physically tough, so whether you're spending hours in your car every day on the way to the office or you've got a big road trip coming up. Planning to be ready for most of the day is not only good for your comfort, yes, but it's also good for your personal development and well-being.


According to a recent study by Volvo and Harris Poll, 55% of Americans believe the number one threat to drivers is distracted driving, higher than more common road threats such as drunk driving (31%), aggressive driving (8%), or speeding (3%). 43% of respondents cited mobile phones as the biggest source of distraction. That's why it's important to choose your entertainment options and be prepared for your drive. You don’t want to be anxiously fumbling for a new playlist or trying to check Instagram on Car Play during rush hour, even if you’re at a red light.

We spoke with some driving and automotive experts, as well as executives who face long business trips and commute to the office on a weekly and daily basis, to find out how they spend and enjoy this time in their car. From podcasts and playlists to choosing the right socks, here's everything you need to make your commute more comfortable.

Listen To Your Favorite Podcasts

“Find something good to listen to (it’s not always music),” says Louis Watton, head of marketing at Shiply. "Whether it's an audiobook or a podcast, listening to some dialogue or story can often make the journey more bearable. I often find them more distracting than the music, and hours can fly by while you're immersed in the story."

Listening to music isn't as exciting as podcasts, which feel more like a conversation than a one-sided listener/artist relationship. “Podcasts are a great way to stay focused and awake while driving,” adds Fueled content marketing expert Jonathan Mendoza. “I find that when listening to podcasts, I get so immersed in what’s being discussed that I don’t even know it’s passed. How much time has passed."

Make It A Trip

"Choose a good place to stop and eat during your trip," advises Wharton. "Before setting off, find a good place to stop and eat along the way. Not only will this allow you to rest and refuel, it will also help break up the long drive and give you something to look forward to midway."

Plan Your Wardrobe Accordingly

"You don't have to be in a full tracksuit to drive comfortably, but you're not going to be comfortable in suit pants on an eight-hour trip, and you're better off wearing something, uh, loose-fitting," said Wharton.

If you're heading straight into the office, consider a pair of comfortable slacks or even chinos. These do look more casual than suit pants, but you can sneak into the office bathroom to change without getting caught in sweatpants.

"Men who travel frequently spend a lot of time sitting, which can lead to poor circulation and discomfort in the legs," adds Nathan James of Boardroom Socks, Inc. "A good way to prevent this is to wear a high-quality pair of socks." "Wool over-calf socks. The over-calf length ensures the socks stay in shape throughout the day, eliminating the slipping and sagging issues that traditional socks often suffer from." This type of sock also achieves the sweet spot between comfort and compression Perfectly balanced to fight swelling and promote blood flow when you sit for long periods.

Stay Away From Caffeine

This may be hard for some people, but if you're a coffee lover, this is a great life hack. "Stop drinking coffee a few days before a long drive to lower or reset your tolerance," says Craig Anderson, owner of Appliance Analysts. "Wait until you're deep into the drive to drink it. Suddenly, that cup of coffee on the side of the road becomes a great shot for motivation and alertness. It's a huge difference compared to guzzling water because you're so intolerant that you don't feel it (much less Talk about going to the toilet!)."

Or, you might want to cut out caffeine altogether. Tony Arevalo, a car agent with Carsurance.net, says: "If you don't drink enough fluids, your body can become dehydrated quickly during a long commute, causing you to feel tired and weak. When While you're driving, your best bet is to drink only water, rather than soda or other artificial drinks, as these drinks contain sugar, which can also make you feel tired after a while."

Work As A Team

If you're planning a road trip with your significant other or carpooling with a coworker, consider asking them to take their role as shotgun seriously. “Assigning people designated roles (driver, navigator, playlist DJ) may help everyone in the car feel empowered on a road trip. Additionally, it may provide the added benefit of taking the passengers’ eyes off the driver. behavior," says sociologist Dr. Jess Carbino, relationship expert at Bumble. "For example, invite your son to take charge of a road trip playlist. Not only does this help establish a conversation with him, but it also keeps his attention focused on an activity rather than how the driver is driving."

Take Good Care Of Your Car

"Although rare, roadside breakdowns can be the most painful part of any road trip or long commute," said Richard Reina, director of product training at CARiD.com. "Of course, breakdowns happen in life, and breakdowns are sometimes unavoidable. Yes, but if you can master simple car maintenance, you can reduce the likelihood of problems on long drives." When was the last time you had your oil changed? Is your battery three or four years old? Are your tires inflated to the recommended pressure and don’t have any cracks or tears? Reyna suggests checking these few things before traveling to help prevent glitches that can quickly derail any trip!