Have you ever been shaken around on a crowded train in the morning and been exhausted by the time you get to work?

Commuting stress is something that many business people experience.

If left untreated, this stress can lead to poor work performance and damage to your physical and mental health.

In this article, we will explore the specific causes of commuting stress and introduce concrete ways to deal with it that you can try starting tomorrow.

Turn your commute from a painful experience into a time of healing and growth.

Why are commuter trains so tiring? 3 reasons

Here, we will objectively analyze the ``difficulties'' of commuting that readers can relate to.

Cause 1: Physical stress

• The pressure of a crowded train: The discomfort of being in constant contact with others.
• Noise and vibration: Stress caused by conversations inside the car, the sound of the train running, and shaking.
• Unpleasant odor: Discomfort caused by a mixture of different odors.

Cause 2: Mental stress

• The sense of urgency of being pressed for time: Anxiety about being late due to delays, or the hassle of changing trains.
• Invasion of privacy: The psychological burden of lack of personal space.

Reason 3: Adverse health effects

• Lack of sleep: I can't get a good night's sleep on a crowded train and my body doesn't feel rested.
• Autonomic nervous system disorders: Increased heart rate and shallow breathing due to stress.

5 ways to relieve commute stress that you can do right now

We will listen to your commute concerns and offer concrete solutions.

Solution 1: Try mindful breathing

We will introduce a method to regulate your disturbed autonomic nervous system and calm your mind by taking deep breaths.

We will explain in detail a simple breathing technique you can do on the train (e.g., inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds).

Solution 2: Use your smartphone as an information gathering tool

We suggest ways to turn your commute into a meaningful experience by checking the news and blogs, and taking in work-related information.

Solution 3: Listen to music or podcasts to escape reality

We suggest listening to your favorite music or an interesting podcast as a way to distract yourself from the hustle and bustle of a crowded train.

Solution 4: Turn your commute into study time

We suggest ways to turn this into an opportunity to improve your skills, such as reading e-books or audiobooks, or studying with language apps.

Solution 5: Pack lighter

To reduce the strain on your body caused by carrying heavy luggage, we suggest ways to carry only what you need.

Turn your commute into a time of relaxation.
Recommended YouTube and Spotify playlists

We'd like to introduce some recommended music for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of their commute and calm their minds.
Put on your earphones and relax.

These YouTube videos feature nature sounds and soothing melodies that will help ease your frustration and fatigue during your commute.

A curated Spotify playlist to make your commute more enjoyable.

*The noise of other people leaking out is also one of the stresses you experience on the train.
If you listen to music on the train, please adjust the volume accordingly.

Summary: Make your commute more comfortable with small changes

In this article, we've introduced the causes of commute stress and what you can do to deal with it right now.

Commuting stress can be significantly reduced with just a few simple changes.

Starting today, try doing what you can little by little and turn your commute time from a painful time into an important time to organize yourself.