A commute of 29 minutes is the sweet spot for feeling relaxed on the way to work, while a journey stretching to 45 minutes is far more likely to leave you arriving 'very stressed,' according to new findings from banking app Chase.
The research, which surveyed 2,000 British customers who commute at least twice a week, found that those hitting the half-hour mark report feeling the most relaxed. The survey also highlighted that driving is the preferred mode for these commuters, with 41% typically cruising in their own car and 43% tuning into their favourite playlist or album.
Why the Car Wins the Commute
For those in London, however, public transport is often the only option, bringing with it the frustrations of crowded carriages and inconsiderate fellow passengers. While driving is not cheap – the latest figures show it costs an average of 174.1p per litre for unleaded and 199.2p per litre for diesel – online commuter calculators suggest getting behind the wheel is almost always cheaper than public transport for longer journeys.
45 Minutes Is the Breaking Point
By contrast, Chase reports that if your commute stretches out to 45 minutes, you're far more likely to arrive at the office feeling 'very stressed.' Almost a quarter of frazzled travellers (24%) brave the London Underground, and 37% of them use music to cope. Just remember to keep your headphones on, as bare beaters will now face a £1,000 fine for blasting music.
How to Relax on the Commute
Turns out, the most relaxed commuters aren't just leaving it to luck. Their secret weapons include mapping out the quickest route (27%), sticking to their preferred transport mode (22%), and beating the rush by leaving home early (21%). A cheeky pre-work coffee stop also helps, with 12% crediting a caffeine break for keeping the morning mood upbeat.
Ultimately, while a good soundtrack helps, it turns out that keeping your journey short is what really keeps the workday dread at bay.
