Commuting with kindness is surprisingly good for you
The morning commute to work and evening commute back home can be a stressful experience for people of all ages. Whether its the overpacked carriages, the rush to get to your connecting service, and then not to mention the heat too; especially during those Summer months. However, not to fear, we are here to give you some tips and tricks that can relieve the stress just a little bit simply through putting positivity into the world. Injecting acts of kindness into your commute could be the perfect antidote to reduce your travel-induced tension.
STRESSED-OUT CITIZENS
Seventy-three per cent of 23-35 year olds felt their commute was negatively impacting their stress levels, a recent poll by online estate agent Good Move suggested. This is largely unsurprising, considering the recent growth in popularity of Londons slightly more affordable (yet less-accessible) zones three and beyond. These popular areas provide more opportunity for delays and diversions to leave us feeling pent-up and frustrated, before we’ve even arrived at the office. All in all, not a great start to the day.
KINDNESS IS KEY
Research has shown acts of kindness stimulate the release of the love hormone, oxytocin, which reduces tension by lowering blood pressure, and also makes us more trusting, friendly and optimistic. Carrying out good deeds triggers production of mood-regulating Seretonin in the brain, so the next time you get the train, let someone go before you, or throw an anxious-looking parent a smile. If you’re an Uber addict, take an Uber Pool, and chat with your fellow passengers; you might just feel a surge of goodwill.