Traffic jams and train delays happen, but they don’t have to ruin your trip.
When I take the train to the office, I usually sit in the quiet car, a magical place where no one conducts loud business meetings on Zoom at 7 a.m. I love it, not only because it’s relatively peaceful but because of the skirmishes that break out when someone violates the rules; I find them weirdly exciting.
Overall, I’m grateful when my commute is uneventful, because so many things can go wrong: traffic, delays or the passenger next to me who once pulled out his portable razor for a shave.
Most Americans travel to work by car for nearly an hour a day on average, and research suggests that time spent commuting is associated with lower life satisfaction.
But there are some things we can do to manage our trips. I asked experts how to make your commute — whether it’s by car, bus, train or subway — more pleasant.
Tame your anxiety.
If you find your stress levels ramping up while you’re stuck in traffic, try box breathing, said George Mumford, a meditation teacher and the author of “Unlocked: Embrace Your Greatness, Find the Flow, Discover Success.” Breathe in for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, exhale for another count of four and hold your breath again for a count of four.
If delays are announced, you can create esprit de corps with fellow passengers by exchanging a few words or even deadpan looks, which can “provide validation and levity to a frustrating situation,” said Catherine Nobile, a clinical psychologist in New York.