How to Keep a Long Commute From Hurting Your Health

For the average American, commuting to work is a daily part of life. According to some surveys, Americans spend more than 100 hours a year commuting. If you’re lucky, your commute will only take half an hour each way. But with traffic worsening each year, drivers are spending more and more time in their cars – some people drive up to three hours each way when commuting.

All this repeated sitting for extended periods of time takes a toll on your health. Here are some ideas on how to keep a long commute from hurting your health.

One of the greatest health concerns that results from long commutes is blood clots. Although it is very rare to get a blood clot in your legs and thighs – only one in every 6,000 passengers ever gets one – if you spend a lot of time commuting you may want to look into preventative measures so you don’t become another statistic.

When you’re on a long commute, the last thing you want to do is stop to go to the bathroom. Many people deliberately drink less water so they won’t have to visit the toilet. However, dehydration is a major risk factor for developing blood clots. If you don’t have enough water in your blood, your blood becomes thicker – and thicker blood is more likely to clot. Making a stop during your commute is also beneficial since it gives you a chance to stretch out your legs. Sitting in one position for a long time causes the blood to circulate more slowly which increases the chance of a blood clot.

Another health concern for commuters is back trouble. Both the vibrations of the car and sitting in the same position for extended periods of time contribute to back problems. One thing you can do to protect your back include sitting properly with the correct posture, with your backside pressed as far back as possible into the back of the seat. Check to see if your seat is positioned correctly – you shouldn’t be straining to reach the wheel or pedals.

To help relieve the stiffness in your body while driving, you can do little exercises when you stop at traffic lights. For example, flex your back in and out, stretch out your arms and bend your knees. You can roll or rotate your neck while driving as long as you keep your eyes on the road as well.

Many people experience stress as a result of their commute. Stress can also play havoc on your back, so look for ways to reduce stress during your commute. That may mean leaving a little earlier so you’re not in a hurry, listening to relaxing music or practicing deep breathing.