Commute
Living in a populated area and the school being in one too can lead to a stressful situation. If time allows, it would be ideal to come in early to beat "rush hour" traffic for a morning or evening class. I have found this useful and even if the school isn't open in the morning, being in the area and getting breakfast can help calm the situation. Have you experienced commute stress? Have you set-up guidelines with your students in case you are late? If so, or if you don't but might do in the future, what are your guidelines?
It sounds corny, but this has really helped me to deal with a stressful commute. I change into my "play clothes" before leaving work. This makes me feel more like I am "off work" when I leave instead of feeling like I am still in my "at work" mode during my commute.
Seems to help me a little bit. Might be worth a try!
Shantal, Nice. Many people would complain about the long drive. Instead, you've found a way to turn your commute into something positive. It would be great if more instructors had that capability.
Dr. Melissa Read
I work about 45min away from my place of work and that gives me time to think and release from the day
Bike commute: much less stressful.
I mean, there is the whole "risk of death" thing, but everyone in cars is at a similar risk, they just lull themselves into a false sense of security with their windows and their stereos and the like. On a bike you're just more aware of the risk. But that also give you a more acute feeling of being alive.
Physical exercise is a great stress reliever, though, and with a bike commute you get it both on the way to and home from work.
After just a few trips, you figure out how long your commute takes, and heavy traffic doesn't affect cyclists to nearly the same extent as it does drivers (and no, not because we break all traffic laws, despite angry drivers protestations to the contrary; that's simply not actually true, and largely a product of attribution error and confirmation bias).
Admittedly, this is not an option for many long distance commuters in rural area, or making long treks from city to suburb or vice-versa. To those folks I would say do yourself a favor and move closer to your workplace (or work closer to home). It's just much less stressful.
I don't usually have much problem getting to work in the morning, but the afternoon drive can get very stressful. I have found several 'alternate' routes to get home. One of my favorites is a nice gentle drive along the river. Sure, it is a longer drive, but I have found it usually takes less time and the scenery is great. By the time I get home, I feel great. It also gives me something to look forward to at the end of the day.
