Commuters Beware!
May 8, 2007

The most dangerous hours of your life…your commute

Atlanta, GA – May 8, 2007 – U.S. News & World Report, in its May 7, 2007 issue, features America’s Worst Commutes on the cover, citing that, “Medical symptoms ranging from sleep deprivation to digestive problems are linked to long commutes, and a 2004 article in the New England Journal of Medicine found that being stuck in a traffic jam more than doubles one’s chance of experiencing a heart attack in the subsequent hour.” Not to mention the chronic stress caused by commuting can result in premature aging and possibly accelerate aging by as-much-as 10 years.

“We are experiencing longer and longer commutes, and without some promise of relief. More people will die annually or become ill from stress-related illnesses,” said Dr. Kathleen Hall, founder of The Stress Institute and author of A Life in Balance. “Research shows that one in 12 heart attacks is directly related to traffic.”

Do you know which hour of your day is the most dangerous? Your daily commute is more stressful than what a fighter pilot experiences in battle or what police officers experience in training. Why? These professionals are mentally conditioned to handle stress, but not many of the than 3.4 million plus Americans who now travel at least 90 minutes each way to work are. Just think, thirty-four percent of Americans spend 30 minutes or more on their daily commute—that’s more than 250 hours per year.

Only one week ago, on May 1, an Atlanta man lost his life to Road Rage, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The man was stabbed to death in front of his family.

“There is a solution to this crisis, and it is called ‘Me Time,’” stated Dr. Hall. “Consider your commute as a special time to focus on you. You are less stressed when you get to work and throughout your day are in a healthier state of mind,” she continued.

As a renowned expert on commuter stress, Dr. Hall recommends the following steps for a healthier commute:

Classroom: Learn a language, listen to a new book or increase your vocabulary. Make your car your classroom.

Choir Loft: Pretend you are an American Idol. Singing on your commute is great for your health and can give you an immunity boost by 240%.

Concert Hall: Just listening to your favorite music increases serotonin (a relaxing hormone). Soft music calms the body and reduces the heart rate while energetic, happy music acts as a stimulant.

Counseling Center: Take this opportunity to improve your mental health. This is a great time to change habits and learn how to heal; listen to tapes/CD’s on anger, fear, phobias, grief, depression, obesity, divorce or parenting.

Chapel: Use this time for spiritual growth, inspiration or motivation. Guided imagery tapes or meditation can lower blood pressure; increase your immune system, memory and creativity. And, research shows that prayer heals.

Comedy Club: Play a CD of a comedian you love. Commute stress decreases artery diameter by up to 35%, while laughter increases artery diameter by 22%.

Comfort: Place comforting mementos in your car to help ground you. Family photos, religious icons, calming phrases, anything that brings you peace in a stressful time.

Compassion: Realize that you don’t know what’s going on in another vehicle. Let people pass if they are in a hurry, they could be injured, in labor, or on their way to a desperately needed job interview.