6 ways to make your commute less stressful

The ideas that follow are designed to help you make your commute less stressful, saving precious wear and tear on your heart, brain, immune system and emotions.

If you're like most working people in Canada, it takes you about 65 minutes to get to and from work.

This means that over the course of a year, you're spending about 275 hours — or a total of nearly 12 days a year — commuting! It also means that you probably experience significantly high levels of unhealthy stress.

• You drive your car to work to feel that you're in control. By taking public transport, you've given up control of your commute.
• If you get stuck, you can't blame yourself for the delay or go crazy solving the situation.

• It's not for everyone, but it is worth considering.
•  Research finds that carpooling can reduce stress, both in terms of the "giving up" of control and in terms of the social interaction that occurs.
• But if you're an introvert, you're probably better off sticking to your usual mode of transport.

• Ask for a one-hour shift in the time you start and end work.
• Work at a satellite office if your company has one. Or the ultimate solution, telecommute from home.

Drive calmly, without abundant lane changes or speed surges, and your commute will become so much more pleasant.

• Longer is better if the traffic flows smoothly and you avoid too many lights, turns and crosswalks.
• For most of us, no form of driving is as stressful as trying to move quickly on crowded main roads.

• Let it go! Overreacting to other drivers is a sure road to stress, headaches and anger.
• Instead, be a defensive driver, and never let what other drivers do bother you.