Healthy Commuting, UK

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 17 Jun 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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According to the RAC Foundation, commuters travel 54 minutes a day on average, with many travelling up to 2 hours or more, which eats into their leisure time and therefore affects their health. What's more, cramped conditions on trains or long car queues can leave commuters stressed and frustrated. Whatever your situation, there are some worthwhile changes that can help you keep your lifestyle as healthy as possible for the benefit of your heart, mind and body.

Approach your employer about flexible hours so you can avoid rush hour. If this isn't possible, try leaving home earlier and visit a gym before work or, alternatively, stay on after work and go for a run or long walk near your office or visit a local leisure centre. Exercise will help you de-stress, give your heart muscle a work out, help keep that waist measurement in check.

If you are home late, eat a light meal, low in fat and sugar and rich in vegetables and avoid too much caffeine and alcohol, this way you'll sleep better and wake up hungry for a healthy breakfast.

Keep healthy snacks in your car, like unsalted nuts and dried fruit, and a bottle of water or diluted fruit juice; you'll be less tempted to buy chocolate and crisps on impulse at the petrol station.

Car pool with friends or colleagues so you can share the driving and petrol costs; together you're more likely to laugh and chat through the stresses of a traffic jam.

Make your work-life balance work for you and maximise your opportunities to lead a heart healthy lifestyle during your working week so you reach the weekend ready to enjoy it to the full.

Heart Research UK