A DAILY commute to work keeps Brits healthy and “boosts mental health”, say neuroscientists.
The chore is one that many people have been more than happy to ditch as working from home became the norm – but it’s been revealed that they may be missing out on one of the most positive parts of the day.
2
Research commissioned by the rail industry and carried out by University College London say that the journey to work has benefits for mental health, fitness levels and work-life balance.
Joseph Devlin, professor of brain sciences at UCL, said: “The commute delineates boundaries between home and work life and can be used to switch one off and transition to the other, which can have a positive impact on cognitive performance, wellbeing and productivity.
“Just going to work generates more diverse experiences than working from home, especially through interactions with other people.”
Almost half the 3,000 people surveyed by researchers said that being in the office put them in a better mindset for work.
While 45 per cent felt that they were more productive in the office as they could share ideas with colleagues without having to schedule a call.
Of those polled, half said that they ate snacks more often when working from home and 43 per cent believed that they were more distracted.
Household chores, taking deliveries and longer lunch breaks were the biggest distractions cited.
Fifty-five per cent of those polled said that the biggest benefit of travelling by train was being able to view the scenery.
And a quarter said that having some “me time”, including the opportunity to catch up on emails, read a book or listen to a podcast, was their favourite part of commuting.
It comes as even more have been forced to work from home, since workers have been encouraged to go back to work after restrictions eased in mid July.
Chaos erupted at the pumps has forced thousands of Brits to work from home – with queues building outside petrol stations from 5am.
Drivers were urged to keep their cool today as millions head back to work.
Many had spent the weekend struggling to refuel at packed forecourts — with up to 90 per cent running dry.
2
