How does a long commute impact your health?
Four in five workers (15.9 million Canadians) commute to a location outside their home for work, according to a study conducted by Statistics Canada in 2023. The growing number of workers heading into the office since the pandemic has seen an increase in car commuting and more traffic on the roads. In 2023 there was a 52% rise from 2021 in the number of people with “a long car commute”, defined as 60 minutes or more by Statistics Canada. However in 2023, eight provinces also saw increased numbers of Canadians using public transit, like buses or train rides, too.
Research shows that long daily commutes can have a variety of negative impacts on our mental and physical health. But the reality is that most Canadians have some sort of commute to get to work every day. Commuting patterns can change based on several factors, including urbanization, transit infrastructure and your own personal and financial considerations.
How your home affects your commute
When choosing a place to live, your commute time is one of the many factors you should think about, especially given the potential implications to your health. Before buying a home, it helps to research local transportation options so you can compare different locations. Whether you opt for urban or rural living will likely impact your commute time. In more remote areas, you will likely get more space for your dollar, however you may have to sacrifice proximity to the office. Homes for sale in urban centres like Toronto or Vancouver will likely be located in more walkable neighbourhoods, with easier access to public transit options and a shorter commute. However, you’ll pay a premium on the cost of homes and will probably have a higher cost of living.
If you’re looking for a home in Calgary or Edmonton you might expect a shorter commute time and less congestion than other parts of the country. Both cities recorded drops in the average commute time since 2011, according to Statistics Canada.
By understanding the impact of a longer commute on your health, you can decide if an affordable home closer to your employer is your best option.
Higher stress
A study by the University of Waterloo found that a longer commute time was linked to lower life satisfaction. The research showed that one of the main contributors was the increased feeling of time pressure on a long commute, especially when there’s more traffic on the road, which in turn led to increased feelings of stress. There is also the cost associated with a commute or as Psychology Today describes it, “the stress that doesn’t pay.” But even for those who don’t mind their commute, say on a train or bus, the time spent commuting is time you cannot use to enjoy leisure time with loved ones or physical activity, both vital components in mitigating feelings of stress—commute related or otherwise.
Exposure to various risks
A post by the Canadian Association for Research on Work and Health (CARWH) suggests that commuting is an occupational hazard and that workers should be compensated for the time spent and the risks taken in getting to and from work. That’s because some of the risks you may be exposed on a commute, especially during rush hour, include:
- Traffic accidents
- Crime
- Infrastructural hazards
Therefore, any opportunity you can take to shorten the distance and the time spent on the road is going to help lower your risk of a commute-related accident.
Fatigue
An article published by the National Library of Medicine, found that work-related fatigue can increase the probability of having a car accident. That’s because fatigue can result in mental distraction, which can impact your ability to anticipate and react to any dangers on the road at peak traffic hours. There is also evidence to suggest that the inverse may be true and that long commutes can increase stress, burnout and turnover at work. While it may seem counterintuitive, even just a moderate amount of physical exercise each day can help boost the feel-good hormones in your brain and combat feelings of fatigue. So if you can incorporate some walking into your commute or make the time for some physical exercise outside of it, you will feel better.
Obesity
Multiple studies have found that a longer commute increases your risk of obesity. Given our more sedentary lifestyles, typically sitting at desks for long periods at a time, we are moving less, which negatively impacts our fitness and health. Time spent sitting behind the wheel, especially if it’s over 30 minutes, exacerbates the problem and means more time not moving our bodies. There may also be a direct correlation between more driving and eating fast food at drive-thru restaurants, which can also contribute to weight gain.
Higher blood pressure
High blood pressure is more likely in those with long commutes, which studies have found is tied to the longer time sitting down in a vehicle, the lack of activity and the increased potential for stress when stuck in heavy traffic.
Higher cholesterol
People with high cholesterol have an increased risk of heart disease and one of the best ways of treating high cholesterol is through exercise. If you are taking a long commute every day then you are less likely to be doing daily exercise and are at an increased risk of having high cholesterol.
Vascular issues
In addition to higher cholesterol, daily commuters who travel a round-trip of 32 km or more are also more susceptible to vascular issues due to the extra time spent sitting at the wheel and the lack of physical activity.
Diabetes
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing diabetes, but some of the main contributors are a lack of physical activity, stress and urbanization, all of which are exacerbated by a long commute.
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency, when you don’t have enough vitamin D in your body, can stem from a lack of exposure to sunlight. It can result in multiple health issues, including fatigue, bone pain and depression. If you are spending a long time in a vehicle commuting, then that can reduce your exposure to sunlight and contribute to a vitamin D deficiency. That’s why any walking or cycling you can incorporate into your commute will benefit your health.
Musculoskeletal issues
Spending an extended period of time sitting, especially in low-quality seating during your commute, like on a bus or train, can contribute to musculoskeletal issues, which can limit mobility and cause lower levels of well-being.
Should you move closer to work?
While a commute may be necessary, one way you can mitigate the associated risks is to shorten your commute and incorporate walking or cycling wherever possible. If you currently own, you may be looking for ways to sell your home fast, so that you can find a place closer to your office.
Before you start looking for your next home, it can help to compare market trends in different areas to know the cost of homes and how the locations might impact your commute time. For example, your dollar will go further for homes in Hamilton when compared to the cost of homes in Toronto, but how could that impact your commute time? When it comes to buying, you have to weigh up the risks and benefits of a particular location and then determine what will work best for your needs, health and budget. Then when you’re ready to move you can feel confident about your decision.
Houseful is here for your next steps
From getting your keys to getting back on the market—and all the days in between—Houseful is here to help you keep an eye on the big picture. Let’s see what’s possible and take the next step toward fulfilling your home ownership goals. Visit houseful.ca.
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