Those of us who make the long commute into New York City everyday have some morning perks to look forward to—no driving, no traffic, comfy seats, "cheaper than gas" ticket prices, and an extra hour to get some shut eye. As fortunate as I am not to fight the masses on the roadways, I can’t help but see a change in my attitude after taking the train. I seem more exhausted and “spaced out” then I used to.
Apparently it isn’t all in my head. A recent study by researchers, as reported by InsideBayArea.com, concluded that riding the train is stressful, and the longer you are en route, the more stress your body endures.
Researchers measured levels of the stress hormone cortizol in 208 passengers before and after their train commute from New Jersey to Manhattan (coincidentally the same line I take). At the conclusion of the ride, passengers were asked to perform a simple proofreading test. Turns out those who were on the train the longest—the full 81 minutes— had the worst scores on the tests. End result The stress levels of train commuters increases each minute and have adverse effects, both physically and psychologically.
While the factors for this stress increase are still unknown, I find the evidence, and my own personal experience, to be overwhelmingly accurate. When I read the headline, it was as if someone had told me what I already knew.
So I guess I can now blame my typos and morning misreads to the train rather than that bad cup of coffee?
Speaking of business travel, check out this S&MM article: Road Warrior: Avoiding the Belches and the Bulges at ManageSmarter.com.
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