Commuting is stressful. The weight of the day ahead is on your shoulders. You don’t need a loud commute, packed with people, irritating noises, and questionable behavior. 

If you are traveling during peak hours or through bustling, noisy environments, read this article. 

We’ll give you several ways to cope with a loud commute; including mental approaches that can transform your commuting mindset, the best products to help you deal with ‘rush hour’, and practical solutions that will make all the difference.

Skip to:

• Mental tips for stressful commuting
• Best products for loud commute
• Practical solutions for the rat race

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Mental tips for stressful commuting

Before we get into mental strategies for the worst time of the day, let’s understand just how a loud commute can affect your mental health.

Understanding the impact of noise on mental health

Here’s why a loud commute can have such a big impact on your mood and well-being.

Noise, particularly chronic noise exposure, can increase levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which in turn can affect your mental state. Over time, this heightened stress can lead to feelings. You might get irritable or anxious. There is also the possibility, over years of doing a stressful commute, that you could encounter health issues like high blood pressure or sleep disturbances.

For the reasons above, when you’re trying to start your day with a clear mind, a noisy environment really doesn’t help. 

In order to find your mental clarity ahead of a productive day, try the strategies below to counteract the noise.

Mental tips for coping with a loud commute

So, let’s begin. Bear these mental exercises in mind when you are tackling yet another stressful journey to work:

🧘 Practice mindfulness and focus on breathing

Let’s be clear on this – you don’t need to be some kind of yoga guru to benefit from mindfulness. 

It basically means concentrating on yourself and blocking out the din around you. Mindfulness is a powerful tool for managing stress, and it can be incredibly useful when you’re surrounded by noise. 

By focusing on your breathing and grounding yourself in the present moment, you can detach from the chaotic sounds around you and center your mind. Try this simple exercise:

👉 Find a comfortable position on your seat or standing (if you’re on public transport).

👉 Close your eyes (or keep them open, if you’re walking) and focus on your breath.

👉 Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four.

👉 Hold your breath for a count of four.

👉 Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four.

👉 Repeat this cycle for a few minutes, focusing only on your breath.

This technique can reduce your heart rate and relax your nervous system, allowing you to maintain calm in the midst of chaos.

🧘 Use visualization to escape the noise

Visualization is another mental strategy that can help you cope with loud surroundings. 

Don’t be overwhelmed when you can mentally transport yourself to a calm, quiet space; in your brain. This might be a beach, a quiet forest, or even a peaceful room in your home. 

The key is to focus on the sensory details of the place you’re visualizing—picture the sound of waves or the smell of fresh pine trees. This mental escape can help you momentarily disconnect from the noise and create a sense of peace.

There are plenty of products for a loud commute that can help you to find the right mental space for visualization. 

🧘 Create a positive routine before you leave

What about the steps you take before you commute begin? 

Starting your day off with a positive mindset can help buffer the stress of a loud commute. Establish a routine that promotes mental well-being before you even step out the door. 

This could include a few minutes of stretching, listening to soothing music, or even having a warm cup of tea or coffee. When you begin your day with a sense of calm and intention, you’ll be better equipped to handle any external noise that comes your way.

🧘 Accept the noise rather than fighting it

A lot of your frustration, anxiety, and stress might be coming from the natural urge to fight against the noise around you.

Our advice is to accept it. It’s easy to become frustrated when you can’t control the environment around you, but acceptance can be a powerful tool. Reframing your perspective on the situation can help reduce feelings of frustration and powerlessness. 

Instead of thinking, “This noise is driving me crazy,” shift to a more neutral perspective like, “The noise is just part of my commute, and I can still be calm despite it.”

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Best products for loud commute

Here are four products that can help you find peace amid the noise:

1. Noise-canceling headphones

One of the most effective products for reducing the impact of loud sounds on your commute. Using Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) technology, these headphones actively block out unwanted noise, allowing you to focus on something more calming, like music, a podcast, or an audiobook. 

Here are 2 options – headphones and earbuds:

2. White Noise Machines or Apps

If you’re not a fan of headphones, white noise machines or apps might be a better solution. 

White noise can help mask other distracting sounds and create a more consistent auditory environment. Some apps even have customizable soundscapes, from nature sounds like rain or ocean waves, to more ambient noises like a coffee shop hum or distant chatter.

Here are some of the best white noise apps picked by the people at Sleep Foundation

3. Noise-reducing earplugs

Do you prefer a more discreet solution which doesn’t involve you actively listening to anything at all?

Noise-reducing earplugs are an affordable and effective way to reduce the impact of noise. They work by physically blocking out a significant amount of environmental sound, which can help you focus or relax during your commute. 

Many options are designed to be comfortable for long periods of wear and won’t completely block out important sounds (such as announcements or traffic signals), but they do significantly reduce noise levels:

Loop Quiet Earplugs: These earplugs are designed to reduce noise while still allowing for clear speech, making them ideal for situations where you still want to hear some surroundings.

4. Meditation apps 

If you’re looking to calm your mind during your commute, a guided meditation or relaxation audio might be just what you need. 

Apps like Calm, Headspace, and Insight Timer offer a variety of guided sessions designed to help you relax and destress. You can also find breathing exercises, mindfulness sessions, or even sleep stories that you can listen to while on the move.

Check out these recommended meditation apps from the New York Times, a publication from the ultimate City of Commutes!

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Practical solutions for the rat race

While mental techniques and products can be helpful, there are also practical changes you can make to minimize the stress of your commute. Here are a few actionable solutions you can try:

💡Change your route or mode of transport

If you find that certain routes or modes of transportation are particularly noisy, consider experimenting with alternatives. 

For example, if you normally take a busy train, consider switching to a bus or walking part of the way. You might also explore routes that avoid high-traffic areas. 

Though it might take a bit of trial and error, a less congested or quieter route can significantly improve your experience.

💡 Adjust your commute time

If possible, try adjusting the time you leave for work. Many cities experience peak traffic hours, and even a 30-minute shift in your schedule could make a significant difference in terms of noise and stress levels.

Commuting during off-peak hours often means less crowded public transport, quieter streets, and a more relaxed start to your day.

💡Consider carpooling or cycling

If you typically drive alone in heavy traffic, carpooling with others can reduce the stress of driving in noisy conditions. 

Not only does this give you company, but it may also allow you to split the burden of the noise. 

Alternatively, if it’s safe and feasible, consider cycling or walking to work. Not only will you avoid noisy public transport, but you’ll also get the added benefit of physical exercise.