Today’s reality is such that we spend nearly half of our daily life behind the wheels, on the road, or waiting for public transport in order to arrive to or from the workplace. Commute times have also gotten longer with many finding themselves spending lengthy hours on the road.
The number of commuters has grown as populations shift further from urban centers. Besides being time consuming, researchers have linked long commutes to poor health.
According to findings published in 2012 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, there’s a link between lengthy commuting distances and reduced cardio respiratory fitness, increased weight, and other metabolic risk factors.
The study offers significant evidence about possible mediators in the association between cardiovascular mortality and the time spent behind the wheels. For this reason, it is essential you live closer to your workplace, so you can realize these benefits.
Flexibility
Residing closer to your place of work offers the flexibility you require to balance your work and home life more efficiently.
When your apartment is a few minutes from your workplace, you could capitalize on overtime opportunities and still find time for your family. Moreover, you can go back to the office to fix an issue without spending considerable time on the road.
Low Costs
Gasoline cost is an important factor to consider when determining where to reside. You should also consider the costs related to your car’s wear and tear.
Living closer to your office could decrease these costs considerably. You could save hundreds if not thousands annually in decreased fuel costs and auto maintenance expenses. Spending less time in your car also implies decreased air pollution.
Reliability
Residing close to the office could make you more reliable as an employee. During bad weather, those who reside farther have an increased likelihood of not arriving at the office.
However, you are likely to have a less problematic commute if you live a few minutes from your office. This way, you can be the go-to person during harsh weather, causing your colleagues and boss to depend on you and your capacity to arrive at work regardless of the weather conditions.
Gaining reputation for reliability could serve you well throughout your career.
Health
Living closer to the office could be beneficial to your health. If your apartment is close enough to bike or walk to work, you could enjoy some exercise while making your way to the office.
Daily exercise regardless of the intensity can prove beneficial. This will also save money that you would otherwise have spent on parking and gas. Moreover, you will enhance air quality and help encourage a sustainable means of transport.
Energetic & Fresh
Those who commute daily to work are familiar with the sweat, stress, and pollution that accompany their chosen means of transport. Even if you own a vehicle, driving presents its challenges.
By the time commuters arrive at work, they are oftentimes grumpy owing to the time spent in traffic jam. However, if you reside near your place of work, you can decide to wake up an hour or so before office hours and arrive there while feeling fresh and energetic.
For more information on why you should consider living near the workplace, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a comment.
Image: Biking to Work