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aretae comments on How to Be Happy - Less Wrong
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1 more bit to remember:
Commuting really really sucks. Least happy part of almost everyone's day, who does it. Minimizing commute is a not-inconsequential path towards increased happiness.
I avoid this problem by biking as much as possible. Granted, this wouldn't work if I lived in the suburbs an hour's drive from work, but since I live about a 15-minute drive, that works out to a 35-minute bike ride. Multiply that by two for every day I work, add whatever extra minutes I spend going to friend's houses or grocery shopping, and that's a lot of outdoor aerobic exercise, which improves my mood hugely. And I arrive at work awake and pumped even for 6 am shifts.
True -- I hate to drive, but altering one's commute can actually make it fun. I listened to a helluva lot of atheist-v-theist debates from Luke's site while driving in my car. I've also considered taking the bus so I can read more. The bus would increase my time by 3x but I think would contribute to improved orderliness in my schedule and devouring more knowledge.
So... a boring annoying commute provokes thoughts of self-harm, but I think there are definite ways one can make the commute enjoyable -- mainly by making it 1) interesting and 2) productive. Listening to some educating audio does both.
Since I started listening to interesting and/or entertaining things, I really enjoy my commute. I usually get through two books each month (I have an Audible subscription) and several podcasts, along with other talks etc. that I stumble across on the interwebs.
Last time I moved home I made sure my new place wouldn't be too close to work (either by walking, or cycling). Granted, there's probably other ways I could achieve the same result, but this is nice way of combining regular mild exercises with learning that also means I get to save money on rent by not living right in the middle of the city.
Well that's unusual! Looks like you've found a great use for your commute as well. Now that MN is warming up, I'm hoping to get out the road bicycle and get to work that way. I'll have to look for something like Audible, as well. I think I could "read" more if I listened during so called idle time. On the other hand, I find it quite more effective if I take notes on the books I read. I think that would be harder without text in front of me.
Here's a good roundup of the research on this.