Image Source: National Health Council
World Mental Health Day is just around the corner, and it’s an opportunity for all of us to take a moment and reflect. This day is about raising awareness, sharing experiences, and fostering understanding. For some, it’s a day to hit pause and recognise their journey; for others, it’s a time for support.
For businesses, it’s a chance to make a real difference in the workplace – an area in which driving is more relevant than it might first seem. So, let’s explore some of the key ways driving can help with mental health from relaxation to easing your commute and beyond.
First, a bit of context. The World Federation for Mental Health launched World Mental Health Day in 1992, recognising the need to bring conversations about mental health into the mainstream.
Over the years, the focus has shifted, but the core objective remains: to destigmatise mental health issues and advocate for better mental health support across all areas of society – including our professional lives.
Given how much time we spend working or commuting, it’s important to think about how our daily routines – like our drive to and from work – can impact our mental wellbeing.
When was the last time you took a drive just for the joy of it? The truth is driving can offer significant mental health benefits when approached with the right mindset. Let’s look at how getting behind the wheel can be more than just a means of getting from A to B.
It gives you a space where you can listen to your favourite music or podcasts or just enjoy a moment of peace. Unlike public transport, where you might not have as much control over your environment, driving gives you unbridled autonomy.
This sense of control can help to reduce stress and provide a calming effect. In fact, research suggests that being in control of your commute can massively reduce your stress levels, giving you time to decompress and prepare for whatever is next.
Commuting is a reality for many, but it really doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Making small adjustments to your drive can make a big difference.
Try changing your route occasionally to break up the monotony, or leave a bit earlier to avoid traffic. If you’re a morning person, consider leaving the house with enough time to stop at your favourite spot for a coffee or a bite of breakfast – this helps to make your commute more of an occasion and less of a chore.
Creating a more enjoyable commute can help reduce anxiety levels. And when you take charge of your commute, you’re taking charge of your day, which can create a positive impact on your overall mental state and productivity.
Car benefit schemes are another way driving can help with your mental health. Salary sacrifice schemes can offer you access to a new vehicle at an accessible cost.
As humans, we hate uncertainty and unpredictability. So, knowing you have a reliable, comfortable, and safe vehicle to get you to and from work can do wonders for your peace of mind.
It also gives you the chance to access brand-new vehicles, which might be prohibitively expensive in other cases. Whether you’re taking your daily commute or setting off for a road trip with friends, doing so in a brand-new car is a surefire way to lift the mood.
What’s more, having access to a car through one of these schemes can provide flexibility, particularly for those who may not otherwise have access to their own vehicle. This flexibility can ease stress around transportation needs and improve overall job satisfaction, helping to build a healthier work-life balance.
At SG Fleet, mental health is something we take very seriously. In the past, we’ve won awards for our dedication to employee wellbeing – both physical and mental – and there’s no reason this can’t extend to our customers, too.
This World Mental Health Day, we’re encouraging you to think about how your commute could work better for you. Explore how driving can help improve your mental health and discover the difference a more enjoyable driving experience can make. If you’re interested in learning more about our employee car benefits, then get in touch with SG Fleet today.
.jpg)
- What’s Driving the Growth of Salary Sacrifice Schemes?
- A Look at the New EVs of 2024
- 2023: A Multi-Award-Winning Year for SG Fleet – The First Time in the Industry
- How EV Salary Sacrifice Schemes Can Power a Greener Future
