Surprising Benefits of Commuting From Hamilton for Work

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Surprising Benefits of Commuting From Hamilton for Work

Written by Multi-Area Developments on October 27, 2021

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, one of the few silver linings many of us found was that lockdowns meant we wouldn’t have to take our daily commutes for a while. Many people think of a commute as a negative thing, but you may have found that your workday just didn’t feel the same without it. The truth is that your commute isn’t such a bad thing – in fact, it has a lot of benefits for your life.

If you’re considering a move to Hamilton, you’ll discover that there are some wonderful things about commuting from that community to Toronto. Read on to discover how your commute makes your life better and how you can make the most of it.

Structure

One of the big benefits your commute brings to your life is a specific structure. In the last year, many of us have felt the pain of being without a routine; every day blends together, and things seem to lose meaning. We rely on our routines to mark the passing of time and give us stability in a sometimes frightening and uncertain world.

Whether you realized it or not, your commute is one of the primary structures of your daily life. You get up at a certain time every morning and go through your morning routine – make coffee, get breakfast, take a shower. Then you get in your car and start your day with the same, familiar route that has become a touchstone.

Initiation and Closure

Many of us have two different “modes” we use in our daily lives: work mode and home mode. You may also have parenting mode, spouse mode, softball mode, and so on, but these two likely make up the primary divisions of your self-expression.

Your commute is the primary time during which you switch between these two modes. On your way into work, you may be starting to think about what you have to do that day, what emails you need to respond to, and what deadlines are coming up. On the way home, you may be unwinding, leaving some of that work stress behind you, and returning to your home mode.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is something very few of us have time for in today’s rushed, demanding world. Mindfulness is the practice of simply being present in the moment, not thinking about the future or the past. And you might be surprised to discover that your commute is actually one of the biggest sources of mindfulness in your day.

Whether you’re driving or taking the train, chances are you’re sitting, not doing anything else and not distracted from the present moment. You have time to be alone with your thoughts, and if you’re driving, you can’t afford to get too distracted by the past or future. This time for reflection and relaxation can b r ing peace to your day even after your commute is over.

The Linc and Upper Red Hill Valley Parkway

One of the great things about living in Hamilton is the ease of access to major highways and commuter routes. The Summit Park community is very close to the Lincoln Alexander Parkway – fondly known as the Linc. This parkway connects to many of the other major highways in the Hamilton area, giving you easy access to almost anywhere you need to go.

If you plan to drive from Hamilton to Toronto, you’ll jump onto the Linc and then hang a right on the 403. You can take that up until you hit Queen Elizabeth Way, which will then become Gardiner Expressway. This will take you up around Lake Ontario and will take you into the heart of downtown Toronto.

Alternatively, you can take the Upper Red Hill Valley Parkway that will take you directly to the Queen Elizabeth Way.

Train

You may also prefer to take the train from Hamilton to Toronto. Trains are a relaxing, safe, cost effective and environmentally friendly way to commute to work every day. You don’t have to worry about traffic and you can take care of other tasks or hobbies on your way to work. Fortunately, the GO Stations are conveniently located near Summit Park. It’s about a 10 minute drive to the Stoney Creek Go Station, or if you want to get in your cardio for the day, it’s about a 30 minute bike ride! You can also plan out your trips easily online to ensure you always arrive on time to your destination.

Get the Right Programming

One of the best ways to make your commute better is to get the right entertainment going. Many of us like to listen to music on our way into work, but if you’re wanting to make that time count for more, there may be some better entertainment options. You can spend that time learning, catching up on your reading list, or even learning a new language.

If you’re wanting to learn more about a certain subject, find a podcast that covers that subject. There are also millions of audiobooks now available so you can catch up on those books you’ve always meant to read. And there are even some podcasts and apps that can help you practice another language while you’re making your way to work.

Reach Out

Another great way to make your commute better is to use this time to connect with people around you. If you take public transit, make it a point to smile at the people you pass and maybe give people compliments as you pass. If someone seems open to it (isn’t wearing headphones or reading a book, responds easily, etc.), make conversation on your way into work.

If you drive to work, consider talking to people in your office about setting up a carpool. Having this extra time to connect with people can help to assuage some of the loneliness of your commute. You’ll come out with a happier, more connected viewpoint and maybe even some new friends.

Discover the Joys of Commuting from Hamilton

While many of us think of our commutes as a negative thing, they can actually bring a number of benefits to your daily routine. You get a chance to start your day off on a familiar foot, bringing structure to your life, as well as a great opportunity for mindfulness. Try changing up your entertainment or making some friends to make your commute more enjoyable.

If you’d like to discover the joys of commuting from Hamilton for yourself, check out the rest of our site at Multi-Area Developments, Inc. We’re building a world of difference, beginning in Summit Park, a master-planned community in Hamilton. Check out our Single Homes and Town homes today and discover the landmark community development that’s transforming the fabric of the region.