For the average worker, you’d think your workday starts and ends when you’re actually doing your job. But for many in the U.S., the commute has become just as stressful as their career.
Many people across the country move to the suburbs for more space and quieter streets, then drive to and from their jobs in nearby major cities every day.
These commutes can take a real toll on workers, sometimes burning them out more than the job itself. From bumper‑to‑bumper traffic and unexpected delays to the realization that the drive is eating up a huge share of their free time, the daily grind can wear people down.
A new survey of more than 3,000 commuters nationwide by AMFM Healthcare examined which drives are causing the most commuter “burnout.”
As you’d probably expect, many of the most frustrating commutes were ones into the largest cities in the country, like Los Angeles and New York City.
Naperville to the city of Chicago rounded out the Top 10.
At the top of the list was the commute from Palmdale, California, to Los Angeles. Followed by the commute from White Plains, New York, to New York City, and then the commute from Tracy, California, to San Francisco.
Check out the list below of which commutes are burning people out the most in the U.S.
| Rank | Suburb | State | Metro Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palmdale | CA | Los Angeles |
| 2 | White Plains | NY | New York City |
| 3 | Tracy | CA | San Francisco |
| 4 | Homestead | FL | Miami |
| 5 | Temecula | CA | San Diego |
| 6 | Tacoma | WA | Seattle |
| 7 | Sandy Springs | GA | Atlanta |
| 8 | Frederick | MD | Bethesda/DC Metro |
| 9 | Katy | TX | Houston |
| 10 | Naperville | IL | Chicago |
If you’re looking for ways to fight commute burnout, there are a few strategies to help you stay calm and relaxed on your ride to and from work.
According to UCLA Transportation, an easy one is to try distracting yourself. Put on an audiobook you’ve been meaning to read or catch up on some podcasts. Maybe even try a guided meditation to keep relaxed.
Another tip was making sure you eat. Nothing will bring out stress more than an empty stomach, so try to eat before you hit the road or pack some healthy snacks for the drive.
Take a look at the full survey to see where your commute ranks among the nation’s biggest “burnout belts.”
