Amy Lemco, Arts & Life Writer Emory & Henry is more rural than some other universities, and it may be tempting to exist entirely on campus, with the occasional trip to Walmart or to visit family on break. However, there are potential benefits to making yourself an occasional commuter. Drive-time can be the opportunity to increase your learning, destress and get to know the community around you. Whether you are on your way to an away-game, to Blackbird Bakery, Thursday-night karaoke at White Birch, visiting family, the sandstone mazes of The Channels on Clinch Mountain, or a weekend getaway to see the Luray Caverns and eat Korean BBQ in Annandale, a commute can be a great way to study, without the eye strain. According to research from the University of Surrey Business School, “spaced out” learning is the most effective. By using audiobooks or a language-learning program on your commute, you not only get the intense study period, but a built-in study break and reward. On the other hand, driving can be the perfect, beneficial moment to really clear your mind. Research by neurologist Marcus Raichle, as published on Forbes, shows that when the brain is focused on “specific tasks,” activity in other regions of the brain shuts down. But when the mind is allowed to wander, there is “increased blood flow” and activity throughout--resulting in a “healthier, happier, more creative brain.” Neuroscientists also recommend switching your route from day to day, according to Onstar. The reasoning behind taking a less familiar road is that you are less likely to have your brain on auto-pilot, the drive can improve your memory and decision-making mechanisms. As a bonus, you will get to know parts of the community you were unaware of before. You can enhance your relaxation by using the time to listen to positive, upbeat music, funny podcasts, or guided meditations. Apps like Calm include meditations specifically for commute times. Silence can also be surprisingly productive. Researcher Luciano Bernardi found that silence is even more relaxing than the calmest music, lowering blood pressure and helping the development of brain cells. If you are on commute leaving the campus, try to reflect back on what you learned that day. Research at Harvard Business School showed that 15 minutes of reflection led to a 20% improvement in performance--as opposed to people who spent the same amount of time in active practice. Or, if you are returning to school from a break or a competition, think about your upcoming classes and assignments. A study conducted at Columbia Business School showed that people who reflected on upcoming work-related challenges dealt better with stress and were happier throughout the day. The researcher, Jon Jachimowicz, says the thought process helps people transition between roles—for example, from athlete, performer or family member, back to student. Even if you grew up in the region, and even if everything you need to live is available within a 10-minute walk of your dorm, challenge yourself to commute every now and then. Becoming familiar with the quality of life in different areas can help, as you go forward making decisions about your career and where you’d like to live. And the techniques for learning, relaxing and stress-management discussed above may be useful as you move into the workforce, and commute, then, as well. It may be time that you spend alone. Or, if carpooling with others, it can create shared memories and reinforce social bonds. Whatever your mode, goals or destination: buckle up, drive defensively and safe travels.
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March 2020
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