I came here to take on the commuting point. Every time I read about how miserable long commutes are, I think of my dad. 45 minutes driving through traffic each way every day. Never hear him complain about it or get in a sour mood over it. He enjoys it.
It's all about attitude and making the best of your time. In traffic? Release your anger, it wont' get anywhere. Put on NPR (or whatever you like), take a refreshing tea or juice with you, don't rage at moronic drivers, etc.
Happiness is about attitude, especially your attitude towards stress. Nothing you can do will eliminate stress in your life. You may shorten your commute, but some other stressor will appear... smaller living quarters, more crime/noise in the city, etc.
I think public transportation really is an important factor, though. I don't commute, but if I did it would have to be by driving, and unfortunately I'm not the sort of person who can really be at peace while driving in traffic. It's not that I get road rage; it's more like I become hyper aware and focused on what's around me, so I can't really enjoy the alone time.
In the past, I've commuted by public transportation and I never minded it at all.
funny, I was thinking of the opposite.
I commuted by train for many years (45-60 mins) and while I enjoyed the time alone (mostly reading) I loved more the trips when I met with people.
Start the morning commuting with your best friend, work or study all day, meet a schoolmate you hadn't seen in a while on the way back.
I don't miss the overcrowded train, but I miss the people on it.
It's all about attitude and making the best of your time. In traffic? Release your anger, it wont' get anywhere. Put on NPR (or whatever you like), take a refreshing tea or juice with you, don't rage at moronic drivers, etc.
Happiness is about attitude, especially your attitude towards stress. Nothing you can do will eliminate stress in your life. You may shorten your commute, but some other stressor will appear... smaller living quarters, more crime/noise in the city, etc.