Where do parking fees come from and where do bus lanes lead? How to live longer, and is driving really a time-saver? Here are 14 ways avoiding the car makes your life better.
Movement gets your blood flowing, tones those soft spots into muscle, lifts your mood and improves blood flow to the brain. And this happens daily. In other words, you’ll soon be sexier, happier AND smarter than those who mostly drive – plus you'll live longer!
Yes, taking the bus to work probably takes longer than driving, but time spent in the driver’s seat is driving time, while time in public transport is your time. Every minute the driver is navigating traffic, you can nap or daydream, stalk that cute person on Insta you’re too shy to DM, read a thriller, study for a test, prep for a meeting or send birthday wishes. You could even meditate.
If you commute 10 minutes each way by bus, that’s 100 minutes a week for things you “don’t have time for.” You can even read something truly educational – now you’re even smarter!
Besides the ride, you also save time and stress from hunting for parking.
Gas price wars don’t bother you because the cheapest fuel is the one you didn’t burn. Riding the bus is cheaper, especially for Tallinn residents, and the money saved can buy you a new book to read on the bus, quality sneakers for walking, or a slice of your favorite cake.
That slice of cake is totally fine – walking one kilometer is about a thousand steps and burns roughly fifty calories.
Dreaming of financial freedom? Remember, you’re saving not just on fuel, but also on parking!
Studies show people are happier in the evenings when they’ve had some social interaction during the day. Public transport boosts social cohesion: in traffic, other drivers are just a source of stress and everyone’s out for themselves, but in the bus, even just exchanging glances creates micro-connections that contribute to happiness. In a world where psychologists and wellness experts speak of a “loneliness epidemic,” we need a sense of belonging more than ever.
If you really must complain about traffic, it’s more unifying than isolating on the bus. And if there’s nothing to complain about, the jam just gives you more time for your own things.
Walking or cycling means you bump into more acquaintances and can actually stop and chat, not just wave at a passing car.
Physical activity is mental rest. A walk during or after your workday clears your head of work thoughts and leaves you more energy for yourself or your loved ones.
If you stop chauffeuring your school-aged kids around town, they learn to get around independently – the city becomes theirs too, and you get more free time from your “taxi driver” duties.
Bus lanes annoy you because they’re faster than traffic? Hop on the bus – then you get to enjoy those privileges yourself.
You see more on foot!
So when heading to work, the movies, or to visit a friend, ask yourself first: maybe you can get there on foot, by bike, or by bus – and become a happier person in the process? Try it out and give it a thumbs up or challenge it!