Easier commutes and other recession boons for balance seekers

Let's gloss right over the new state unemployment statistics released today and get to some positive news, shall we? 

Although it's little consolation for some, traffic congestion is down this year, presumably because of the high unemployment rate.

In today's piece on the state's slightly lighter traffic volumes, Seattle Times transportation reporter Mike Lindblom offered these statistics: 

"Washington state motorists drove 2 percent less in February compared with the previous three Februarys, the Department of Transportation found. Federal figures showed a nearly 4 percent decline in vehicle miles across the country last year, the biggest year-to-year falloff in at least a quarter century."

As Lindblom reports, for some workers, this translates into speedier commute times usually just seen during holidays and summer vacation season.

For some with jobs or interviews to commute to, spending 60, 45, or even 30 fewer minutes a day in the car can be a big gain in the balance department.

How about you? Has the recession reduced your commute or given you a boost in the balance department in some small way?

If you've lost some or all of your work, are you enjoying more time with family (that is, when you're not looking for work or worrying about money)? How about a full eight to nine hours of sleep a night? What about time to exercise, eat healthier, or resume a long-neglected hobby? Or do you feel more off balance than ever?

Freelance writer Michelle Goodman is the author of "My So-Called Freelance Life" and "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide." E-mail her at ninetothrive@nwjobs.com.