Short commutes make people happier than having sex, according to survey

This is surprising

Sex is great - but is it as good as a short commute to work?

According to a recent survey by Time Out, a significant amount of Londoners fantasise about one thing - and it may not be what you think.

Compiling and analysing data from over 3,000 responses, it turns out that nothing makes a Londoner happier than a short commute - even boosting “Londoners’ happiness more than having sex.”

More than 84 per cent of Londoners said they had felt happy at some point in the past 24 hours.

Those numbers rose insignificantly, by just two per cent, for those who reported having sex recently - but saw a significant increase in those who reported having a short commute.

Short means spending “only 15 to 30 minutes" squished on public transportation, as opposed to the 39-minute average.

But it shouldn't be too much of a surprise; the findings are consistent with a growing body of evidence showing that short commutes are one of the major secrets to a happy life.

According to one study conducted by the University of Waterloo and published in World Leisure Journal, there is a direct link between commute time and well-being - with people with longer commutes reporting lower overall satisfaction with life.

The report suggests the link is due to a sense of time pressure - with commuters who spend a significant amount of time on the road reporting heightened levels of stress, due to a need to hurry, compared to those who spend shorter times commuting.

And a 2012 study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine also found a link between long commutes and negative side effects.

According to the study, "greater commuting distances are associated with decreased cardiorespiratory fitness, increased weight, and other indicators of metabolic risk," meaning those with longer commutes are overall unhealthier.

This is because people who have to spend longer amounts of time commuting have less time to spend exercising - which can take a significant toll on the mind and the body.

Considering all the negative side-effects of longer commute times, it's no wonder people prefer shorter commutes to sex.