If you go to work every day by car, train, metro, or bus, this blog is just for you. We’ve listed some of the best and easiest ways to make your daily commute more useful and enjoyable. Now, even if you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for your station to arrive, let’s make it fun. And instead of letting this time go to waste, let’s find out how you can turn it into something meaningful.
If You Commute by Car
During your daily commute to the office, if you get stuck in traffic inside your car every day, it can undoubtedly feel annoying. But with the right approach, you can make that time more enjoyable and useful.
1. Put together a playlist of your favourite songs
It is no secret that music can lift your mood in no time. A happy playlist will calm your mind, reduce stress, and make traffic jams bearable. If you find your old playlist boring, you should update it over the weekend. It’ll give you something to look forward to on Monday morning and make your commute to the office lighter!
2. Plan for your day ahead
But naturally, you can’t write down your plans while you’re driving. However, you can surely think about them. When you plan your top 5 tasks for the day ahead mentally, at least you’ll get a rough draft ready. Once you reach the office, quickly jot them down. Follow the same pattern on your way back home, and reflect on what you completed and what’s left.
3. Focus on the Present
It’s easy to complain about work during the ride home, but instead, it is fruitful if you try to think about the good parts of your day. It could be a friendly call with a colleague, a task you did well, or something new you learned in your office. These small positive thoughts will help you feel better by the time you reach home.
4. Enjoy Audiobooks
It’s fine if you want to take a break from music and are looking for a change. Try audiobooks! It’s an alternative option for reading, only without using your eyes. Start with a genre or author you already like. You might also get hooked on it and look forward to your next drive to your office and back.
5. Tune into Podcasts
For those of you who haven’t come across this term called Podcasts, they are visual radio talk shows that you can listen to anytime. It can be about personal growth, business tips, fun stories, or health. There’s something for everyone. Once you find your favourite, commuting to the office won’t feel so exhausting, you’ll be focused on something engaging instead.
6. Call Your Family or Friend
If you have a hands-free setup in your car, use this time to catch up with family or friends. Share how your day went, and listen to theirs too. It’s a simple way to stay connected and feel close, especially during those moments when you feel lonely or the drive feels intolerable.
7. Practice or Prepare
If you have a presentation or meeting the same day, you can practice your lines while driving. Saying your thoughts out loud will help you remember and speak more confidently.
If You Travel by Train, Metro, or Bus
When you’re not behind the wheel, you can do a lot more with your hands and eyes. Public transport gives you even more opportunities to be productive.
1. Try a Short Meditation
Put on your earphones and listen to a calming meditation. Just a few minutes of deep breathing or guided audio will help you stay calm and focused. It’s a great way to start or end your workday.
2. Write Your To-Do List
You can use your commute time to plan your day. Be priority-specific and write down the top things you want to finish. Some may prefer a big weekly list, others may want to make smaller daily ones. Either way, putting your thoughts on paper helps clear your mind.
3. Read Something Interesting
Since screens can get tiring, it’s better to carry a book or a magazine. Be it fiction, a business book, or a comic. Reading is, anyway, a peaceful and enriching way to pass the time.
4. Catch Up on Emails or Texts
If you’ve got a lot of unread emails or pending messages, now’s a good time to reply. You should clear the clutter in the morning so you don’t feel overwhelmed or overstimulate yourself later in the day.
5. Learn Something New
Even better! You can use this time to build a new skill. You can download a language-learning app, try sketching, listen to a health podcast, or take a mini online course. Depending on how long your commute is, you can also enrol in a distance learning online course.
In a Nutshell
Got your own favourite commute habit? Share it with us in the comments below!
