Make Your Day Great & Do This On Your Commute Instead

Make Your Day Great & Do This On Your Commute Instead

It’s no secret that spending all day on a train can be really boring. Unless you’re on vacation and exploring a new place, it might feel like a total waste of time. Worse yet, it’s travelling to work. In fact, around one-third of people who commute do nothing but look into space.

Even though your commute to work can be tedious, uncomfortable, and tiring, it is the perfect time for you to relax and do things you enjoy. Instead of mindlessly scrolling on your phone, fill your time with a variety of activities that benefit and improve your day. 

Your commute is the perfect opportunity to be productive and get things done. Here are a few reasons why:

You can use your commute time to get ahead of work

If you spend your commute brainstorming or thinking about what you need to do when you get to the office, you’ll be in a much better position to hit the ground running when you arrive. 

Or instead, use apps and tools to stay organized and on top of your work.

You can answer emails, review documents, or even learn more about the industry you work in. 

Getting work done during your commute can help you free up time later in the day for other tasks or leisure activities.

You can use your commute time to learn something new

With a little bit of planning, you can turn your commute into a productive learning opportunity. 

For example, if you take the bus or train to work, you can use that time to listen to audiobooks or podcasts on subjects that interest you. 

Or, if you drive to work, you can use that time to catch up on the news or listen to educational lectures.

“Learning something new during your commute can help make the time fly by ”, points out bus drivers from Queensland who carry passengers every day. It also “makes you more productive and knowledgeable”.

You can use your commute time to plan your day

You can review your to-do list, prioritize tasks, and map out a plan of attack for your day, month, or even year.  

If you have a problem that’s been weighing on your mind, use your commute time to brainstorm possible solutions.

If you’re working towards a goal, review your progress and make a plan for how you’re going to achieve it.

Start journaling or reflect on your day about what went well and what could have gone better. 

Planning your day during your commute can help you make the most of your time once you arrive at your destination. 

Photo by Pixabay

You can use your commute time to relax and de-stress

Try listening to calming music or audiobooks. “This can help you relax and take your mind off of the stresses of the day”, explains an employee from Arthur Street Cafe. You can also use this time to catch up on the news or learn something new by listening to podcasts.

Another great way to relax during your commute is to practice some deep breathing exercises. This will help you calm down and focus on the present moment. If you find yourself getting tense, stop and take a few deep breaths before continuing on your journey.

Try to take your mind off of the destination and focus on the journey itself. Appreciate the scenery around you and take some time to think about positive things in your life. This can help you feel more relaxed and less stressed during your commute.

Photo by Liliana Drew

You can use your commute time to connect with loved ones

Finding time to be truly present with loved ones can be difficult.

Instead of self-improvement, and “focusing on me, me, me during your commute, you can use that time to call or text your family or friends”, says an electrician from Energy Savers Australia. You can even stay connected even while you’re on the go.

Talking to loved ones during your commute can help reduce stress and make the time fly by.