If you are someone that has to commute for work, there are two ways to look at it. You can see it as a nuisance and time that drags on twice a day, or you can see it as something that you can use to your advantage. No matter if the commute is half an hour or two hours, there is plenty you can do to make the most of this time of your day. In this article we’ve put together some top tips on how to make the most of your work commute. Keep reading to find out more and get inspired.
Use it to train your brain
Your commute can be a great time to keep your brain sharp. Puzzles like doing a crossword, Sudoku, or logic games can make the journey fly by while improving your problem-solving skills and memory. Even just challenging yourself with mental math or trivia questions can be a simple way to keep your mind engaged. There are some apps you can get that can help you with this, offering different brain challenges every day, as well as the above. Soon you can find your brain is more switched on, it’s easier to wake up in the morning and you feel generally better about yourself.
Learn a language
Whether you’re brushing up on French, learning Japanese, or picking up Spanish for fun, commuting is the perfect time to practice. Apps like Duolingo or podcasts can make learning on the go easy and enjoyable. Regular short bursts of language practice can really add up over time. If you have a big trip coming up, you can download an app like Duolingo and learn the language in a time when you would otherwise not be doing anything useful. This makes it a much better way to spend your time and you can benefit from it when you go on your holiday too!
Do some journaling
Commuting gives you a quiet window to reflect on your day or plan ahead. Writing in a journal helps reduce stress, boosts creativity, and can even improve your mood. You can jot down ideas, set goals, or simply express your thoughts while on the train or bus. Get yourself a dedicated journal book that is just used for this purpose, and you can write down everything that you are feeling. Whether you are someone that suffers from anxiety, if you always have too many thoughts in your head, or if you just want something to do, journaling is a fantastic way to help get everything out there in the open and can be really cathartic for you.
Get a head start on your emails
If your commute includes some time with Wi-Fi or mobile data, use it to go through your inbox. Answering emails in transit can help you start your workday more organized and free up your time when you get to the office. It’s a productive way to ease into your day. If you get the train, you often have access to Wi-Fi and data, as well as a comfortable seat to sit on, where you can get your emails done and be ahead of the day. You can start tasks, get a to-do list on the go and get to the office feeling ready to face the day.
Read a book
There’s nothing like losing yourself in a good book to make the commute enjoyable. Whether it’s fiction for entertainment or non-fiction to learn something new, reading is a relaxing way to make the most of your travel time. Audiobooks are a great alternative if you’re driving or prefer to rest your eyes. Reading is good for your mental wellbeing, and you can read something that is relaxing and fun, or perhaps a business or educational book to help you brush up on your skills. It can be a good idea to invest in a Kindle so you don’t have to lug a whole load of books around, it can just slip into your bag easily.
Plan your week ahead
Use your commute to organize your schedule. You can make to-do lists, plan appointments, or set weekly goals. This helps reduce stress and ensures you’re prepared for what’s ahead, making your workday more efficient and less chaotic. You can write down things like your shopping list, what meals you are going to have, and any events that you might have to go to, or appointments you need to attend.
Listen to educational podcasts
Podcasts are an excellent way to learn while on the move. Whether it’s business tips, self-improvement, history, or science, listening to experts talk about topics that interest you can make your journey informative and inspiring. There is a wide range of podcasts that are available, from healthcare and educational ones, to business podcasts, comedy and romantic ones. Find the ones that are to do with what you’re interested in and switch them up throughout the week.
Work on a side hustle
If you’re building a side project or freelance work, commuting can be prime time to make progress. Draft blog posts, outline ideas, or manage small tasks that move your side hustle forward. Even short bursts of focused work can add up over time, and you can soon have a successful side hustle where you make money on the side. You can use this time to plan what you want your side hustle to be, or come up with new ideas.
These are a few ways you can turn your commute from feeling like a chore, to something that is a really valuable time of your day. Whether you use it to get ahead with your work, or to switch off and relax, letting your mind just rest, there are so many things that can help. What are some top tips you have for making the most of your work commute? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
