9 Ways to Make the Most of Your Daily Commute Time

Every day, millions of Americans spend a valuable amount of their time commuting to and from work. And whether you’re traveling by train, bus, car or simply walking, commuting can be stressful; you can feel as though you’re wasting precious time which could be spent doing something else. But your commute time doesn’t have to be unpleasant if you go into it with the right mindset. Here are nine ways in which you can make your daily commute more enjoyable.

Take your time

Running late for work? Many of us experience the mad rush to get to work on time on a daily basis. If you are constantly racing to be punctual, just get up earlier and leave earlier, to slow down your overall pace. In the morning, sit down, have a sip of coffee, and plan your day. By taking your time, you’ll see a radical decrease in your stress levels, which will help you stay mindful and on top of your workday.

Check-in with your friends

Your commute may be among the few instances when you have time for yourself during your busy week. Similarly, you might not have a lot of time to connect with your friends either. Therefore, assuming you are not driving, take advantage of your commute time to text your friends, your family or your significant other and make their day brighter. When was the last time you called a loved one?

Listen to music

Take advantage of your commute to discover new music and add diversity to your life; check out artists or bands that you’ve heard of but never listened to. Your daily commute is an excellent time to explore your interests and find new things you enjoy. Make a list of bands that you’d like to dive into and start using your commute to find the songs that will put you in a positive mood and get you ready for your day. If you are a Spotify user, Discover Weekly will generate a new playlist based on the music you already love.

Learn a new language

Are you planning on going on a trip this summer? Maybe you’re thinking about studying abroad or living in a different country for a while, or you just want to expand your linguistic horizons.  Well, your commute is just the right time to develop your foreign language skills. Learning a new language is extremely valuable and will make you stand out both on a personal and a professional level. If you don’t have time for language classes, your commute is the perfect time to learn the basics of a new language. Apps like Duolingo, for instance, offer digestible, engaging lessons, which you can fit in the time frame you spend commuting.

Get off your phone

When you commute using public transportation, take a look around you and you will probably notice that most commuters spend their time scrolling through their phones, browsing social media. While it might be fun for a little bit, it can get boring after a while, and you end up feeling exhausted after staying connected for too long. Put your phone down, think about planning your day or pick up a book and read. Look out the window and enjoy the views and the lack of blue light. Simply disconnect and be present in the moment.

Read, read, read

As much as everyone wants to do this, it can be difficult to find the time to sit down and read. Take advantage of the time you have during your commute by reading books, newspapers or magazines on topics you are interested in. Reading has many benefits; a recent study showed that reading for just 30 minutes a day can reduce stress and improve empathy. Rest your eyes and get in the right headspace ahead of your workday.

Meditate

Your day at work will probably be intense. Instead of rushing through emails and tasks before work, try to relax and take time to calm yourself at the beginning of your day. As New York Times meditation expert David Gelles explains, mindfulness meditation will serve you and others around you well, since instead of seeing the negative aspects of a busy commute, you focus on the positives and shift your mindset. You can do this both during your commute and at work, taking 10 minutes for yourself before jumping in, which is going to boost your productivity.

Exercise

Studies have shown that commuters who bike or walk to work are less likely to be overweight, and have better physical health. Research also shows that exercising before work is very beneficial to mental health, fuelling your body with happy hormones. Not everyone has the chance to skip public transportation or driving, but if you can avoid it, jump on a bike or take a walk to work instead. If your journey is long, you could hop off the train or bus a stop or two early and walk or cycle the last part of the route.

Take a different route

If you think your commute is boring, you may want to spice it up a little. You can find alternative ways to go to work, especially when you live in a big city. Not only will it feel different, but it will also make it more fun and enjoyable. Bear in mind that a longer route that has some novelty to it can be much more pleasant than a short one you’re tired of.

Especially in situations where you can’t control how much time you spend, as is your commute, be aware and mindful. Being present and actively trying to use your time for yourself will result in a more positive outlook on life and a boost in your mood. Get creative with your goals, find ways to self-improve and self-soothe, and your commute could actually become one of your favorite times of the day.