How to Make the Most Out of Your Commute to Work

If your job requires you to physically attend a work location, you’ll be no stranger to the daily commute.

For those of you who live near your work location, the commute might be short and painless. However, for those traveling further, commuting can eat up hours every week.

Unfortunately, the daily commute can often feel like wasted time. If you’re driving, it’s essential that you focus on the road ahead. If you’re on the bus or train, you’ve got limited space and resources to do anything productive.

However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t make the most of the time that you spend commuting.  When you optimize your travel time, you can lower your stress levels and add in some valuable “me” time to your day.  Here are some of three helpful tips to make the most out of your commute.

Listen to a Podcast or Audiobook

Podcasts and audiobooks provide great hands-free entertainment. They’re perfect for those of you who drive to work, as you can leave them playing without needing to press any buttons. You can practice safe driving while enjoying your commute.

You can turn your commute into a learning opportunity by listening to educational podcasts or non-fiction audiobooks. If you’d rather have a more relaxing commute, you can put on a comedy podcast and chill out before or after work.

Take a Mental Break

Our lives are very busy, and most of us don’t take a moment to breathe. Use the commute to take a mental break and switch off from work.

You could practice some deep breathing or listen to a guided meditation to relax your mind and bring your focus to the present moment.  Deep breathing and meditation can make a huge difference to your mental resilience, attention, and focus throughout the day.

Catch Up With a Friend

Whether you are driving or commuting by train or bus, it’s the perfect time to catch up with a friend or family member. Most cars now have a hands-free calling option, so you don’t need to take your hands off the wheel to ring a loved one.

It doesn’t need to be a particularly long phone call. Even if it’s just a quick five-minute catch up, it helps you to maintain strong connections with your friends and family and show them that you care.