Perhaps the single most dreaded aspect of most people’s job is their commute.
Commuting between home and work is estimated to add-up to nearly nine days per year.
With this wasted time, there has to be ways to make it better.
Tips to making your commute more bearable are sorely needed, especially when commuting is the one thing we can all collectively agree is only getting worse.
If you reframe your perspective, you’ll soon see that your commute is actually a great opportunity to catch-up on some forgotten items.
Commuting can be a source of some much needed me-time and affords you the opportunity to brush up your skills.
Although you may never grow to love commuting, we could all make better use of that time.
Plan Ahead
The first step to making your commute easier is to plan ahead.
Wear comfier sneakers, maybe leave the tie in the bag until you get in the office and pack an umbrella if the forecast calls for showers.
Whatever it is, by planning ahead you save yourself future frustration and headache.
Build A Playlist
The issue with commuting is the monotony.
It’s the same road, with what seems to be the same people, every day of the week.
You need to change it up.
A great way to do so is to build a playlist the night before.
That way, you have something new and different to spice up your commute.
Learn Something New
What better time to learn something new than your commute?
Download a podcast or audiobook and listen to something new and interesting.
There are a plethora of podcasts out there, ranging from technology, to current events, to science fiction.
Learning something new on your commute is a great way to spend your time.
Listen to Relaxing Music
Now, I’m not saying the radio isn’t a great tool for listening to music but try and plug-in your phone and listening to relaxing, calming, music before work starts.
Doing so may help you reach your inner Zen and peace before you get to work and should help you start the day off right.
Catch-Up With Family and Friends
Now, if you live in a state where talking on the phone while driving is illegal then definitely don’t do this one.
And, if you do happen to live in a state where it is legal to talk on the phone while driving, then please do so safely.
With that said, taking the time to call and catch-up with family and friends is a great thing to do during your commute.
You can show them you care and not get frustrated with the drivers around you.
Take A Different Route
Like we said earlier, the monotony is what makes commuting so difficult.
So sometimes, change it up and take a different route.
It may take you a little longer to get home, but who knows, maybe you’ll see something interesting!
Keep Healthy Snacks
Having some healthy snacks on you that are easy to eat is a great way to pass the time.
Something simple like nuts or grapes are easy to eat without getting distracted.
Don’t Be Afraid to Pull Over
Sometimes the commute is too much.
When that happens, don’t be afraid to pull over to a convenience or ice-cream store for a quick break.
Doing so allows the traffic to settle down a little and gives you a nice break.
Talk to Your Manager
The last tip is to talk to your manager about your commute.
Maybe you can start coming in earlier or leaving later to avoid the commute?
Maybe they’ll give you a work from home option once a week.
Whatever it is, it never hurts to discuss.
So, what was your worst commute like?
How many hours were you spending in traffic a week?
