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Commuting to work or school doesn't have to be a boring, frustrating experience. Instead of viewing your commute as wasted time on a train or bus, use it as an opportunity to be more productive or to do something you enjoy. Read a book, catch up on your favorite podcasts, reply to emails, or simply zen out. There are lots of ways you can transform your non-driving commute into a valuable part of your day.
EditSteps
EditIncreasing Your Productivity
- Make to-do lists and write out your goals to get ready for the day. Instead of spending your first hour at work preparing for the day, get ready beforehand. Make lists for what you need to do for work or for school; you could even make lists for things you need to accomplish at home.[1]
- This can be done in the morning for the upcoming day or in the evening for the following day.
- If you're driving, use voice-to-text to create a list on your phone.
- Reply to emails and clean out your inbox so there are no notifications. Messages, emails, and work-related apps can constantly pull at your attention throughout the day. Designate your commute time to dealing with these notifications so that when you're at work, you can truly concentrate on the tasks at hand.[2]
- Practice speeches, presentations, and pitches while you're on the go. Instead of spending valuable evening hours at home practicing for a big presentation, use your commute time to read over your notes, memorize lines, and do any additional research that needs to be done. If you're in your car, you can even practice your speech out loud without fear of others listening to you.[3]
- Reviewing your notes before a meeting can also help you feel less anxious because you'll feel more prepared.
- Listen to webinars or watch videos that relate to your field. Take this commute time to learn more about what others in your field are talking about, whether that's finance, science, PR, marketing, education, or any other field. You could learn something really cool that you can implement at your own job.[4]
- Even if you just watch videos about motivation, productivity, or passion, chances are you'll end up feeling more energized for work and ready to be productive.
- Learn a new language to become a more valuable asset at work. Even if your job doesn't require you to speak multiple languages, having that ability could really open up more doors for you down the road. Pick a language you're interested in, download some language-learning software, and start learning![5]
- There are some great apps, like Duolingo and Babbel, that make learning a new language interactive and fun.
- Meditate to clear your mind and deal with work-related stress. It may seem counterintuitive to productivity to just sit and be still, but taking some time out to reflect and meditate will actually help make you more productive in the long run. If you're using public transportation, you could even close your eyes to focus more.[6]
- If you are new to meditating, try setting a timer on your phone for 5 or 10 minutes. Once the time is up, move on to another productivity task.
- There are some great meditation apps you can download to your smartphone. Try Headspace, Calm, 10% Happier, or Insight Timer. A lot of these are free and include additional in-app purchases.
EditDoing Something You Enjoy
- Listen to an audiobook if you wish you had more time for reading. There are lots of great apps (like Audible and Libby) that you can download on your phone that will allow you to listen to audible copies of your favorite books. Simply put in your earphones and relax while you listen to your book.[7]
- If you take public transportation, you could also read a digital or physical book if you prefer that to audiobooks.
- Download podcasts to enjoy while you're traveling to and from work. There are thousands of podcasts you can listen to from every category you could ever want. From true crime to current events to fitness, finance, and humor, you can learn something new every day.[8]
- Browse the top charts to see which podcasts are most popular at the moment. This is a great way to find shows that are well-produced and well-reviewed.
- Downloading a podcast rather than streaming it means you'll be able to listen to the episode even when you have spotty service.
- Read the news to stay on top of current and popular events. Pick up a copy of a physical newspaper, or browse your favorite news apps on your phone. If you're driving, you could even listen to a podcast that recaps the most important news from the day, like "The Daily" from the New York Times or "Up First" from NPR.[9]
- Twitter can also be a good source to find links to relevant news articles; just be careful to read from reliable sources and double-check your information if it seems sketchy.
- Create a playlist to get you pumped for the day. Pick your favorite jams or add new tunes to a playlist. Make multiple lists for different moods, like something to wake you up when you're tired or music for the ride home to help you calm down and relax.[10]
- If you use public transportation, make sure to wear headphones while you listen to your music so you don't bother other people.
- Call or video chat with friends and family to stay connected. Use your time commuting to catch up with the people you love. Use your headphones so that your commuting neighbors can't hear your whole conversation.[11]
- If you're driving yourself, don't use your actual phone to make the calls. Instead, use your car's speaker or Bluetooth system to stream the call through the speakers.
- Catch up on your favorite TV shows. If your phone has enough battery left and you have your headphones, there is no reason why you shouldn't watch some TV while you're commuting. This could also give you more time at home to enjoy other activities, like make dinner, see friends, or do a hobby.[12]
- Wind-down by playing a favorite video game or app on your phone. There are literally hundreds of games to download and enjoy on your phone, so the chances are pretty high that you can find one you love. Playing a game is a great way to mentally unwind from work. Simply download a game and follow the instructions to play.
- Games can use up a lot of battery power, so give your phone a good charge before you leave work for the day or bring a portable charger with you.
- Write in a journal to record your thoughts and feelings. Use your phone, laptop, or actual physical journal to make your notes. Get as creative as you want—you could write traditional journal entries, make lists, draw, or do anything else you desire.[13]
- This is a great way to relax after work and simultaneously process the things that have happened.
EditTips
- Leave for work earlier so that you're not rushed. Traffic delays will seem less bothersome, or you might even have time to stop for some coffee or a morning treat.
- If you live close to work, try biking to the office when the weather is nice. You'll get in some exercise while also switching up your routine.
EditRelated wikiHows
- Commute on Earth Day
- Exercise While Commuting
- Avoid Contributing to Traffic Congestion
- Commute By Bicycle
EditReferences
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