Statistics show that the average commute is roughly 25 minutes. However, that time adds up to more than four hours weekly and nearly 2000 hours in a year. If you think about it this way, you will discover how much time you spend and maximize it during your daily commute.
Why drive yourself crazy jamming to the same old tunes when you can make the most of your morning and evening hours of commuting in other ways? Whether you are clinging to a subway strap, settled in the seat, or behind the wheel, below are some ways you can be more productive in your commute.
- Prepare For The Day
Do you have a presentation, interview, or meeting? If you are driving there, use that alone time to go through your speech and how you will tackle challenging questions. You can say things aloud to help you hone the tone and delivery strategy and bolster your confidence.
If you are not at the wheel, consider using that time to strategize more about your next presentation. Conversely, you can use that time to run through your to-do-list so that you hit the ground running when you get to the office. It can also be an opportunity to plan your meals for the day and the next, or writing your food shopping list for the week so that you pop by the grocery store on your way home.
- Read, Listen, Or Play
You can dent your reading list (for a good reason) when on headed to work if you are vanpooling, riding in a car, or taking public transportation. The library can be an excellent place to start if you need a loaner or eBooks, or need some inspiration. Relish every minute of the read as you work your way through some of the best books of all time.
Pop in a CD, link your smartphone or plug your iPod to the stereo if driving and listen to your favorite inspirational podcast download or lecture.
Mobile games can also be a fun and productive way of spending your commute time. You can play everything from scrabble to baccarat online. Pull out your phone and get your mind and fingers busy while seated on the bus, train, or car headed to work.
- Get To Know Someone
Do you hate being stuck at the subway stop? You can make the most of your waiting time by talking to someone. Strike up a conversation with that guy you often find sharing the same train during your daily commute. Some easy conversation starters can be pointing out local events or noticing someone reading a novel or book you want or have read.
If you are driving to work alone, you can link the Bluetooth to your phone and jam to your favorite music. You can also use the same to make short calls to some friends you would love to invite on a lunch date or evening dinner at that restaurant you have wanted to visit.
- Learn A New Skill
You probably have something that you have been looking forward to learning but have not quite found the time to tackle it, and four hours weekly sound like plenty of time. If you wanted to master crocheting, then print out a tutorial, grab a skein of yarn and a crochet hook and toss them into your bag. You could make a new friend, probably someone with the skill, and want to offer you some tips or hands-on help.
Other skills you can brush up on or tackle include learning a new language as you drive to work or boosting your brainpower while riding using Lumosity, a memory-enhancing app.
- Catch Some Shut-Eye
When you know you will have a long commute, you should wake up early and often dread that you will get home late. Unless you are driving, use that transit time to grab a quick power-nap. However, remember to set the alarm on your phone or request a fellow traveler to alert you when you reach your stop.
