It’s no secret that many people view their commute as a waste of time. However, it doesn’t have to be that way! There are plenty of ways to turn your commute into a productive foray. In this post, you will find tips to help you get the most out of your time spent in transit. Whether you’re driving or taking public transportation, you can do plenty of things to make the most out of your journey. Read on to learn more!
Contents
The Average Time Spent On A Commute Each Year
According to a recent study, the average American worker spends nearly 50 hours commuting to and from work each year. That’s the equivalent of almost two full work weeks! Not only is this a huge time commitment, but it can also be a major source of stress. Long commutes can cause headaches, back pain, and fatigue, and they’ve been linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety.
What’s more, all that time in traffic can take a toll on your relationships and your mental well-being. So next time you’re feeling stressed about your commute, remember that you’re not alone—and that there are ways to make the most of your time in transit.
Tips To Turn Your Commute To A Productive Foray
While you may not have a ton of extra free time, there are still things you can do to make the most of your commute. Here are just a few tips and tricks to help you turn your wasted time into a productive foray:
Listen To An Audiobook
A long, daily commute often feels like wasted time. You’re forced to pay attention for long periods when you’re listening to a story. However, there’s no need to let your commute become a drag. Instead, make the most of this time by listening to an audiobook. Not only will you be able to catch up on your reading, but you’ll also find that time flies by. In addition, listening to an audiobook can help to improve your concentration and focus.
As a result, you may find that you’re better able to stay focused when working on other tasks. And if you would like to take your commute to the next level, consider joining a book club. Not only will this help you stay motivated and on top of your reading list, but it can also be a great way to meet new people.
Create A Mental Checklist
Although you don’t always have free hands to write things down during your commute, it’s still a great time to work on your to-do list. As you make your way to and from work each day, take time to mentally plan out your day or week ahead of time, which can be a great way to de-stress while ensuring that you stay on top of all the essential tasks. Not only will you be able to stay focused on what’s important, but you can also alleviate some of the stresses associated with work.
And when you’re preparing your mental to-do list, consider breaking it up into different categories. For example, you might make a note of the big things that need to get done each day, as well as smaller tasks like making a doctor’s appointment or picking up groceries on your way home.
Make Some Hands-Free Phone Calls
As you probably know, everyone has phone calls they need to make daily. Whether it is simply catching up with a friend or partner or contacting your doctor about an upcoming appointment, the daily commute is a great time for all these little calls. But what about those times when you need to make more complex phone calls?
Let’s say that you’re in the midst of a work project and have some questions that need to be answered. Make use of your commute by initiating the call through a hands-free device, such as a voice command or an earpiece, which will allow you to stay focused on the road while ensuring that your important calls are addressed promptly.
Take A Recording Of Your Thoughts
If you like to write and take public transportation, consider bringing a notebook with you and jotting down any ideas or observations that come up as you are heading from point A to B. While it may feel a bit strange initially, a lot can be gained from recording your thoughts during your commute. But, if you have to drive, you can just use your phone or another recording device.
All you have to do is record your thoughts and listen back to the recording at a later time. Not only will this help you stay focused on what’s important, but it can also help you come up with creative solutions to complex problems. Plus, many people find that recording their thoughts helps them get unstuck in their writing projects as well!
Think About Your Big Picture
This one may not be practical for everyone, but if you have a longer commute, consider using it as an opportunity to reflect on your life and career goals. Whether you’re driving or commuting by train or bus, spend some time thinking about the direction you want your life to take. You may find that this helps you stay motivated when pursuing your dreams and can also help you make more productive use of your time.
And while you don’t have to have an exact plan about how your life will go, taking time to reflect can help you define your goals and make the most of your time each day. Whether this means going after a new job, taking classes to further your education, or simply spending more time with friends and family, use your commute as an opportunity to think about what’s important to you.
Listen To Industry Material
The last time for turning your commute into a productive foray is by listening to audio content about your industry. Listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or other relevant material can help you keep up with trends in your field and give you new insights and ideas that may be useful for work projects. Often there are even special commuting channels on streaming services like Spotify or Pandora that are curated for your industry, which will not only help you get in the mood for work but also give you an edge when it comes to staying ahead of the competition. And in today’s hectic and fast-paced work world, it’s essential that you do everything you can to stay ahead of the curve.
Start Turning Your Commute Into A Productive Foray!
Whether you commute by car, bus, or train, there are many productive ways to use this time each day. From making phone calls, taking notes to reflect on your goals, and listening to industry content, there are many ways to turn your commute into a valuable and productive foray. So why not try out some of these tips today? After all, the worst that can happen is you’ll enjoy your commute even more! And if you don’t find them productive, other options are always available!
