9 ways to improve your morning commute
For some people, the morning commute can be a stressful rampage trying to get from A to B. For others, the daily trek is seemingly mundane and starts to feel like wasted time. In fact, some research even suggests it can lead to problems with both physical and mental health. Why not switch up your morning commute and see if a little change can go a long way in brightening your day?
1. Make it leisurely
Waking up on a Monday morning is hard enough without having to set your alarm any earlier, but hear us out on this one. By getting up just 20 minutes earlier you can buy yourself more time for that morning commute. That means no more rushing to the subway, no more being stressed out about missing a bus, and no more arriving at the office already agitated before you’ve even started your working day.
2. Find a different route to work
Do you find yourself struggling for time, stuck in traffic on the busiest street when heading to work? How about optimizing your route by finding a different way to go? Whether it is to avoid traffic or just to enjoy the scenic route, figuring out a new way to your office might set you up for a great day.
Perhaps finding a new route means leaving your car halfway, and hopping on public transport for the rest of your journey. Or maybe it means missing the busier few stops of your transit by riding your bike part of the way. Switch up your daily routine and see if you can find something that works better for you.
3. Read a good book
We’re constantly told that we should read more, but it can be hard to fit it in when you already have a hectic schedule. So why not use your morning commute as time to catch up on a good book? Not only is reading a great source of pleasure, with a good book allowing you to get lost in its pages and take a little vacation from reality, they are also vital in helping us improve our language, communication and critical thinking skills. Furthermore, you never know what new information you might absorb from a book-maybe it will inspire you during your working day.
4. Listen to podcasts or music
Whether you want to relax and discover some new tunes or brighten your morning with a comedy podcast, with just your cell phone and some headphones you can zone out for a little bit. These days, most people carry a smartphone, and you can download all kinds of handy music streaming and podcast apps. You can even learn something new, thanks to the broad range of educational podcasts now available. At just the touch of a button, you can spend your busy bus journey learning a new language or discovering new things about the Seven Wonders of the World.
5. Use the time to disconnect
You have a long working day ahead of you, and you need to store all of the brain power you can for those important meetings. When was the last time you just sat down and disconnected from the world? That means putting down the newspaper, turning off your phone and just having some mental “me time”. If you’re someone who enjoys meditating, perhaps take the time to do that. Either way, you should arrive at work mentally realigned and ready to put all your energy into a productive day
6. Stay positive
From packed trains filled with commuters to transit delays and traffic jams, all kinds of things can go wrong on the morning commute. One thing to try and remember is that there is rarely anything that you can do to change the situation, and rather it is how you react to it that will impact your day. Try to stay positive and calm, you’ll get to your destination eventually. If stressful situations become a daily occurrence, use it as an opportunity for learning and consider leaving the house a little earlier, or finding a new route.
7. Download a game to play
If reading a book or attempting to teach yourself a new skill seems too taxing for your brain first thing in the morning, why not waste some time and have a little bit of fun? All kinds of gaming apps are available on smartphones, and they can be an enjoyable (albeit sometimes addictive) way to pass time. Alternatively, try an old-school puzzle like a word search or sudoku. Quite often city transit provides their own free commuter newspapers, with new puzzles each day. Warm your brain up for a busy day, and see if you can beat your high score or complete a tough quiz.
8. Get organized
Everyone knows how hard it is to juggle their work-life balance, and still make sure that they get everything done. From a big presentation coming up at work, to getting your laundry done, we all have one million tasks to do and it can be a struggle to fit it all in. Why not use your morning commute to make a to-do list and organize your schedule, while making sure you fit in some time to relax.
9. Use it as an excuse to exercise
Do you find yourself taking the bus for just two or three stops, or maybe opting to drive two blocks to work some mornings? Why not make a little extra time and walk or bike to work. Granted, not everyone has the option to do this, but if you live close enough and have a feasible route to take, it can definitely brighten your day. In fact, a study conducted by The Bringham Young University found that people who do some form of exercise in the mornings actually end up being more active all day.
If all that wasn’t enough, did you know that by cutting your car out of your morning commute, you can actually cut the cost of your car insurance too? The less time you spend behind the wheel, especially during the busy rush hour, the less of a risk you pose to your insurer and they will happily reward you for that with a little discount. Talk to your insurer, or search the market for a new insurer, and see if you can save some dollars.
You can also feel super good about yourself for reducing your carbon footprint a little and save some money at the same time. There’s never been a better excuse for your morning coffee shop stop.