Are you tired of commuting for hours to work with nothing to do? Do you find yourself staring at the ground to avoid eye contact with the person sitting next to you? Maybe you wish you could sprout wings and fly to work to avoid the dreaded morning commute.
Unfortunately, flying to work is not really an option. So whether you’re on the bus, catching an Uber or settling in for a train ride, make time fly – and make the most of your commute – with these four commuting life hacks.
Podcasts are a great way to kick off your workday. If you are looking for a break from the monotony of the workweek, freeway traffic jams and awkward conversations on the bus, then look no further. Podcasts can open you up to a whole new world of vampires and zombies, chatty girl talk and interviews with self-help experts.
From the witty and educational to humorous and downright random, there is a podcast for everyone. So sit back, relax and enjoy the wonder that is a stress-free commute.
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We all know that the workweek can be stressful. From deadlines to last minute emails to computer glitches, sometimes we can’t catch a break. While hobbies are a great way to combat stress when we’re at home, it’s not feasible to play tennis while on route.
So rather than wasting valuable time, why not take a few minutes to check in with yourself and reflect on the week? Meditation can take many forms from yoga and prayer to the more formal religious practice. But meditation can also be a form of reflection that challenges you to check in with yourself and exist in the present moment.
Think of meditation as a conversation. Take advantage of this alone time and ask yourself who you are and where you want to be. Then ask yourself what steps you need to take to achieve these goals. If you are open to the conversation, chances are that you will learn something new about yourself.
READ MORE: 4 Types of Meditation You Might Not Know About
By the time you get home after a busy day and long commute, you probably want to collapse on the couch with a good book and a tall glass of wine. Or maybe you want to go out and treat yourself to a nice meal with family and friends. Either way, the last thing on your mind is your calendar and to-do list.
We all know that to-do lists are about as fun and exciting as work meetings. But to-do lists will only get more overwhelming the longer we put them off. So why not use the thirty-minute bus ride to plan, arrange and organize your schedule? Your future self will thank you.
READ MORE: 22 Instant Happiness Fixes
If you find yourself without a book, smartphone or tablet on your daily commute, why not spend the time catching up with an old friend? Put your bluetooth headset to good use and call your mentor for some advice, catch up with a close friend or chat with a relative you’ve been meaning to call.
Sometimes a conversation with a loved one can make all the difference at the end of a stressful day. You can blow off some steam, vent and sympathize with another person’s problems. This can help put your own issues in perspective and allows you to de-stress before getting home.
