10 ways to get the best from your commute

Commuting is periodically recurring travel between one's place of residence and place of work, or study, and in doing so exceed the boundary of their residential community.

Flexible working can result in ending up in jobs ironically further from home because you don't need to be in one place all the time.

Research studies have shown recently that we commute further distances today than 10 years ago. A combination of longer commutes and rising transport costs has meant that just getting to work can put a real strain on household finances. It also can place a strain on families too.

A study in 2015 demonstrated the daily commute uses up more than 18 months of your life, with an average of 13,870 hours spent getting to and from work A key study from 2001 asked people what their ideal commute time was and the commonest response was 20 minutes. Interestingly, some respondents preferred a longer commute. Often the length of the commute is not the challenge but if it is broken into several parts. There are other factors that make a commute more comfortable such as being able to sit down, plug your computer in, and avoid times of overcrowding. Longer commutes have been linked to higher waistlines and increased risk of relationship breakdown. Less time for ‘together time’ and for physical exercise may be part of the reasons for this.

For some people who are neurodivergent the combination of long commutes and needing more cognitive effort to ensure focus is maintained in work can be a toxic combination. Alternative commuting and being allowed to homework can make a real difference and lead to greater productivity and wellbeing.

10 ways to make the best of your commute  

1.   Start the day with some goals. This can be a useful time to consider priorities and get off to the day without procrastination. Write your to-do list (if you are not driving!)

2.   Consider it as a time of personal growth and use the time wisely. If you add up the time you travel per week, you could learn a new language(https://www.busuu.com/; or https://www.duolingo.com/).

3.Could you complete a course of education? e.g. https://www.khanacademy.org/  which are free.

4.   Consider if you can change how you commute to fit in some exercise into your day. Active commuting can reduce cardiovascular risk by 11% Could you cycle or walk? Is it possible to get off one stop on the bus, train or underground before you need to, and walk part of the way once a week for example?

5.   Could you join a carpool? Sharing the journey with someone else can reduce your costs and be a good way to socialise and connect with others.

6.   If you are on a train or bus you could watch a Ted talk (https://www.ted.com/) or listen to a podcast e.g. This American Life, Stuff You Should Know. (https://www.wired.co.uk/article/best-podcasts)

7.   Read a book on your phone, tablet, or a traditional paper book. Take this opportunity to read for 15-20 minutes every day? You can also listen on Audible if you prefer to do so.

8.   Get your social media ‘fix’ completed.

9.   Use the time to plan meals.

10. Check your budget and complete tasks relating to your expenses.

BUT:

Don’t drive if you are too tired or have had a very stressful day- a real reason for accidents!

AND:

If you really can’t stand the commute perhaps you need to think of other job options where flexible working makes it more acceptable for you.