Crafting a Joyful Commute

Tips for Productivity on the Move

Do you often find yourself dreading your daily commute, viewing it as nothing more than a necessary inconvenience? If yes, this article is for you.

According to online research in Frontiers (2023), individuals with longer commute times tend to have lower levels of subjective well-being. Traffic, poor road conditions, and incessant vehicle honking can all further contribute to physical and mental strain. But, in today’s fast-paced life, commuting has become an inevitable part of our daily routine. Whether we willingly or unwillingly transitioned to working from the office post-COVID, commuting has become a regular occurrence.

Last month alone, my Uber rides totaled 755 minutes, a figure that has steadily climbed over the past year. However, commuting is a reality, and rather than viewing this time as lost and letting it overwhelm us, let us think about how we can make this time not just bearable but also incredibly productive and fulfilling.

Here are some practical strategies I've discovered to make the most of my commute:

1. Forge Connections: Commuting presents an opportunity to build relationships and network. Whether you’re carpooling with colleagues or using technology to connect with friends and family, leverage this time to foster meaningful connections. Some of my most cherished friendships have blossomed during shared commutes. Sharing stories and exchanging ideas with friends, family, and colleagues during my commute enriches my day.
2. Set Intentions and Reflect: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail,” said Benjamin Franklin. I take advantage of my commute to set intentions for the day ahead. I look into my calendar, and clearly jot down my day’s priorities in my task list. On the way back, I use this time to unwind and reflect on my day, setting the stage for a peaceful evening. Whether it’s taking a power nap or listening to music, this time helps me cultivate mindfulness and clarity of mind.
3. Prioritize Well-being: Taking care of your body and alleviating stress during your commute is crucial for overall well-being. Incorporating gentle stretches into your commute time can work wonders. Simple movements like chin tucks, shoulder shrugs, and ankle pumps improve circulation and reduce stiffness, ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed. Additionally, maintaining good posture can help prevent back pain issues later in the day. Engaging in deep breathing and mindfulness exercises can further promote relaxation and overall well-being. For instance, dedicating just 10 minutes to a practice of yoga nidra, even while sitting, can profoundly relax your mind and body, providing much-needed stress relief during your commute.
4. Leverage Technology: I make use of technology to stay productive and informed during my commute. Catching up on emails, listening to podcasts, or even taking up online courses expands my knowledge and skills. With the right tools, my commute becomes a time for personal growth and learning. Explore educational podcasts, audiobooks, or learning apps to maximize your commute time. By transforming your commute into a mobile classroom or office, you can make use of your otherwise idle or ‘deemed wasted’ time.
5. Utilize Conversations for Insights: As a marketer, I capitalize on my commute as an opportunity to engage with people and gain valuable insights. Whether it's conversing with fellow passengers or the driver, listening attentively to their self-care routines, and media consumption habits provides invaluable insights and inspires new strategies.
6. Complete Errands: In addition to personal well-being, I also use my commute time to tackle mundane tasks like grocery shopping or planning appointments. Leveraging mobile apps and online services enables me to order everyday essentials, settle bills, or organize my agenda, effectively utilizing my time on the go. This approach allows me to check off many of my to-dos while commuting, freeing up more quality time to spend with family once I'm home.
7. Plan Your WFH Days: If you have the privilege of working from home on a few days in the week, leverage it well. Establishing a routine for your work-from-home days to utilize the time that would otherwise be spent on the road can be highly beneficial. This time could be used to fill the gap from your commute days by spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in full-body exercise, or simply taking moments to refill your cup physically and mentally.

I am privileged to be driven to work, and these tips are written from my lens based on what I found useful for myself. These tips are most relevant if you are driven by someone else to the office. Most of these tips are not viable if you are driving on your own, but some tips like choosing to disconnect and listening to music to unwind on the way back or planning your day in your mind as you head to the office in the morning are still feasible while driving. If you are using public transport, it is possible to practice a few exercises like ankle pumps if you are sitting. Traveling on public transport, in fact, can be a great way to connect with other people.

Finally, consider exploring alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling or walking, if feasible. Not only are these options environmentally friendly, but they also offer opportunities for exercise and fresh air, which can invigorate both body and mind. So, if circumstances permit, why not give it a try and see how it transforms your daily journey?

Share your journey!

What do you do to utilize your commute time better? As you get onto your next commute, do consider some of these tips to make the most of this time and do share back if something clicks for you.

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P.S. Views are strictly personal. Any resemblance to individuals, living or otherwise, is purely coincidental and not intended. This article reflects general observations and is not a reflection of any specific workplace, including my current one.