I couldn’t help but notice the headlines recently that highlighted how commuting is ruining our health. It said that when it comes to job satisfaction, just 20 minutes extra commuting per day is equal to a 19% pay cut, as well as a higher rates of loneliness, anxiety and elevated blood pressure. This really got me thinking that until the day we all have flexible working hours or offices from home, which is sadly very unlikely, commutes are inevitable and therefore we need to find a solution. I have listed a few things I personally do on days that I commute, that make it much more bearable, enjoyable and productive. The first and most important thing to do before you start your commute, is to consider your mindset. This has recently helped me massively with commuting, and life in general. I have definitely been guilty in the past of feeling super stressed out when my trains late or if I don’t get a seat and have to stand the whole journey. But instead of getting worked up, I now try and do to the following things…
Read A Book
Whether it’s a paper book or audiobook, reading is such a nice way to start and end your days. At the moment I am reading Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and The Mind Makeover by Sharron Lowe. For me, I have always enjoyed reading self-development books so reading first thing in the morning makes me feel positive and motivated for the day ahead.
Listen To A Podcast
iTunes have so many amazing podcasts on offer, and they are growing in popularity daily! I love a podcast, at the moment I am listening to The Pursuit of Purpose by Melyssa Griffin, Sheerluxe Weekly and The Skinny Confidental – all amazing, funny, inspiring and they put me in a good mood at the beginning and end of the day.
Listen to Music
I love going onto my Spotify app and listening to a good playlist. For me, music is therapeutic and calming, so I tend to listen to music on days I am up really early or feeling tired. At the moment, I am loving Sam Smith’s new album. I also watched Sunday Brunch over the Christmas period and saw Bradly Walsh being interviewed about his new album – not usually my thing but I absolutely love it – its upbeat and cheerful!
Watch A TV Show
Watching something you enjoy is definitely a good way to take your mind off your commute. For me, if I was to watch anything on the train it would be a YouTube video from one of my favourite bloggers like Niomi Smart or Lydia Millen. But I see a lot of people watching boxsets and TV shows, so maybe try downloading your favourite programme and immerse yourself in it during your travels.
Get Organised
Using your commute to plan and get organised can help boost your productiveness at work. When I do this, I tend to get my planner out and read through my to-do list and set myself goals for the week. I also use this time to schedule my blog posts and catch up on my Instagram feed!
I hope this gives you some good tips for commuting and makes your journey that little bit more bearable in these colder, darker months.
Olivia x