Commute is no fun.
I was working at two different offices – one with 20 minutes commute and the other one is with one hour and a half by driving. It took me a few weeks to get used to the long commute. Though today, I still don’t like it.
However – there were things I did to be a little bit more productive during my commute. Here are some of the things I’d like to share with you to make your commute a little bit better.
Listen to Audiobooks/Podcast
This is what I mostly do while commuting. Listening to an audiobook has helped my commute less stressful. By doing this, I kill two birds with one stone.
It is also sometimes difficult to find the time to sit down and read. I can catch up on the reading I have been meaning to get done while heading towards the office at the same time.
I currently have gold monthly Audiobooks membership (as for now, it is $14.95) and get one credit per month. But if you register as a new member, you will get 2 free credits. This is a pretty good deal considering many audiobooks are not cheap.
If you are ok waiting, you can also borrow audiobooks from Libby app by OverDrive. It is free with your library card.
Practice your mental model
If you have an important meeting with clients or your team, you can use the time to prepare some questions. Perhaps you can start imagining how the meeting will start, and what ideas you can bring to the meeting.
Maybe you have a presentation coming up or a sales pitch you need to practice. Researchers found that concentration can be improved by visualizing what you are about to do with as much detail as possible.
Or, if you want to become better at listening to your loved ones, you can tell yourself stories about what they said to you last night. You will likely improve your focus and remember the details.
Write down one or a few things you want to accomplish today
If you did not have the time to plan your day in the morning or the night before, this can be a good opportunity to do so. Simply thinking and prioritizing what you are about to do on that day can make a difference in your day!
Simply take the time – to be grateful
Although last year I achieved most of my goals, my brain simply came up with new goals and I hardly took the time to practice gratitude. I found This cycle is not very healthy.
I started learning to appreciate little things in my life.
I found Negative visualization is a helpful technique to regain your happiness. This may seem strange and counterproductive, but it actually works. Basically, the main concept is to visualize negative outcomes in your life.
In the morning, when I started to complain about going to work, I imagined myself without a job and I had to worry about paying my bills, finding a job, and interview preparation. It was depressing at that moment, but after imagining how painful it can be without a job, I started to feel relief that it was not real and I feel a little bit more grateful for what I have.
Maybe just listen to your favorite music
Sometimes listening to some good, upbeat music can be a good starting point of your day. You don’t have to feel productive all the time during your commute. Sing your favorite songs in the car and your positive mood will likely carry on when you get to the office.
These are my favorite songs lift up my mood:
- This is me – The Greatest Showman OST
- Don’t stop believing by Journey
- One step at a time by Jordin Spark
- Some type of love by Charlie Puth
More options if you are not driving
- Plan your day and set your daily goals.
- I recommend this productivity planner.
- Pay your bills
- It does not hurt to take a few minutes to check if you have paid this month’s bill. It is always best if you can avoid late or interest fees.
- Network and socialize
- Think about who the person you can meet up with and send them a message. Whether it is a new connection or a close friend, researchers have found that socializing and seeking out time with friends who energizes you is a great stress reliever.
- Learn a new skill – maybe how to cook a certain recipe, learn a new language, make a meal plan?
- Plan your travel time!
- Practice Mindfulness
- Perhaps ask if you can skip it? or, ask if you can have more flexibility to come and leave to avoid rush hour?
How do you pass the time on your commute? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Vi, a software engineer with a keen interest in personal finance, had planned to retire once she reached her lean FI/RE (Financial Independence/Retire Early) goal. However, after achieving the goal, she took few months of a mini-retirement filled with travel and adventure and decided to continue her career.
For the past five years, Vi has been using Personal Capital (Empower), a free financial tool. Her favorite features include the dashboard for net worth, allocation, and planning, which help track her FI/RE goal and keep those investment fees in check.