Six Ways to Make Your Long Commute Feel Shorter
Does your morning routine look like this: wake up, get a quick workout, have a quick shower, grab a breakfast bar and rush out the door for your long commute to work? You’re not alone.
The Thank You Premier Commuter Index report by Citi showed the average daily commute in the U.S. is about 45 minutes long. If you live in a big city, you may have it even worse.
Chicago residents, for example, spend 64 minutes commuting, while New Yorkers endure 73 minutes. For many people, the high cost of rent makes moving closer to their work place impossible.
This means having to put up with a longer commute.
Your commute doesn’t have to be this way. The following tips will help you make your long commute feel shorter and get you to work feeling happy and healthy.
1. Tweak Your Schedule
You may be able to cut back on the time you spend commuting by changing your schedule to avoid rush hours.
You can do this either by changing your work hours or simply getting on the road earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid traffic.
2. Consider Alternative Ways to Getting to the Office
Spending a long time in your car as you commute to and from work can leave you feeling trapped and anxious. It can also be very expensive, which can be another major source of anxiety.
It may cost less and take a shorter time to drive to the train station and take the train the rest of the way.
In addition to saving money on fuel, you will also reduce your annual mileage. According to CoverHound, lower mileage means lower insurance premiums from many of the best auto insurance providers.
3. Bring Entertainment
Time passes quickly when you’re having fun. Don’t just sit there staring into the unknown.
Use your time on your commute to do something exciting and enriching. Listen to an audiobook or educational podcast or some classical music.
You’ll be in a better mood when you get to work as a result of this little change to your routine.
4. Learn Something New
Use your commute to learn something. Those 45 minutes on the road is an excellent opportunity to learn a new language or catch up on your personal development.
If you’re driving yourself, make sure you don’t use a distracting medium. Opt for audiobooks to make sure your eyes remain on the road.
5. Take a Friend Along
Being stuck in your car all alone can be tedious and stressful. The time can fly by if you have someone else with you.
You can offer a friend a lift or carpool with your colleagues. The interactions during the commute will help to make it feel shorter.
You’ll also save a lot of money by sharing the cost of driving to and from work.
6. Turn Off the Tech
Technology is designed to make our lives easier. However, spending a majority of your time plugged into technology can result in higher stress levels.
You can use your commute as an opportunity to unplug and spend some time in silence, free of technology.
This can be beneficial for both your mental and physical health.
Whether you take the bus, train, walk or drive to work, there are lots of things you can do to make your commute seem shorter. The list is endless.
