For the average person, up to two hours each weekday are entirely wasted doing one menial task – the morning commute. Whether you spend your time in a car in bumper-to-bumper traffic or you squeeze in on crowded public transit, it can be hard to make those hours productive. Today, we’re going to describe the best ways to make the most out of your morning commute. Not only will you feel more productive, but you might also start looking forward to your on-the-go mornings!
1. Listen to podcasts on your morning commute
Listening to a podcast on your morning commute is a great way to learn new things. Not only will it expand your horizons, but it can also help time fly by. For an added boost to productivity, use an app that speeds playback to 1.5x or 2x. You will miraculously still understand and absorb everything, but in far less time.
2. Learn a new language
Your morning commute is a great time to spend learning a new language. If you’ve ever travelled to a foreign country, you know that it is far easier to pick up and remember words when exposed to them daily. Using an app like Duolingo that teaches you the language AND puts you in ‘simulated’ surroundings will help you learn it faster. Et tout de suite, vous serez bilingue!
3. Catch up on the headlines
For those commuting via public transit, the time you are waiting at your stop is a perfect time to catch up on the daily news. While you are in transit, take the time to catch up on the news. Whether it’s by watching the live feed of news outlets, catching up on clips on YouTube, or reading articles online, there is no better way to start your day than being informed!
4. Treat yourself to a massage on the go
While sitting in traffic, why not get a nice massage? A high-quality massage cushion can be a great way to relieve stress and put you in a good mood every morning. Invest in a high-quality product that works effectively without distracting you. You will walk into work feeling loose, relaxed and ready to be productive!
5. Switch it up
Who says your morning commute has to be boring? Instead of driving the same car every day, periodically rent a different vehicle (if your budget allows) for a fresh experience. This is especially helpful if you’re considering buying a new car and want to give it a test drive. Alternatively, if you don’t typically take public transit, save yourself some gas money by using it a few times per week.
6. Morning commute without a clock
Believe it or not, one of the biggest causes of stress in the morning is the clock. If you’ve stressed yourself out on the way to work, you’re unlikely to have a productive day. Instead, cover up the clock in your car or hide it on your phone. You will be amazed at how much stress will be off your shoulders when you don’t feel like you’re racing the clock.
Social media is a great way for anyone to create video content that expresses who they are and shares a bit of their life with the world. Your morning commute might be more exciting if you’re talking to the camera and sharing your experience with an audience. Just set up some passively recording GoPros on your dash facing both ways, and edit them together afterwards for a daily ‘morning commute vlog’. You never know, maybe one day it will pay off!
8. Create a special morning commute playlist
The best way to get your day started is to create the perfect soundtrack. Having the right music playing can be just what you need to elevate your morning commute. Put together a playlist of songs that make you feel good and get you energized for your day. Or, if you want a destressor, music is a great way to get into a headspace that supports focus and productivity. Plus, if you are not in the mood to create one yourself, try asking a friend for one of their playlists or listening to a curated playlist from Apple Music or Spotify.
9. Catch up on notifications
Next, your morning commute is the perfect time to catch up on your notifications. Whether it be emails, texts, or social media, everyone has those apps that seem to rack up notifications by the day. So, this is the time to go through your phone, respond to any messages you may have missed, clear out those promotional/spam emails, and swing a text to that person you have been meaning to catch up with!
10. Practice mindfulness
Finally, using your morning commute to practice mindfulness can help turn an otherwise hectic start into a moment of calm and clarity. Whether you’re on a train, bus, or walking, simply paying attention to your breathing and observing the world around you without judgment can help quiet mental noise. This simple habit helps reduce stress, improve focus, and set a more positive tone for the rest of your day, making your commute feel less like a chore and more like an opportunity to reset.
We hope these tips help to make your morning commute a little more enjoyable. As always, for any auto insurance-related questions or concerns, feel free to contact isure anytime!
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