Commuting can feel like a tedious chore, but with a good routine and mindset, it can become an enjoyable and even productive part of your day. Whether through meditation or your favourite podcast, commutes can be a time to focus on yourself and set yourself up for the workday.
If you’re looking for commuting inspiration, check out our ideas below, from audiobooks to mobile gaming.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
Commutes in the car or on the train are the perfect time to listen to a podcast episode. You can find episodes that match the total length of your commute in nearly any subject and discover new interests you’d never considered. Ruthie’s Table is a favourite among culinary enthusiasts, thanks to the host and owner of The River Café, Ruthie Rodgers. She hosts excellent interviews with celebrity guests about their relationships with food.
Audiobooks are an excellent option for those whose hands are on the steering wheel on the way to and from the office. They allow you to immerse yourself in fictional worlds or learn intricate details in biographies and memoirs without turning any pages. Nearly every book has an audio version, allowing you to listen to narrators breathe life into stories.
Light Gaming
Gaming doesn’t have to be confined to your PC or console at your desk back at home. You can play titles in genres from RPGs to platformers with intuitive swipes and taps on your smartphone’s touchscreen.
Major game studios are releasing new and old beloved titles on the App Store and Google Play. You can even access your PC games on the go with cloud streaming over a good internet connection. To wind down after a long day in the office, play a few rounds of slots in classic titles like Big Bass Bonanza and Fishin’ Pots of Gold.
Mobile gaming can improve your problem-solving and other cognitive skills without you realising it. You can apply these benefits to your work and private life to better organise your time and complete tasks more efficiently.
Mindfulness Techniques for Stress-Free Travel
Many people associate commuting with a hectic rush to cram onto a train and hope it isn’t delayed. Mindfulness can slow you down and help you concentrate on being present in the moment. Over time, it may help you notice anxiety and stress while commuting and deal with them better.
To practice mindfulness on your commute, start by taking a few slow, deep breaths to centre yourself and focus on the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body. As you walk, pay attention to the feel of the ground under your feet and the scenery around you, and observe the people around you.
You’ll transform the commute into an opportunity for self-awareness, developing greater resilience to stress and challenges at work. This can help you break free from cycles of negative thinking about your personal or professional life and give you a more optimistic outlook.
