7 ways to have an enjoyable commute to the office

Getting to work can be one of the biggest stressors in most people’s day. Whether you drive or take public transit, getting to and from work can be extremely taxing on your time and energy and can leave you feeling exhausted before your workday even begins.

Commuting is also one of the leading causes of employee stress and is considered by many as one of the least enjoyable parts of their day.

Fortunately, with a little bit of creativity, determination, and compassion for yourself, anyone can make their daily ride a lot easier.

1. Prepare the night before

Before you even leave your house, you can start reducing your anxiety. The night before, plan out your commute and bring anything you might need to make the ride easier, like snacks, water, and reading material.

You might also want to write down directions to your office or the public transit stops you take so you don’t have to pull out your phone to check maps. If you drive to work, be sure to check your car and make sure everything is ready to go.

If you take public transit, make sure you know what time you need to be at the stop. If your commute is predictable, write out a schedule so that you’re not always looking at your watch.

2. Start your commute with gratitude

Instead of dreading the time you spend in traffic or on a bus or train, use it to your advantage. Instead of thinking about how much time you’re wasting, think about how lucky you are to be able to do what you love, and be in the position you are in. All these things make you very fortunate, and you should be grateful for them every day.

This is a great way to focus on the positives, and reduce the stress in your life.

You can also use this time to come up with new ideas for your business or to write down ideas for articles or blog posts you want to write.

3. Bring an activity that you enjoy

Listen to an audiobook while you are on the road, in traffic, or while you are on the train or bus. You can also try podcasts or listening to music. Or you can focus on reading a book, newspaper, or a magazine. Just try to avoid reading any negative news that might lower your mood!

You can play cards, trivia games, or other fun games while commuting. If you have an e-reader, you can download books to read on your commute. If you have a laptop, you can also do work on your commute. You can also use that time to create a business plan or write your next blog post.

4. Commute with a friend

If you commute with a friend or loved one, you can relax and talk about things you enjoy. Not only will this reduce stress but it will also make the commute time go by faster.

5. Take care of your physical and mental health

Make time for physical activity on your commute. IIf you don’t want to listen to audiobooks, podcasts, or music on public transit, you can listen to guided meditations, breathing exercises, or inspirational audios.

If you’re taking public transit, you can try to meditate. You can also try to write down your thoughts in a journal.

6. Don’t let others get to you

There will always be people who get on your nerves, there might be a lot of traffic or maybe too many people on the public transport but you have to take a breath, let it go and try not to let it affect your mood. This is especially important on your way to work as it can affect your attitude for the rest of the day.

Listen to your favorite music and try to forget about the people around you. Think about upcoming plans you have or just things you enjoy. Just make sure you don’t space out and miss your stop!

7. Take your coffee break

There is a coffee shop near every corner, so take advantage of it. You can chat with your friends or just take time for yourself, maybe take a walk before heading into the office. You can also read a book or a magazine while sipping your cup of coffee.

Conclusion

No matter how much you love your job, getting to and from work can be stressful, especially if your commute is long or unpredictable. By following these tips and tricks, you can make your daily drive less stressful and more enjoyable.

Prepare the night before, start your commute with gratitude, bring an activity that you enjoy, commute with a friend or loved one, take care of your physical and mental health, don’t let others get to you, and make use of your commute time.

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