Whether you’re driving or riding on public transportation, there are ways to stay productive on the commute. This can help you feel prepared and energized for the day ahead.
For example, you can use this time to read through emails and draft replies that are easy to complete. You can also update your personal brand and reach out to connections.
1. Make a to-do list
You can do a lot of personal tasks during your commute, like planning what meals to make in the week or looking up recipes. You can also use this time to do work-related tasks, such as updating your social media or contacting new connections.
One of the most common problems with to-do lists is that they’re too long and include many items that aren’t relevant to your goals. A great way to remedy this is by reframing your list around the bigger purpose of your job.
You can do this by adding a description next to each task explaining why it’s important to your goals and how much value you get from accomplishing it. Narrowing your list like this will help you stay on track and motivate you to get everything done.
2. Plan your day
Whether you drive, take public transportation, ride your bike or hail a cab, planning your day during your commute can help make the journey to work less stressful and more productive. This could include planning work-related goals and big-picture tasks or personal life goals like reworking your budget or scheduling family events.
It can also be a good time to do any easy admin tasks that you’ve been putting off, such as responding to emails or organising your calendar. But be careful not to overwork yourself; doing too much will actually detract from your productivity and lead to a burnout.
Taking the train or bus is a great way to get some exercise and network with other commuters, too. You can also save money by carpooling or try apps like Waze Carpool.
3. Take a break
If you’re constantly on the go, it can be hard to stop. Whether you’re driving or riding to work, a few minutes of downtime can reset your mind for the day ahead and help you be more productive at work.
Commute time is also great for working on side projects, like writing a book, or sending pitches to magazines. Plus, it’s a time when you can focus without interruption from co-workers.
If you have a long commute, it’s worth considering ways to make the most of your time instead of wishing it away or scrolling through TikTok. Your commute could be the best opportunity to accomplish some of your biggest goals for the day. Here are some tips on how to do just that.
4. Listen to music or podcasts
Listening to music or podcasts is one of the best ways to stay productive on the commute. Prepare a playlist over the weekend and enjoy uplifting music to motivate you. Also, listening to inspiring conversations on the go helps maintain motivation and get you ready for your day at work.
If you have any easy, time-sensitive work to do on your list, such as answering emails or drafting emails to clients, you can make progress on those while you’re commuting. This will help reduce stress when you get to the office and will give you a sense of accomplishment for the day.
Commutes are also great times to think through and solve difficult problems, such as a complicated report or making a big decision. Having the mental space to ponder and play with new ideas can often lead to breakthroughs.
5. Exercise
Commuting doesn’t just mean work – it can also be an opportunity to exercise. If you take the train or bus, you’ll likely be walking more than if you drive so getting in some extra steps can really help boost your fitness.
Alternatively, if you’re good with needles, knitting or embroidery, working on a piece of handiwork can be a great way to focus and distract yourself. It’s also a great time to practice your skills and make a lovely gift for friends or family.
With a bit of planning and creativity, you can transform your commute into a productive part of your day needs read more hear.
