From making money online and listening to podcasts to mental self-care and self-development – here are X ways to stay productive while commuting.
In 2019, an average person spent 27.6 minutes on a one-way commute to work or school. Though the coronavirus pandemic has changed things a bit, millions of people still commute every morning and afternoon, and many of them consider this time wasted. However, it doesn’t have to be that way.
True, it’s not always possible to do something on a bus or tram, especially when it’s crowded. Moreover, a lot of people drive their own cars to work or school, which further limits their possibilities. Still, even if it’s your situation, you’re not out of options.
From making money online and listening to podcasts to mental self-care and self-development – here are X ways to stay productive while commuting:
Make money online
If you’re wasting time commuting, why not make some money while doing it? Yes, it's entirely possible even from your smartphone – all you need is an internet connection.
There are many ways to make money online, and some of them don’t even require any skills. For example, you can take online surveys or sign up for paid focus groups. You can also do small tasks like data entry or transcribing audio files, or, if you are willing to take a more risky path, you can play online games for money (here you can check Playamo Casino review.
Of course, if you have some skills, there are even more opportunities for you. You can provide freelance services like writing, or editing. The sky’s the limit – all you need is a bit of imagination and motivation.
Meditate
Mindfulness meditation is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, and it can be done anywhere – including while commuting.
If you’re not familiar with mindfulness meditation, it basically means being present in the moment and observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment. It’s a great way to train your mind to focus, and it only takes a few minutes per day.
There are many guided mindfulness meditation apps available, and some of them even have short sessions specifically designed for commuting.
Listen to podcasts
Another great way to make commuting more productive is to listen to podcasts. There are podcasts on just about any topic you can think of, so you’re sure to find something that interests you.
Listening to podcasts is a great way to learn new things or stay up-to-date on current affairs. You can also find podcasts that are purely entertainment, or ones that will make you laugh.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are some of the most popular podcasts:
- TED Talks Daily
- The Daily by The New York Times
- NPR News Now
- Stuff You Should Know
Try Journaling
Journaling is a great way to process your thoughts and emotions, and it can be very therapeutic. It’s also a great way to get to know yourself better.
If you’ve never tried journaling before, there are no rules – you can write about whatever you want. You can journal about your day, or about your thoughts and feelings. You can even use journaling as a way to brainstorm ideas or solve problems.
There are many different journaling apps available, or you can use a simple notebook and pen.
Take online courses
If you want to learn something new, or improve your skills, why not take an online course? There are online courses available on just about any topic you can think of, and many of them are free.
You can use online courses to learn new skills for your job, or to prepare for a career change. You can also take courses for personal development, or just for fun.
Some popular online course platforms include Coursera, Udemy, and edX.
Read books
Finally, another great way to make commuting more productive is to use this time to read books. Books can be a great source of knowledge and inspiration, and they’re a great way to relax and escape from the world.
You can get books in physical form, buy e-books, or listen to audiobooks. Audiobooks are especially great for commuting, as they allow you to multi-task. You can also find books on just about any topic you can think of, so you’re sure to find something that interests you. If you’re not sure what to read, ask your friends or family for recommendations.
Prepare a checklist for the day ahead
This is a great way to start your day on the right foot. If you have a lot of things on your mind, it’s going to be hard to focus on anything. This is why it’s important to make a list of things you need to do during the day and put it somewhere where you can see it.
Write it down in a notebook or use a to-do list app on your phone. You can use your commuting time to plan your day and figure out what needs to be done first, second, third, and so on.
This way, you’ll be able to focus on one thing at a time, and you won’t have to worry about forgetting something important.
What to do when driving
If you’re driving your own car to work or school, there are still some things you can do to make this time more productive.
First of all, you can listen to audiobooks, podcasts, or online courses. You can also use this time to brainstorm ideas or think about problems you’re trying to solve.
Another great option is to use a hands-free device to make calls or dictate messages. This can be a great way to stay in touch with friends and family or to catch up on work.
Finally, if you’re driving alone, you can use this time for self-care. You can listen to relaxing music, or do some deep breathing exercises.
The bottom line
Commuting doesn’t have to be a waste of time. There are many ways to make this time more productive, from making money online to listening to podcasts and audiobooks.
So next time you’re stuck in traffic, or on a crowded bus, remember that there are ways to make this time work for you. Of course, not every suggestion will be suitable for everyone. It’s important to find something that works for you and that you enjoy doing. Experiment until you find a routine that makes commuting more bearable – and even productive.
Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
