7 Ways To Make Your Daily Commute A Little Brighter 

Heading to and from work can be a real slog. The bus and train can be over-full, or you’re stuck in traffic, as there was yet again a fender bender on the highway.  

Many consider the journey to work as time wasted, stuck in an uncomfortable seat with nothing to do.   

However, by making a couple of small changes to your habits or way of thinking, you can change your daily commute to become a highlight of your day. 

1. Learn A New Skill

Whether you’re driving your own car or using public transport, you can use the time commuting to learn a new skill. Of course, you’re a bit more limited in what you can do while you’re driving yourself, but podcasts and non-fiction audiobooks can offer a wealth of information to help you learn new skills while keeping your eyes on the road. You can listen to podcasts about management, leadership, or meditation to help improve your daily life.  

When using public transport, you have a few more options to flex your newly acquired talents. You can practice crocheting while watching tutorials, learn a new language using an app, or read a book with practical advice. 

2. Try Your Luck At Casino Games

Why not use your time in the cab to earn some extra pocket money? There are plenty of casino websites and apps available that you can access on your phone. Most casino games are down to luck, so if you want to up your chances of winning a couple of pounds, try playing on UK friendly online poker sites.  

Poker requires strategic thinking but also offers a better return to players than other chance-based games like slots. By learning a few basic rules and strategies (while commuting!) you can start a poker game against the computer or other players and potentially earn some extra money for the month.  

3. Connect With Loved Ones

Commuting on public transport is the perfect time to contact family and friends. It can be a bit obnoxious to make a video call without headphones on a packed train, but a quick message or email to someone you haven’t touched base within a while is a good use of your time, and you might receive an instant reply to brighten your day.  

When driving yourself, you can take short detours on your way home to stop by some people you know (if they live on your route). A quick cup of tea or even just a “hello” can go a long way and help you to maintain in-person relationships, something that is becoming increasingly difficult today.  

4. Listen To A Book

We’ve already touched on listening to non-fiction audiobooks, but commuting is also the perfect time to get lost in another world. Book lovers often want to read at any available opportunity, but reading while on the move can cause motion sickness.   

Almost all beloved books have been transformed into audiobooks via apps or online platforms. Audible is the most popular subscription-based service, and other options include Audiobooks.com and Storytel.  

Even if the book you’re currently reading isn’t available as an audiobook, you’re still likely to find podcasts or videos discussing your book. 

5. Look At The World Around You

Mindfulness is adding some intention to your day. Many of us switch off on our commute, only to “come to” once we get to the office. But why not take the time to be more present and notice the world around you? 

What kind of bird is sitting on that fence post? What are the people across the aisle discussing? How many dogs can you spot? How warm does it look outside? And how is your body feeling? 

It can seem like a fruitless exercise, but by focusing on the smaller details, you will spot little things you might not have noticed otherwise. You might see a couple walking hand-in-hand on a coffee date, or a kid running to the park. These little glimpses of life can really make your trip a little brighter and help you from overthinking or stressing about what you need to get done.  

6. Make Your Commute Comfortable

Commuting can be uncomfortable for many of us, even when in your own car. Fortunately, there are some ways in which you can make your trip a bit comfier.  

You can buy a seat cushion for your car to support your lower back. Or get a nice travel mug to keep your drinks hot or cold for the duration of your commute. A quality set of noise-cancelling headphones will keep your calm. You can even keep a scarf in your work bag in case you get a bit chilly on the train.  

7. Do Nothing At All

Many commuters believe they need to use their time productively, by getting a head start on their day, planning their meetings, or responding to emails.  

But have you ever considered not doing anything at all? Close your eyes (unless you’re driving), listen to the noises around you, and start focusing on yourself. Take a couple of deep breaths, think about things you’re grateful for, do a body scan, or simply just exist in the present moment.  

It can help with stress relief before the busy workday or check in with yourself after a stressful day at the office.