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Does your daily commute by public transport feel like a drag? Well, it doesn’t have to. If you want to make your journey to work more enjoyable and turn your commute into one of the best parts of your day, here are some useful tips that can help you achieve this.
If your daily routine implies taking the train, bus, tube or any other form of public transport to get to work, you’re not alone. Millions of people across the world start their workday with a commute, whether that implies traveling long distances or taking a quick 10-minute trip. You’re probably also familiar with the woes of public transport commuting and all the things that make people dread it so much.
Although recent studies have revealed that taking public transport instead of driving to work can make you happier, most people still have negative feelings towards commuting, especially if they have to spend a good chunk of their day being stuck in traffic. Let’s face it, no matter what researchers say, having to travel to and from work by public transport day in and day out does have its shortcomings, so it’s not always a pleasant experience.
However, if there’s no other way around it and you have to use public transport on a regular basis, you shouldn’t let it ruin your day. In fact, you can actually turn commuting into a relaxed, productive, and even fun activity. So, here are a few tips you can use to make your daily commute feel less like a dull and tedious task and use the time you spend traveling to work to your advantage.
Manage your time effectively
When you’re commuting, time can be your best friend or your worst enemy, depending on how well you manage it. If you have to get to work at a certain hour, you should make sure you wake up early enough to do your morning routine, get ready and arrive at work on schedule.
You should also factor in unexpected situations that may arise and cause you to be late for work. We’re not saying you should play dreadful scenarios in your head every time you’re getting ready to go to work, but there are plenty of things that can delay you, such as bad weather, traffic jams, not finding your keys, etc. You should factor in potential issues and give yourself some extra time in case something happens.
Change your mindset
Commuting is a waste of time only if you look at it that way. It’s just a matter of perspective – in order to see the potential in it, you have to change your mindset. You can spend your commute being sulky and angry at the world, waiting for the minutes to pass until you arrive at work, or you can change your outlook and use this time in a way that could benefit you.
There are plenty of ways to use commuting time to your advantage. You can choose to relax and unwind – maybe even take a short nap if you’re tired. You can be productive, learn something new, or get some work done before you clock in. This is a great way to get a jump start on your day. Or you can simply have a bit of fun by listening to some music or watching a show to help you get your mind off things.
Use tech tools and apps
Technology also comes to your aid to make your commute run smoother. Public transport apps can help you plan your time properly by providing information on routes, schedules, traveling conditions, delays, or cancellations. That way, you’ll know what to expect before you set foot out the door.
Besides, tech devices can keep you company until you arrive at your destination. Tablet and smartphones can be your best travel buddies, as they can help you catch up with family and friends while commuting, listen to your playlist, or even watch a movie if you’re traveling long distances. But if you like to do things the old-fashioned way, you can bring a book along and get lost in its pages for a while. Time flies when your mind is busy and you’re having fun.
Stay safe
Although public transport remains one of the safest ways to get around a city, there are certain risks and hazards associated with it that you should be aware of, especially when commuting on a daily basis. If you want to stay safe and avoid unpleasant events such as falling victim to theft or getting injured in an accident on public transport, here are some aspects to keep in mind:
- Plan your route in advance
- Keep your valuables safe
- Know where the exits are
- Avoid traveling alone
- Watch for suspicious persons or situations
- Report emergencies or events that may constitute a risk
Dress appropriately
The weather might not always be on your side, so make sure you’re dressed properly if you don’t want to freeze to death as you’re trying to get to work. You can check the weather to help you plan your outfit for the next day, but since weather forecasting is not an exact science, you might want to bring a sweater with you, just in case it gets chilly.
Also, you might want to switch your high heels for a pair of flats when commuting. You don’t have to wear them all day long, but you can pack them in your bag and wear them when you’re traveling to and from work.
Switch up your commute
Traveling the same route every single day can get boring at one point. So, why not try to mix it up a bit to keep things interesting? You can look for alternative routes or use other means of public transport to get to work for a change. Your destination remains the same, but the change of scenery can keep your daily commute from becoming dull. Besides, you might discover routes that can get you from point A to point B faster, so you could save time as well.
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