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A long commute can be a drag, whether you’ve always driven to work or recently returned to the office. There doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to begin with, so you may be searching for ways to make the most of that time spent behind the wheel. Whether you’re trying to reduce stress or simply want to make your commute a smoother part of your day, a few simple changes can go a long way.
Even if productivity and efficiency aren’t on your list, driving safely may be smoother and more pleasant. Be mindful that some tips are only appropriate for public transportation.
1. Listen to Your Favorite Playlist
Find music that uplifts or helps wake you up and create a playlist for your morning drive. You can even make two playlists: one for the drive to work and one when the day is done. Choosing the songs can help you look forward to your drive or make you feel more productive.
2. Listen to Audiobooks or Podcasts
I love listening to music while driving, but sometimes I want something more engaging than music. Occasionally, I enjoy listening to a podcast or audiobook while I drive. Whether you’re interested in professional development or want something that’ll make you chuckle, there are endless options to suit your fancy on any given day.
3. Learn a New Skill
If you carpool or take public transit and aren’t behind the wheel, you can take the opportunity to practice a craft or learn a new skill. One of my favorite hobbies is cross-stitching. It requires very few items to get started and is an inexpensive craft. You could also write, draw, or research other hobbies that could be done as a passenger. Don’t forget to bring a book.
4. Learn a New Language
Have you always wanted to learn a new language but can’t find time to fit enrichment time into your day? Plenty of free (or mostly free) apps like Duolingo promise to help you learn a new language with just a few minutes of practice each day. Learning a new language may also be beneficial to your job or career.
5. Download Your Local Public Transit App
If you take the train or bus to work, you should find out if your local transit company has an app. Download the app to your phone to help you manage your pass and pay your fare. It can also keep you in the loop regarding cancellations and delays.
6. Bring Proper Outerwear
Whether you take public transit or drive to work, having a jacket or sweater (and an umbrella) can never hurt. Having some options to choose from can help make you feel more prepared for a variety of weather situations.
7. Catch up on Phone Calls
If you have a long drive to or from work, call a friend or loved one to catch up. Or maybe you need to take care of a phone call you’ve been putting off, like to a doctor’s office or to cancel a subscription. Whatever the case, a long drive is a perfect time to check a phone call off your list.
8. Handle Administrative Tasks
Are you awake and focused in the morning? Use that time to catch up on paperwork or other tasks that you can easily do on the bus or if you’re a passenger for a long commute. When I took public transit to work, I sometimes took forms that needed to be filled out or other similar items on my to-do list.
9. Meditate or Practice Affirmations
Traffic conditions can get stressful, especially if you drive to or from work during rush hour. Public transit can be noisy, which might make it hard to concentrate. However, meditation and affirmations can still be done in your head if you don’t feel comfortable saying them out loud. If you’re the one driving, be sure to meditate with your eyes open.
10. Take Time to Relax
It may seem impossible, but relaxing while driving or riding public transit to work can change how you start your day. Try a few methods, determine what works for you, and see what makes a difference.
11. Increase Your Daily Exercise
Depending on how far your commute is, consider riding your bike when the weather is nice. This may not be realistic year-round if you live somewhere with a frigid, rainy, or warm climate, but even if you ride your bike a few times a week or month, there are still benefits. Bring an extra change of clothes with you as necessary.
12. Create a Carpool Schedule
If you live close to any of your coworkers, talk to them about setting up a carpool schedule. Depending on your schedule and how far you live from your coworkers, it could be as simple as each person trading off weekly or every few days.
13. Invest in Quality Headphones
If you can afford them, investing in a quality pair of headphones will make commuting using public transit much more pleasant. Figure out what works for you: are you an over-the-ear or earbud type of person? Even if you can’t afford to spend much, find a comfortable pair with good sound so you can enjoy your commute.
14. Take Time for Self Care
It’s important to take care of yourself however you can, even if you have a busy work schedule or a long commute. Think about what makes you happy or feel like investing in yourself, which could be done while driving or riding the bus. As discussed earlier, a few examples include journaling, listening to a meditation podcast, or learning a new skill or language.
15. Watch a Show or Video
If you’re not the one driving, you can safely watch a video on your phone or electronic device. You can use this time to be productive, watch a documentary or informative video, or watch the next episode of the show you’re binging (with headphones, of course).
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If you’re not the one driving, you can safely watch a video on your phone or electronic device. You can use this time to be productive, watch a documentary or informative video, or watch the next episode of the show you’re binging (with headphones, of course).
Complete Guide to Contacting Recruiters on LinkedIn
With hundreds of millions of users worldwide, LinkedIn is a vast network with potential professional connections, making it an invaluable resource for job seekers and companies. However, crafting a compelling message can sometimes feel daunting, especially if you have little experience.
In this article, we’ll explore the art of messaging recruiters on LinkedIn, providing you with expert tips and strategies to maximize your impact and increase your chances of getting hired.
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Finding capable people to fill open roles is a persistent problem for many businesses. Talent shortages and challenges in recruiting occur when the demand for competent experts in a sector exceeds the supply of such individuals. In an online forum, people identify these jobs that have become almost impossible to fill.
