7 Ideas to Help You Make the Most of Your Commute
With more workplaces returning to in-person collaboration, commuting is once again part of the daily grind. For many, the journey to and from work can feel like lost time - an unavoidable task that adds to an already busy schedule. However, with a few adjustments, your commute can be a chance to prepare for the work day ahead, or unwind after a demanding day, and even carve out time for personal development.
Here are some ways to make your commute more productive, less stressful, and ultimately more beneficial to your work-life balance.
1. Use Your commute to plan and prioritise
Nobody likes stepping into the office already feeling behind. Your commute can be a great time to get ahead—without adding extra stress.
If you’re on a train or bus, use the time to scan your schedule, set priorities, or map out key tasks. A simple ‘top three’ list can help you focus on what really matters. Got a big meeting? Running through key points in your head (or out loud if you don’t mind a few strange looks) can make you feel more prepared before you even step into the office.
Voice notes are a great way to capture thoughts without fumbling with a notepad whilst on the move.
A few minutes of planning can mean the difference between starting your day in control or playing catch-up from the moment you sit down.
2. Turn travel time into learning time
Many professionals struggle to find time for personal development. Your commute can be a chance to upskill without it cutting into your work or personal life.
Podcasts, audiobooks, and language-learning apps are useful tools for staying engaged while on the move. Whether you’re interested in industry insights, leadership strategies, or simply a true-crime story, even a short journey can be productive.
If reading is more your style, carrying a book or downloading articles to read offline can be an alternative to casual doom-scrolling.
3. Turn your journey into a creative thinking session
Some of the best ideas come when you’re not actively trying to generate them. If your job requires problem-solving, brainstorming, or creativity, your commute can be a perfect time to let ideas flow without pressure.
Try keeping a small notebook to jot down thoughts or use voice notes to record ideas as they come to you. Consider posing a question to yourself before you set off. Whether it’s about a work project or a personal goal, by the time you arrive, your subconscious may have already done some of the heavy lifting for you.
4. Keep it interesting
Stuck in a rut? Many of us listen to the same playlists, news stations, or podcasts without thinking much about it. But what if you switched it up based on what you actually need that day?
Feeling sluggish? Try an upbeat playlist or an energising podcast. Need to wind down? A fiction audiobook, calming music, or even nature sounds can help shift your mood.
Some commuters like to turn it into a game - spotting new details each day, from quirky shopfronts to stylish commuters. It’s a simple way to stay engaged with your surroundings rather than zoning out completely.
5. Use the journey to unwind
Not everything has to be about productivity. While it may be tempting to use your commute to catch up on emails or work-related tasks, sometimes the best way to utilise your commute is to do nothing at all.
If you’re already absorbing a lot of information at work, your commute might be better spent doing something enjoyable and restorative - such as listening to music, sitting in silence, or simply observing your physical surroundings.
Commutes can serve as a helpful buffer between work and personal life, easing your mental transition from one to the other. Rather than replaying conversations or checking emails, try shifting gears with guided mindfulness exercises or a few deep breaths. A simple technique is the “three questions” approach:
- What went well today?
- What could have gone better?
- What’s one thing I’m looking forward to tomorrow?
6. Build movement into your commute
Most office jobs involve a lot of sitting, so why not use your commute to build in some movement?
If you drive or take public transport, consider getting off a stop earlier or parking slightly further away to add a short walk to your journey. If cycling is an option, it can be a time-efficient way to fit in exercise while avoiding some of the stress associated with traffic and train delays.
If movement during the commute isn’t practical, using the time for simple stretches or posture exercises while waiting for a train or sitting in traffic can help prevent stiffness and improve overall wellbeing.
7. Use your commute to strengthen connections
With demanding schedules, keeping up with personal and professional relationships can be challenging. Your commute can give you a structured time to make a phone call or send a quick voice note to friends or family members without taking away from other commitments.
Make your commute work for you
Not every tip will work for everyone, and the best way to optimise your commute depends on your personal routine and preferences. Some may find structured planning helpful, while others may benefit more from using the time to unwind. The key is to experiment with different approaches and adjust based on what makes the journey feel more manageable and beneficial.