ALT-1 How to use Commuting Time Effectively
The commute to work is a major part of life for many of us. When good jobs are scarce, few people have the luxury of choosing to work close to home. If spending an hour or two in transit every day is the norm for you, it can feel like wasting precious time. Here are ten ways to use commuting time effectively.
1. An organized mind
In a perfect world, your commute would take place on public transport or as part of a carpool. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. If you're driving to work every day, multi-tasking is not an option. Your focus should always be on the road and the cars around you. There are some things you can do without losing your focus, or at least while waiting for traffic to actually move! One is simply to organize your thoughts. We sometimes rush through days without any clear idea of where we're headed. A long commute at the beginning and end of your work day is a great time to work out all the thoughts racing through your brain and do a little creative daydreaming.
2. Books on tape
Tired of talk radio and the Top 40? Wish you had time to read all those best-sellers? Books on tape, or technically on CD, is a great way to utilize your time stuck in the car. Just don't pick anything too deep or that is intended to help you meditate.
3. People watch
This is a great past-time for the car or the train. It may not seem like a useful way to spend time, but people watching can help stimulate your creative side or ease stress. Seeing how other people behave while lost in their own commute can give you a fascinating window into your own behavior.
4. Actually read those best-sellers
If you're not doing the driving, you have a whole world of options opened up to you. Instead of listening to a book, you can read it. Studies have shown that reading regularly keeps your brain healthy. Read a fun paperback to reduce stress, or take this time to learn how to do something new.
5. Puzzles
Speaking of keeping your brain healthy, we've all heard the reports that doing crosswords and brain teasers is a great way to stay mentally sharp. But who has the time? Pick up an old-fashioned crossword puzzle paperback, or bring your favorite handheld game to exercise your mind instead of wasting time looking out the window.
6. To-do lists
We would all be better off if we were a little more organized. Why not take the time on your morning commute to make work to-do lists? Rate tasks by importance and complexity, and determine the best time of day to tackle each one. Then on the way home, feel that swell of pride as you cross off each one. Now make up your to-do list for the evening at home. This will help you leave the work day behind and focus on your personal life for the rest of the evening.
7. Journal
Another way to clear your mind and relieve stress is to keep a journal or diary. It's another one of those recommended stress busters that no one has time for. Whether you want to hand write in a notebook, or type into a PDA or laptop, taking the time to put your thoughts and dreams into words is therapeutic and fun.
8. E-mails
If you are lucky enough to have a laptop or smart phone and wi-fi, a long commute is the perfect time to tackle your growing list of unanswered e-mails. Instead of wasting time you could be accomplishing something at work, or spending time with your family at home, power through them while your fellow commuters are dozing off.
9. Sleep
Taking a nap on the train or bus can be an effective use of time, but it can also be dangerous. Missing your stop could throw off your whole schedule! If you've made a friend or two on your commute that you can count on to wake you if needed, a quick nap on your PM commute can give you more energy for the rest of your evening. It's also a great idea if you're the passenger in a carpool.
10. Socialize
We are so busy taking care of our family and working to pay the bills, it's easy to forget the importance of meeting new people. Why not strike up a conversation with someone on the train, or get to know your carpool buddies better? This is an opportunity to make new friends and network. Obviously, it's critical to size up a person before opening the lines of communication. Some people just want to be left alone, or are busy doing some of the other ideas on this list. It's usually fairly easy to tell if a person is open to a conversation or not, so give it a try!
If a big part of your day is spent getting back and forth to work, it's important to use that commuting time effectively. These are just some ideas to help you benefit from that time instead of just letting it pass you by.
