How to use Commuting Time Effectively
The daily commute back and forth to work each day can represent a significant block of time in our weekly schedules. Add to that the fact thatcommuting can be detrimentalto overall health and well being, so it's to your advantage to make the most of this necessary evil. Whether you travel by bus, subway, train or drive yourself to work each day, there are some ways to maximize the benefits of your commuting time without becoming a menace to your fellow commuters in the process.
On public transportation you can take the time spent commuting to read the latest best-seller or catch up on the details of the latest stock market rally. Reading reports before arriving at the office or writing notes to present at the next meeting are good options as well. As long as you’re not the one behind the wheel, you’re free to devote your attention elsewhere.
When driving, consider listening to that latest best-seller on CD. You may never actually get around to reading it otherwise, so why not let someone else read it to you.
Whether commuting via public transportation or in your own car, try commuting with a friend. Travel time can be the perfect time to forge a strong relationship.Carpoolingcan be both an effective use of commuting time and a better use of our depleting natural resources. Sharing the driving leaves time for the passenger to catch up on reading, office work or simply to enjoy the ride with his traveling companion.
When driving, tune in to a motivational speaker either on the radio or on CD. Take this time, otherwise spent in mundane travel, expanding your mind and seeking the motivation to plan the next stage of your life.
Have you always wanted to learn another language but lacked the time to pursue your interest? Commuting time can be a great way to immerse yourself in the sounds of another language. Repetition is the key to learning to speak another language and you will have plenty of time for that to take place while commuting.
If you are set up for hands-free cell phone use in your car, you can use commuting time to schedule appointments, conduct teleconferences or make sales calls. If you can’t communicate hands-free, cell phone use is a bad idea. In many locations, it can actually get you in trouble with the legal authorities.
Think of time spent commuting as a mini vacation. You can separate yourself from the issues of the outside world and spend a little “me” time away from the chaos of everyday life. Arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to take on a new day.
However you choose to spend your time during your daily commute, remember that driving is a serious responsibility. If you’re driving, your first order of business is to be ever vigilant to the process of driving safely. Even on public transportation, don’t become so engrossed in your activities that you are not completely alert to your surroundings. Personal safety requires you to stay alert to everything going on around you.
