Make Your Commute More Bearable
If you’re one of the thousands of people who rely on a daily commute to get to and from your job, then you may run into commute fatigue. It’s not always fun to sit for long periods of time in traffic to get to a job where you’ll likely spend all day sitting down. If you’re like most people, while your commute is necessary it’s likely very tiring and boring. You can make the most of your commute by finding things to do to keep you occupied and your mind engaged. Here are some tips to help make your commute more bearable.
Meditate
Did you know that your eyes don’t need to actually be close in order for you to meditate? You can actually sit and meditate just about anywhere. All you need is some time and a quiet place that allows for reflection and you can get into the right state of mind to find inner peace and center yourself. Meditation is actually a great way to start your workday, as it not only calms you down and mentally prepares you to take on the day’s stressors, but it also allows you to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of daily life to reflect on your goals and what you want to accomplish. Use the time you have during your daily commute to find your center, set your goals for the day, and engage in some deep breathing so you feel strong, rested, and relaxed before you take on your day.
Find Inspiration
Listening to talk radio every morning can get quite dull over time. Not only do repetitive talk radio shows often border on boring, but they’re not usually very enriching to your mind. A great way to get yourself motivated for the day once you finish your daily meditation is to listen to podcasts that inspire you to do or be a better person. You can find dozens of inspirational TED talks, podcasts, and other programs that encourage you to engage your intellect, provide deeper-level thinking, and encourage you to strive to become a better person. As a bonus, listening to programming that’s mentally stimulating can help make the drive go quicker, and you’ll be to work before you know it.
Create a To-Do List
Aside from the importance of having a reliable car for long commutes, using your time in your vehicle during your commute wisely is key to making the most of your daily drive. If you still have time left in your car after some daily meditation and positive radio programming, you may want to consider creating a mental to-do list for when you arrive at your office. Doing so can help you feel more prepared to take on the day when you get to work because you’ll walk in knowing exactly what tasks lay before you and how to accomplish them. That way, you can spend less time sitting at your desk staring at your computer wondering where to start and more time getting your work completed.
Practice Gratitude
Did you know that practicing gratitude each day can help improve your overall mood and even boost your health? Dwelling on negative thoughts can make you feel sluggish or depressed, which can have an overall negative impact on your health. That’s why, even on your most stressful days, that practicing gratitude is a good way to remind yourself of everything you have to be thankful for. It’s a quick, easy way to boost your mood and can even serve as a way to let the negative thoughts of the day melt away so you’re left feeling happy and positive.
Not all commutes have to be part of the day you dread. Hopefully, using these tips you’ll be able to make even the longest commutes feel more bearable as you head into work each day.
