How to fill your time while commuting

Collaborative Post | For many of us, commuting is just one of those things you have to endure - spending a good portion of your day going to and from work. But those times can actually become some of the most productive or enjoyable parts of your day, if you can fill them with things that benefit you. Here's how to transform your journey from a necessary evil into something genuinely worthwhile.

Photo by Lucas Davies on Unsplash

Level up your learning on the go

Your commute is prime time for feeding your brain. Podcasts have become the commuter's best friend, with something for practically everyone out there. From true crime mysteries to deep dives into niche hobbies, you can absorb information on the go. Audiobooks work brilliantly too, letting you tackle that reading list you've been ignoring for months while driving into work.

There are also apps that allow for quick bursts of learning, like Duolingo, Coursera and Udemy, that are perfect for picking up new skills while commuting. Even with just fifteen minutes on the train or bus, it adds up to serious progress over months.

Easy online entertainment

Your commute is a good time to get your brain in gear, with books or e-books being a great way to prep yourself with some light entertainment. If screentime is a concern, then creating a playlist that’ll help energise you for the day ahead will free you up to look out the window or even shut your eyes for a little power nap.

For the gamers out there, don’t underestimate what mobile gaming can offer you now. From simple puzzles and top slot games for a bit of entertainment through to fully fledged 3d action games, the app store has a full range that can help you lock in for work or relax you after a long day. Just remember to keep one eye on your stop if you're on public transport.

Get organised and productive

Your commute can become your personal admin hour, tackling emails, updating calendars, and creating to-do lists for peace of mind before reaching the office. Productivity apps like Todoist or Notion help you stay organised without the stress of remembering everything. It isn’t limited to just your work life either, meaning you can use the time to plan in activities with friends and figure out date nights with a partner. That way, you can actually maximise your free time during your commute.

Connect and expand your network

If you want to view your commute as an extension of your professional life, it’s a great time to use LinkedIn to grow your connections. Comment on a few posts, share articles you see and maybe even write your own post instead. This can be great for those with roles that thrive on who you know, such as the Events industry and recruitment.

Staying in touch with friends and family works well too, though be mindful of other passengers if you're making calls. Quick voice messages or thoughtful texts can maintain relationships that might otherwise slip through the cracks of busy schedules.

Prioritise wellbeing and mindfulness

Perhaps most importantly, your commute can become a buffer zone for your mental health. Meditation apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided sessions perfect for train journeys. Even ten minutes of focused breathing can set you up for a better day. Given that work-related stress accounts for nearly half of all workplace ill health cases according to recent Health and Safety Executive data, using commute time for decompression isn't just nice – it's necessary.
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While your commute might be unavoidable, what you do with it is entirely up to you. So make the most of this time you have and turn it into something valuable for yourself.


Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post.