The average commute in the UK is 59 minutes, and if we’re being honest, most of us, whether we drive or use public transport, hate it. Many people arrive at work stressed out and already feeling as though they’ve done a day’s work because they are tired, annoyed, and ready to go back home. This kind of morning stress can have an effect on your mental health, your mood, and your performance at work. But, it doesn’t have to be like this. There are plenty of things that you can do to improve your morning commute, however you do it. Here’s a look at some of the best.
Vary Your Route
Part of the frustration of the commute is that we quickly grow bored of it. Whether you are sat in your car, or on a train or bus, you might see the same sights, and even the same people every day. You might know exactly where traffic hits, or when you’ll pass a certain car. It quickly becomes tedious. Changing your route, or even swapping how you travel for a few days here and there might not save you money or time, but it could break up the monotony.
Change What You Don’t Like
Some people hate long drives. Others, hate sitting still in traffic, wasting their time. Often, there’s a choice between sitting in traffic or taking a longer route, which means that you drive further, but you avoid traffic and never have to sit still getting frustrated. You might spend as much time in the car either way, but ask yourself which option you’d hate more? If driving further but never stopping means that you start the day happier and less stressed out, do it.
Get a Bike
If your commute is relatively short, and over good terrain, switching from a car to a bicycle can help you to get some exercise and reduce your stress levels. Being able to avoid heavy traffic might even mean that it doesn’t take as long.
But, of course, riding a pushbike isn’t always practical. In which case buying a motorbike from bmgscooters.com can be a great way to add a sense of adventure and fun to your commute. Suddenly, you’ll look forward to it, instead of dreading it.
Build a Playlist
If you are going to be sat in the car or on the train for an hour, you could do something practical like make a to-do list for the day, reply to a few emails, and get a head start on your work. Or you could have some fun with some commute playlists to help pass the time.
Enjoy a Podcast or Audiobook
The commute is a great time to catch up on some reading. If you are driving, or get travel sick if you read a book, listening to an audiobook or podcast is the perfect option. Lose yourself in a good book or podcast and you might find that time passes much more quickly.
The key to improving your commute is to stop thinking of it as a waste of your time and start asking yourself what you could do with your time. Whether this is something fun, or productive, it will help.