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Catch up on texts and emails -

If your work overflows with messages and emails, one of the best ways to make use of your commuting time is to play catchup. You're less likely to feel overwhelmed during your working hours if you do so.

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Make a phone call -

As long as it’s safe (i.e. hands-free in the case of driving, biking, etc.), commuting is the perfect time to catch up with your loved ones, like your mom or a dear friend that you haven't spoken to in a while.

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Relax -

Use your commute time to just relax. It can help you start your day with more positivity and energy for the workday ahead. Listen to some music while you sip your coffee, or just enjoy the scenery in silence.

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Dress smart -

If you're taking public transport, remember that transit climate can be unpredictable. Layers are key to being more comfortable in case the bus heats up or air-conditioning gets too chilly.

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Practice self-care -

If you have extra time during your commute, use it to practice self-care. Bring a journal or notebook to write down your daily goals, to-dos, and other things that will prepare you for the day ahead.

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Mix it up -

Take an alternative route to change the scenery. This will keep your daily commute from becoming stale. Plug in your address in your map app and you might discover a quicker way home.

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Practice and learn new skills -

Get your phone or tablet out and do something valuable and even work-related. It's a great moment to practice that skill you've always wanted to improve on.

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Meditate -

Take your time to be mindful and focus on your breathing. We often tune out while commuting, but take a moment to tune in, as it helps to lighten the mood.

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Stay present -

It's easy to get caught up in all the daily work frustrations on a commute home. Instead, stay present, and reflect on the positive aspects of the workday. Maybe there was a pleasant interaction with a new coworker, or you completed a task that you're proud of.

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Choose to walk -

Walking is a great active commute, as it's excellent for your body and the environment. If you can't walk all the way to or from home, consider getting off a few stops before your destination to squeeze in some steps.

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Listen -

When you’re commuting to work in the morning or coming home in the evening, nothing cures boredom like listening to your favorite tunes, a good podcast, or audiobooks.

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Drive better -

If you drive to work, then there are ways to reduce the impact on the planet and your wallet by using less gasoline or diesel and keeping your car in good shape. Also consider carpooling, which can cut down on the costs for each person and provide some socialization.

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Master a new language -

A long commute is the perfect time to learn a new language through audio lessons or a mobile app. You'll be surprised how competent you will become in only a few lessons.

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Consider taking the bike -

If it's possible to bike to work, consider the possibilities of an active commute. It will be better for your body and for the environment.

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Neck relief -

For car commuters, try a simple stress-relieving neck stretch. At a red light, tilt your right ear down toward your right shoulder to stretch the left side of your neck. At the next light, repeat on the other side. Stretching in the car is particularly important to avoid back and neck strain.

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Read -

Reading is a great commute activity to escape from the world. If it's a shorter journey, try out some short story or poetry books for some quick wisdom and reflections.

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Mentally prepare yourself for the day -

A long commute is a great opportunity to mentally prepare yourself for the day and understand what you need to accomplish. Go over your schedule and appointments to reinforce what you have planned.

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Unplug -

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Sniff on a calming scent -

Make your car a zen zone with aromatherapy using lavender essential oils. This stress-busting technique will make you much calmer and improve attentiveness. Simply put some drops in a car aromatherapy diffuser or on a tissue on the dashboard.

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Plan for the following morning -

On the commute home, why not consider what you need to get done the following morning? Whether that's setting clothes aside, packing your lunch, or getting a small bit of work in, having a plan always helps.

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Use your tools -

The majority of people commute with a smartphone or other modern tools. Use these to your benefit, like traffic apps (i.e. Google Maps) and transit social feeds for traffic updates.

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Think through tough challenges -

Use this time to think through tough challenges you might have during the day. Write down your thoughts and ideas, so they don't vanish during the busy day.

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Rethink the best commute -

If you are commuting to a city, you are likely to have various options for getting there. So try them out before sticking to one. Consider if you prefer a longer commute with fewer transfers, the shortest trip no matter what, or a commute that allows you to sit and rest.

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Get a goodnight's sleep -

Getting enough rest at night can help you better handle stress during the day. Try to head to bed as early as possible during the work week.

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Chew on a stress-lowering snack -

Having munchies on hand could help you stress less in the event of traffic delays. Walnuts, for instance, are great to snack on, as they significantly reduce elevations in blood pressure that cause stress.

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Leave earlier -

Leaving the house or office earlier can help make your commute more bearable by giving you more time and control. You will also get more leeway to deal with traffic and train tie-ups.

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Be friendly -

Commutes can be solitary, which for some is great. But for others, it can feel isolating. So take a moment to reach out to another person on your trip to or from work. It can be the newspaper salesman or that guy you always see at the bus stop.

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Challenge yourself -

If you're stuck on a bus, for instance, you might find yourself working and answering some emails. But this can be tiring, so instead challenge yourself with Sudoku or crossword puzzles.

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Stretch away the stress -

Who said you have to stay still? Commute-friendly stretching and toning moves can help relieve anxiety and even increase muscle definition in the long run.

Sources: (The New York Times) (Forbes) (Everyday Health) (HuffPost)

See also: How to practice active listening

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