“What do you do to make the most of your 30+ minute commute to work? How does this commute activity help you prepare for the next day, or relieve the stress of the workday?”
Here’s what YEC community members had to say:
1. Make a to-do list
“I make a to-do list on my commute. This gives me a head start and allows me to get started as soon as I get to work. I already have a plan with me. All I have to do is get down to business. Working on a to-do list may seem repetitive, but it’s an important task for the day. It’s one of those repetitive tasks that you don’t like doing but still have to do every day. By doing it on my commute, I can look forward to the interesting things I have to do. This helps improve my productivity and allows me to make the most of my time at work.” ~ Jared Acheson, WP Templates
2. Call a friend
“One thing I do to make the most of my commute time or any driving time between meetings etc. is to ‘call a friend’. Because let’s be honest, when do we have time to call friends!!! Depending on the call and how I’m feeling at the time, calling a friend helps in so many ways: Catching up: Catching up allows me to stay connected to my personal network, ensuring that I maintain strong relationships despite my busy schedule. Joking: Engaging in light banter helps me start the day with a positive mindset or unwind after a long day at work. Building relationships: Regular conversations with friends help deepen relationships, which is essential for both personal happiness and a supportive network. Networking: Staying connected to friends and acquaintances acts as a network, providing potential business and collaboration opportunities. Calling a friend while on the go helps me either prepare for the day ahead with a positive attitude or get through the work day by sharing ideas and experiences with someone I trust.” ~ Davesh Davidi, Top Rating
3. Take a mental break.
“I took the train to Boston every morning. As an entrepreneur, I initially felt pressured to make the most of every second of my day, so I used my 30-minute commute to read a business book or listen to a podcast. But what I soon discovered was that the best thing I could do was take a mental break and enjoy some quiet time to clear my mind. The hum of the train made me feel calm and at peace. Once my day started, I didn’t have much time to take a break; some days were so busy that I barely had time to eat lunch. My train ride became my time to relax. Having nothing to do but look out the window was actually a great therapy for me. The entrepreneurial lifestyle can be a roller coaster of energy. I’ve found that it’s generally helpful to carve out some time, like my morning commute, to do nothing; to fight the urge to be constantly efficient, which can lead to burnout.” ~ Thomas Mainieri, Lemonade Maker®
4. Listen to audiobooks
“When I get home, I like to listen to audiobooks, especially novels. Listening to a captivating story that has nothing to do with my work helps me mentally disconnect from the stresses of the day and relax. This transition period is important for my well-being, as it refreshes my mind and spirit before I get home. By the time I walk in the door, I feel more relaxed and rejuvenated, which ultimately improves my overall mood and readiness to enjoy my evening.” ~ Josh Kohlbach, Wholesale Wing
5. Handling duplicate and important tasks
“I try to take care of repetitive and important tasks like responding to emails, meeting invitations, and personal messages while commuting to work. This increases my efficiency and helps me start my day by focusing on the important things. I am more productive at the beginning of the day. With the above tasks taken care of, I am able to do my best on the next items on my to-do list and make the most of the time I have.” ~ Stephanie Wells, Huge shapes
6. Follow up on email using voice apps
“A 30-minute (or longer) commute can give you a chance to catch up on work. I find it particularly helpful to catch up on email. If you have a long list of emails, you can read them or have Google Assistant or an app like Speaking Email read them to you. This can be useful if you’re driving or if you don’t want to read all of these things right before or after work. Similarly, you can have a report or white paper read to you. You may need to review some of these materials in more detail later, but listening to them gives you a good overview and a good start.” ~ Kalin Kassabov, Protection
7. Invest in personal development.
“One way to make the most of your 30+ minute commute is to listen to podcasts or audiobooks related to personal development, industry insights, or relevant news. This activity can serve to prepare you for the day ahead and de-stress after a long workday, depending on the content you choose. In the morning, listening to industry podcasts or audiobooks can provide fresh ideas, strategies, and inspiration that can be applied directly to your work. This approach helps set a positive and productive tone for the day, keeping you informed and motivated when you arrive at work. When you get home, choosing more relaxing or entertaining content can help shift your mind away from work stress. Audiobooks or podcasts that focus on storytelling, humor, or personal interests can provide a mental break, making it easier for you to relax and transition into your time. If you tailor your listening choices to your needs—professional development in the morning and relaxation in the evening—you can use your commute to boost your productivity and well-being.” ~ Christine Kimberly Marquette, Market Media, LLC
8. Riding a bike to work
“One thing I do to make the most of my 30-minute commute is to bike if I can. In many big cities, you’ll be able to get to work faster, get exercise, and it’s generally good for your health and the environment. Cycling to work not only wakes me up and gets my blood flowing, but it also gives me a chance to clear my head and think about my day ahead. The physical activity helps me feel energized and ready to tackle my tasks. On the way home, cycling allows me to unwind from my workday. The fresh air and exercise help me relax and de-stress, making it easier to unwind and enjoy my evening.” ~ Travis Schreiber, Iris Technologies, LLC
9. Know industry trends.
“One thing I do to make the most of my 30+ minute commute is listen to podcasts or audiobooks related to personal development or industry trends. This activity serves two purposes: It prepares me for the next day by keeping me informed and inspired, and it helps me de-stress after a long workday by shifting my focus to learning and growth. Listening to insightful content on my commute turns what could be a sedentary time into an opportunity for continuous learning. In the morning, it energizes me and provides me with new ideas that I can apply to my work. In the evening, it helps me unwind by engaging my mind in something productive and different from the daily tasks at Velvet Caviar. This routine keeps me motivated, informed, and ready to tackle the challenges of the day.” ~ Michelle Aran, velvet caviar
Image: Envato
