With many of us slowly heading back to work, we’re getting ourselves used to being back in the car or on public transport. The commute to work is something we’ve gotten used to not having, so now many of us are unsure what to do with this time. We often find ourselves getting frustrated and impatient with things like traffic and delayed trains, all of which we haven’t had to deal with for a long time.

As we start to sit in traffic or on public transport again and endure long commute times, here’s how you can reimagine your commute to work in the mornings.

Books

If you have a long commute on public transport, reading a book can be a great way to pass the time. There are so many health benefits that come from reading.

These include:

• Strengthens your brain
• Increases your ability to empathise
• Builds your vocabulary
• Helps prevent age-related cognitive decline
• Reduces stress

From sci-fi to fantasy, fiction to non-fiction, there’s truly a genre for everyone. If books aren’t your cup of tea, or you’re unable to read because you’re driving, you can always try audiobooks. With a range of different genres and narrators, here are some of the best audiobooks of 2021.

If you prefer the feel of a book in your hands, here are some of the 100 must-read classics:

• To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
• In True Blood, by Truman Capote
• I Capture the Castle, by Dodie Smith
• The Chrysalids, by John Wyndham
• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis
• Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey

To-do lists

Making lists is another great way to pass the time. Whether it’s a to-do list, shopping list or even a Christmas present list, it’s a way to keep your mind occupied when you’re on your commute. Lists are the perfect way to get organised, reduce stress and boost productivity.

When writing a to-do list, there are seven ways to write a better list to get more done.

1. Note why each task on your list is important
2. Delete low/no-value tasks from your list
3. Create a list for each week or day
4. Break large tasks into smaller tasks
5. Write a “what I’ll probably do” list
6. Make your to-do list public
7. Draw your to-do list

If you’re driving and are unable to write, you can always make a mental to-do list too!

Podcasts

Like audiobooks, podcasts are a great thing to do to pass the time on lengthy commutes. They can be done while either driving or on public transport, and the majority are free! Podcasts have become increasingly popular, with a 54% increase in listeners year-on-year in 2021. As with books, there is a range of different genres to explore. Some of the top podcasts to listen to include:

Casefile – A true-crime podcast that looks at both solved and unsolved cases around the world. This is for those who are fans of crime stories and not for the faint-hearted!

How I Made It – This podcast focuses on all things finance and talks about how to build your wealth from the ground up.

Hamish and Andy – If you’re up for a laugh, this Australian duo talks and jokes around in all their episodes. Anything goes in this podcast!

Conversations – Run by the ABC, this podcast talks to different guests and takes you deeper into their life stories - stories of the amazing things they’ve done.

Stuff You Should Know – This podcast has a bit of everything – encompassing all you’ve wanted to know about champagne, chaos theory, El Nino and Rosa Parks – all topics are on the table!

The Quicky – If you’re not a fan of traditional news, but like to be kept up to date, The Quicky gives you everything you need. With a recap of the news every day and a deep dive on one topic, this is perfect for those after a quick update.

Chat to a friend

If you’re sitting in traffic or stuck on the train, chances are your friend is too! Whether it’s a friend or family member, giving them a call on your commute to work will help the time pass faster, while simultaneously allowing you to catch up with them. This works well for those who don’t always have the time to chat or catch up with their loved ones. If you’re driving, make sure you’re using a Bluetooth or hands-free device when talking on the phone.

Meditate

This one isn’t for those driving! If you’re on public transport and have the chance to, meditation is a fantastic way to clear your mind before or after work. Plugging in your headphones and switching off from the world can help you to refocus and centre yourself. With so much going on in our lives, calming down our minds can be difficult – especially when there are a million things to do running around in your head! Meditation apps work well for both beginner and experienced meditators alike. Some of the best meditation apps include:

· Calm

· Insight Timer

· Headspace: Meditation & Sleep

· Ten Per Cent Happier Meditation

· Buddhify

· Unplug

· Simple Habit

Practice a hobby

Got a hobby that can be done anywhere? If you’re on public transport, practising a hobby you enjoy can be a fun way to pass the time. This could be anything and if you don’t have a hobby, there’s always time to start one! Examples include:

• Drawing
• Knitting/crochet/cross stitch
• Writing a blog or story
• Learning a language on an app like Duolingo
• Reading
• Play Sudoku or do a crossword
• People watch

As we all slowly start to head back to work, we’re beginning to get used to things like traffic and public transport again – things we never had to worry about when our commute to work was walking from the bedroom to the study! Instead of being frustrated about being stuck in the car or on the train, use this time as an opportunity. Not often do you get uninterrupted time to yourself to do what you want, so make the most of it. Now you’re back at work, don’t forget your essential Biz Corporates items!