6 ways to make your commute more productive

Many employees have to make a long commute to work. Whether it’s a ride in the car or on public transport, commutes are seen as a necessary evil of modern life. That doesn’t mean it has to be ’dead time’, though! There are a variety of ideas for things to do in the car, on the train, or the bus while commuting. 

Here is our list of 6 ways to make your daily commute to work more productive. 

1. Read a good book

You’ll notice that many seasoned commuters never ride the train without a good book. A great page turner can be the easiest way to transport you to another world. 

Whether you’re reading the latest business book or a murder mystery, reading helps to improve productivity and creativity. In addition, it improves your writing skills and expands your vocabulary. The recipient of your next email will thank you for being such a bookworm!

2. Open your ears

If you’re not much of a reader, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out! Audiobooks have skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years. That’s because having a book of your choice read to you can be a relaxing alternative.  

Podcasts are another audio alternative that have seen huge growth over the past decade. You’ll find podcasts on pretty much every subject under the sun. From news and politics to pop culture and true crime. 

And when you find one you like, your favourite podcast can start to feel like a discussion with close friends. The best part is, you can just sit back and listen!

3. Expand your information bubble

More and more people are getting their news from social media. But our society is learning that this isn’t necessarily a good thing. News on social media platforms tends to be poorly sourced and potentially inaccurate. 

Readers don’t take the time to fully dive into the details and think critically, and individuals are only exposed to a narrow worldview that aligns with their own beliefs. 

Getting up to speed via the newspaper, radio, or even a news podcast can be a better choice. Sources like these tend to be unbiased and reliable. Best of all, they present both sides of the argument so you can broaden your worldview. You’ll improve your critical thinking skills and media literacy. And you’ll learn to be a more understanding, well-informed citizen of the world. 

4. Reflect on the day

Studies have shown that there’s a lot to be gained from taking the time to plan out your day. People who take 20-30 minutes to plan out how to tackle their to-do list tend to get more done. And those who take time to reflect on the way home tend to be happier and more resilient. 

Taking time while commuting to work to strategise about your schedule will make you more productive. And using your time on the way home to reflect on your day can be the perfect way to wind down.  

5. Clear your headspace

You’ve likely heard about the positive effects of meditation. Meditation can help to improve your mental wellbeing, focus and decrease stress. Even if you’re open to the idea, meditating on a busy train or bus can sound a bit silly. 

Quite the opposite! The whole point of meditation is learning to shut out the busy world around you. You don’t have to be in a quiet room to meditate. That busy train car will work just fine. Meditation during your commute can be highly effective for clearing mental clutter as well as regaining focus. 

There are a variety of apps and videos that can help you get started. So give meditation a try and see if it lives up to the hype!

6. Take a backseat

Commuting to work is always stressful, but even more so if you’re the one doing the driving. 

When you can find someone else to give you a lift, the possibilities of what to do in the car are endless! You can lighten your workload by doing research, catching up on emails, or taking an important call. 

You can even take the opportunity to catch-up on some sleep. The commute suddenly has endless possibilities for productivity when you’re not the one navigating traffic!

Bolt is a fantastic way to get an easy, convenient, affordable ride to and from the office. Bolt operates in over 300 cities in more than 45 countries, so you can always get a ride — even when you’re travelling. 

Best of all, with a Bolt Work Profile or Team Account, you can take the hassle out of expensing those work rides. Tell your supervisor to sign up for Bolt today!