By Michele Don Durbin, SVP of Marketing, Evernote
Millions of UK workers across the country are now getting used to commuting again as the UK economy continues to re-open after the impact of Covid-19. Commuting can be a busy and stressful experience at times and it’s not surprising that during the pandemic some people working from home instead of at the office found it had a positive effect on both their work and lifestyle. Essentially, some employees reported less stress due to having no dreaded commute, which in turn gave them a better balance of work/life and more personal time.
The return to the office for workers, whether full-time or on a hybrid working pattern, has led many to think about how they can claw back some of the time they spend on a train or bus to be happier, healthier, and more productive. Commuting can present an opportunity to get a jumpstart on your day if you change your thinking, stop scrolling through social media and use that time more productively. Here are some tips you can follow to make the most of your commute to work:
Write a to-do list
Creating a to-do list helps you focus your time and attention where it matters most, instead of trying to complete many small, unrelated tasks throughout the day. If you’re not driving on your commute, write down your top three to five priorities for the day ahead and make each point specific and realistic. For instance, if you are working on a large project, break up that big to-do item into smaller priorities made of bite-sized chunks you can realistically achieve in a day. Make sure you assign your tasks a due date or include a reminder to make sure you complete it.
Get some calm headspace
Finding some head space on your commute is a great way to start your day. Meditation can help calm you down and focus your mind. There are apps such as Headspace or Calm that offer guided meditation sessions – Calm even offers a session specially for commutes. Research shows that just a few minutes of meditation can improve concentration, focus, and memory, while reducing stress. If meditation isn’t for you or you struggle to meditate, try thinking calming thoughts and focussing on your breathing and your bodily sensations to help you find some calm headspace.
Switch up your mode of transport
It’s easy to fall into a commuting pattern and go on autopilot, doing the same things over and over each day – after all, human beings are creatures of habit. It may add more time to your journey but consider breaking up your routine if you can. Changing your rigid morning routine will let your brain naturally unwind, creating the perfect environment for creative thinking and exploring new ideas. If your commute route is busy and crowded, try finding a carpool to meet new people or take a different mode of transport to have some quiet time to recharge and reflect.
Brainstorm new ideas
Are you trying to write a novel or a poem? Or perhaps you’re working on some ideas for artwork? You can find limitless inspiration from people watching or taking in the places you pass through on the bus or train. Use your commute as a time to harness your power of observation and your imagination. The bus or train may not seem like a calm oasis, but they are free of some of the normal interruptions you’ll find throughout the rest of your day. You won’t have to worry about colleagues coming up to your desk for a chat, impromptu meetings, or any of the many obligations of family life. You can take advantage of this time to focus and tap into your creativity.
Use an app like Evernote to note down any important ideas and information that you don’t want to forget while you’re out and about. You can add text, images, audio and scans etc. Evernote automatically saves notes, tasks, and schedules all in one place and syncs them to all your devices.
Listen to a great story
Podcasts can serve as a great source of inspiration and ideas and offer an easy way to enjoy a great story while you commute. If you are looking for some career motivation, try listening to Lead to Win with Michael Hyatt. Drawn from his years of experience as a CEO and motivation speaker, Michael shares stories on how to organise your busy life and become a better leader. Or for some inspiration, listen to Rad Awakenings with Khe Hy, where Khe hosts conversations with a diverse list of successful businesspeople. They share stories about personal growth and the lessons they’ve learned. Whatever you decide to listen to, pick something you’ll find interesting and inspiring to help lift your mood and motivate you to tackle the day ahead.
Ultimately, try to reframe the definition of your commute and look at it in a more positive light. You can have a happier and healthier commute and improve your productivity by letting your mind relax, recharge, and explore new territory.
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Source: http://hrnews.co.uk/tips-to-make-your-commute-happier-and-more-productive/
