The comedy of commutes: Turning travel time into ‘me’ time.

After working for 4 years in a completely remote mode, the idea of traveling to work sounded intimidating. But after a few days of offline work, I realized that there were a few things in that routine that I had started looking forward to, like listening to my favorite podcasts during the commute, taking a quick break to have my favorite coffee, enjoying the golden hour sunrays while coming back home from work. It initiated different thoughts around the evolved work culture and human adaptability. 

Analyze your needs

Ask yourself how you would like to spend the commute time. Some people may prefer finishing up some pending tasks like making calls, responding to emails, and attending work calls. Others may simply want to enjoy a peaceful playlist while observing different things around them. There is no right or wrong here. Your ideas of productivity and ‘me’ time are also capable of change. Allow yourself the reflection time and choose what gives you a great boost to start the day.

Simply relax

Staying on top of the game does not necessarily mean that you have to constantly occupy yourself with something or the other. You are allowed to have an agenda-free time on your schedule and simply be. You can use this commute time to simply relax and do nothing. When we are doing nothing, we are actually letting our minds wander freely and sometimes it can be a freeing experience that leads to mental relaxation. 

Catch up with loved ones

You can use this time to connect with loved ones via audio/ video calls. Commute time allows you ample opportunity to spark a casual or even deep conversation depending on your mood and needs.

Infotainment and edutainment

Beyond entertainment, commute time also allows you time to catch up on different news around the world or, listen to various audiobooks, podcasts, or speeches. Intellectual stimulation is a great form of engagement and can easily make your commute more interesting.

Plan your day ahead

You can use this time to prioritize different tasks and come up with a timeline. You can also plan your short-term and long-term goals. You can also use a task management app or notebook to create an outline for important meetings. Review your schedule, anticipate challenges, and mentally prepare for key activities. Allocate time for breaks and unexpected tasks to maintain flexibility. This proactive approach ensures a productive and organized day ahead.

Practice mindfulness

Incorporating mindfulness is a great approach that can help you de-stress and energize your mind. Mindfulness anchors you in the present moment and it is a great way to calm your chaotic mind and declutter.

There are multiple ways to practice mindfulness in your day-to-day living. Here’s a list of a few ways in which you can start your mindfulness practice and incorporate it during your work commute.

Mindful observation 

Instead of getting caught up in the rush of commuting, observe your surroundings with curiosity and without judgment. Notice different sights, sounds, and sensations around you. These are the things we generally take for granted in our daily lives. Notice different shapes, sizes, and colors of the things around you. This practice encourages mindfulness and cultivates a sense of presence in the moment. Observation without judgment also makes you practice a healthy sense of detachment by simply observing without getting involved, or influenced.

Mindful breathing

Breath is available to us at all times at all places. It is the most real-time tool available for everyone. Use your commute as a time to practice deep breathing exercises. Focus on inhaling deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand, and then exhaling slowly. This simple practice can help calm your mind and reduce stress.

Mindful listening

Engage in mindful listening by focusing on the sounds around you. Notice the peculiar rhythm of traffic. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the auditory experience without getting lost in thoughts.

Mindful eating

Mindful eating involves savoring each bite, focusing on different textures and flavors, and being present without any distractions. It involves deliberate attention to sensory experiences during eating, such as taste, texture, and smell. By slowing down and appreciating meals, you are encouraged to cultivate mindfulness. It contributes to better digestion and enhances your awareness as you take each bite of the food. 

FAQs:

How to identify what works for you?

Identifying what works for you requires you to have a constant dialogue with yourself. Your emotions and needs will indicate what your mind and body require at the moment. To tune in with your emotions, allow yourself to have a period of reflection at least once a day. 

Is self-care on the go possible?

Certainly. It is necessary to customize your self-care activity according to commute, travel time and the personal space you will be able to get while traveling. Based on that you can always include various activities like reading, listening to favorite playlist/podcast, talking to your loved ones and many more.