7 Things You Can Do on Your Commute to Set You Up for a Great Day!

For most people in the Legal Industry, getting from home to the office involves some kind of commute. Often the time you spend commuting can feel like it is wasted. Whether you are stuck in a car on your own, or are jostling for a seat on the train or tram, we think it is worth your while making this time productive for your career and life!

With the evolution of technology, there is a smart phone application, website or software that can help you be more productive. Consider this time yours - it does not necessarily need to be specifically workplace or career related. If you are lucky, this is time free of distractions from spouses, children or clients. Use it to do something you enjoy! Doing things you enjoy makes you happier and therefore more effective in your career.

Driving

Even if you commute to work in a car and need to manage traffic, parking and staying safe on the roads, there are still ways you can make this time productive.

Some examples are:

• Listen to an Audiobook
• Listen to a podcast and learn something or get inspired
• Listen to music that makes you feel good
• Use the voice recorder on your phone to record your to-do list
• Listen to the radio to get across the day's news
  

Public Transport

Some people love public transport. Others are there only because traffic drives them crazy and the cost of parking in the CBD is prohibitive.

These are some ways to make use of commuting time by train, tram or bus.

1. Read

Take the time to read something that develops your skills. Put aside your (not confidential) required reading so that you can bring it with you on your travels.

Read a novel. Reading fiction has been found by researchers to improve brain connectivity and function. Is there a better excuse to be able to legitimately lose yourself in a book?

2. Listen

Listen to a podcast. Be it Law related such as podcasts you can find on ABC Listen or one of the top Australian podcasts according to the Urban List.

Listen to music that makes you feel good.

3. Plan

Do your weekly grocery shopping and meal planning.

Plan (or review) the day's to-do list.

Prioritise your top 3 things to get done.

4. Socialise

Check in with friends and family to see how they are.

Network with other commuters.

Check your social media channels to interact with friend and colleagues.

5. Write something

Putting pen to paper gets creative juices flowing. Writing by hand is good for your motor skills and your memory. Brain dump a problem into a notebook or get started on drafting a presentation. Brainstorm some ideas towards a goal. Get started on that novel or blog you want to write.

6. Meditate

Try some deep breathing. Close your eyes and centre yourself. Repeat a positive mantra over and over silently to yourself. There are also some great meditation Apps you can listen to on your commute, such as Smiling Mind.

7. Exercise

If at all possible, walking or riding to work has many benefits. Or get off a few stops earlier and include some walking in your commute. It clears your head and gives you some time to problem-solve. Exercising during your commute has the added bonus of increasing your heart rate, burning calories and increasing feel good endorphins to the brain.

What not to do!

Check your emails

We recommend restricting your e-mail access to a few times a day. This should be when you are in a position to be able to respond with the information you need at your fingertips. There is nothing worse than trying to pound out a long response to a client question on a smart phone and dealing with auto-correct assumptions whilst your tram bumps along.

Get Stressed

In any commute there are days where things go pear shaped. Trains don’t always run on schedule. Traffic jams put everything behind schedule. Getting stressed on your commute is a big waste of energy. We suggest allowing an extra 10 minutes in your commute. That way you have a buffer and are less likely to run late or be stressed when you arrive for your day. If you are early – that leaves time for a coffee and to read the paper!

Try some (or all!) of these recommendations to take control of your work and home life!