For many of us, commuting to and from work is not something to look forward to. Especially after a relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of Lagos streets. There are numerous annoying things about commuting like annoying drivers, unrelenting bus conductors, power-drunk law enforcement officers and many more.
The point is whether you commute to work by car, bus, bike or on foot and whether it’s a long or a stone throw journey, it doesn’t have to be a drag. You can redesign your commute to be one of the best parts of your day.
Here are some things you can do to make the commute more interesting:
1. Listen to music
Granted, many of us already do this. But don’t just listen to any type of music. You don’t want to be listening to sad songs that make you want to quit your job and cut off everyone in your life. Instead, listen to feel-good music. Something to get you excited for the day or week ahead. It could be some light pop tunes or Afrobeats jams. Regardless, whatever makes you want to jump up and dance, go for that.
2. Listen to a podcast
Even the stress of Lagos streets can’t take away the serenity that comes with listening to certain podcasts. It doesn’t even matter if you drive to work or take public transportation, you can quite easily listen to a podcast by playing it on your phone or your car’s stereo.
Find something you like before you leave home or office and just roll with it.
3. Meditate
To practice mindfulness, put away your phone and focus on the sensory experience of riding in a bus, car or on a bike. Be more aware of your environment and the people there.
Find your zen. Ground yourself and breathe deeply. Inhale, exhale and feel the tension exit your shoulders. The morning trip to the office can be an opportunity to centre yourself before a crazy workday.
4. Get some snacks
It’s no secret that food makes everything better and the commute back from work can be tedious. An afternoon traffic jam can be more infuriating if you’re starving or parched.
If you are driving, keep some bottles of water close by and some light snacks too. If you are taking public transport, you can purchase your snacks before getting on the bus or taxi. Another option is to purchase in traffic.
In any case, don’t commute hungry.
5. Make some friends
For some people who drive to work, commuting can be isolating. So why not make it more fun? Invite friends who live close by and make plans to carpool. Imagine going to work or driving back home, surrounded by friends, listening and singing along to music and having fun before/after a tedious day. It’s a real mood booster for sure.
If you’re taking public transportation, use the opportunity to brush up on your social relations skills. Get to know the people sitting next to you better (but don’t force it, some people prefer quiet commutes).
6. Learn something new
Turn that dreaded, irritating traffic jam into an opportunity to learn something. You could download an audiobook or podcast to listen to. Enrol in an online course to boost your commute productivity.
Even better, you can download apps like Duolingo or Babbel, which teach you a new language (for free). You never know when French or Italian might come in handy.
Wrapping Up
Commuting doesn’t have to be a chore. There are many ways to make it fun and this article doesn’t even begin to cover it. It can be unnerving at first but once you find a way around it, you might even look forward to those long journeys to work.
Don’t say Roadly didn’t do anything for you.
