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Your daily commute doesn’t have to be wasted time—it’s a perfect opportunity to tackle your personal goals, learn new skills, or simply make progress on your to-do list. Whether you have a long commute on public transportation or just a short drive, this significant amount of time can be turned into one of the most productive parts of your day with a little planning. Let’s explore some effective ways to make the most of it.
Ideas to turn wasted commute time into extra productivity time
The following ideas for making your daily commute more productive can be divided into two broad categories. First, you can use your commute as preparation for what follows—be it your workday or your free time after work. Second, you can use the commute as a separate time slot dedicated to something you’d otherwise need to carve out time for during the rest of your day. Both of these options are equally productive.
You don’t have to settle on a single one of the following ideas, either. You can pick and choose what you do depending on the day and what would benefit you the most at the moment. However, I would caution you to be very intentional with your time spent during your commute. It is so easy to waste time on social media or mindlessly singing along to songs, only to realize in hindsight what a waste of time it was. So plan ahead, but allow a bit of flexibility in your planning.
1. Gain Inspiration through Books, Articles, Podcasts, YouTube Videos, or Conversations with Strangers
Using your daily commute to be introduced to new ideas and concepts will give you a boost of inspiration that can be immediately used to create once you arrive at home or work. Of course, this depends on you diving straight into creation mode upon arrival instead of wasting time in bed or on social media.
Podcasts, for example, often leave me feeling incredibly inspired. It’s especially frustrating when I have to waste that inspiration because I have other things to do afterward. If you do have time to create in any shape or form after your commute, using this time to gain inspiration will be a huge productivity boost.
2. Learn a New Skill
I’m sure there are at least one or two skills you’ve always wanted to learn but never found the time for. Dedicating your commute to learning instead of simply listening to music or napping might provide the time you’ve been waiting for.
Of course, it can’t be a particularly physical skill or something that takes immense focus. No matter how good your noise-canceling headphones are, there’s always visual and sensory stimulation to distract you. Still, your daily commute can be a great time to listen to an audio lesson of the language you want to learn or watch a (previously downloaded) course from platforms like Skillshare or Mindvalley. So if you find yourself commuting for a significant amount of time, consider downloading an online course or a new audiobook beforehand to make the best use of the time.
3. Read Ahead for Class or Work
This falls into the category of using your daily commute as preparation time. If you’re a student, you’ll get the most out of your classes by coming in mentally prepared for the information you’re about to learn. Many students skip this step because it can be hard to find time when homework and studying already feel overwhelming. Your commute can be the perfect solution.
Similarly, if your job depends on staying updated with the news, use your commute to browse through a few news outlets. You’ll gain a head start before you even enter the office.
4. Stay Informed About Current Events
Most of us aren’t required to stay updated with the news for work, but it’s a smart habit if you don’t want to be caught off guard or miss out on opportunities. As a well-functioning adult, you should have some idea of what’s happening in the economy, politics, and society.
If you don’t want to watch the news in the morning (because who wants to start the day with negativity?) or in the evening (nothing like bad news to ruin a good night’s sleep), then your commute offers a good middle ground.
5. Study for Tests
Similar to learning a new skill, studying for an exam during your commute is best done in a way that doesn’t require too much focus. Doing math equations, for instance, is probably not ideal. However, commute time can be perfect for spaced repetition. Keeping old knowledge fresh is often a low-effort task, which is why flashcards are so popular among students.
For those flashcards that require more effort, you can always revisit them after your commute. Another way to study during a long commute is by skimming a new topic for the first time. Having a general overview before diving deeper later in the day makes in-depth study sessions more effective.
6. Thinking Time
There’s something oddly therapeutic about watching trees and houses pass by the window during a car or train ride. Using your commute time as dedicated thinking time might not look productive from the outside and might even feel like wasting time, but it’s rare to find a quiet moment in our busy days to just sit and think.
You can use this time to plan ahead, self-reflect, or practice gratitude. Count the things you’re thankful for, brainstorm solutions to problems, or simply let your mind wander productively. Taking deep breaths and practicing mindfulness during your commute can do wonders for your mental health, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day. Commute time is also an excellent opportunity to reflect on your goals and track your progress in both your career and personal life.
Transforming your commute into a productive part of your day is one of the best ways to make your schedule work for you. Whether it’s improving your mental health, pursuing personal growth, or ticking off your to-do list, your travel time can help you achieve more with less effort. The next time you’re stuck in traffic or on a train ride, remember: every moment holds an excellent opportunity to move closer to your goals.
