No one wants to commute for work, but it’s unavoidable in some situations. Even if your commute is a mere 30 minutes, it can feel like torture to sit in the car in your work clothes for an extended amount of time. There are ways to make your commute less miserable, though. Here are 5 easy ways to find pleasure in your morning and evening drives.
1. Eat breakfast on-the-go.
Instead of scarfing down a granola bar at home or waiting to eat a cup of yogurt when you reach your desk, pack a tasty, easy-to-consume smoothie. You can take other things to eat in the car if you want to, but a smoothie is the safest route. Whip one up before you head out the door and you’ll have a delicious breakfast to distract you from the bumper-to-bumper traffic.
2. Create the perfect playlist.
If you’re not a fan of morning talk radio or commercials, then you need to put together a playlist. Choose songs that you enjoy singing along to, that pump you up for the day ahead, or just make you smile. The drive won’t seem nearly as boring if you hear something you love coming through the speakers.
3. Try an audio book.
One of the most irritating things about commuting is the wasted time in the car. To remedy that, pick up an audio book for a novel you’ve been wanting to read. This makes the time in the car your personal time, helps you decompress, and feel like you’re actually doing something worthwhile as you drive.
4. Be comfortable.
Commuting to work can be particularly miserable if you’re dressed up in your work clothes and feel too uncomfortable to drive properly. Instead of buckling up in your suit jacket and stiff dress shoes, take them off. Lay your jacket in the passenger seat, wear some flip flops instead of heels while you drive, or loosen your tie. You’ll be much happier if you’re not being pinched by various articles of clothing. Just don’t forget to put them all on before you walk inside the office.
5. Ask for a flexible schedule.
Bosses understand that commuting is less than desirable, so yours might be willing to give you a flexible schedule. Ask if it’s okay to come in 30 minutes later and work for 30 minutes longer so that you can avoid the traffic. You won’t know if it’s okay unless you ask.
