My usual commute to and from work usually involves about an hour and a half of walking, riding a train, riding a ferry, and taking the subway (or more walking). And even though that sounds like such a nightmare for some … I don’t mind it? I know, I know.
Most days I view my commute as a time to get some reading done and to sort of relax (as much as one can when surrounded by people) … but some days are nightmarish, like when kids on bikes block train doors, when people blast their music sans headphones, or even when forms of transit get incredibly delayed or stuck.
And after months and months of going to and from work, I’ve compiled a list of some ways you can help stop a bad commute from getting worse or even just make a commute better from day to day.
Pack a portable charger
A dead phone can certainly make a commute worse, especially when you’re on a train that’s stuck and you’re relying on your cell for some entertainment (like a podcast). Oh, and if you have a portable charger, be sure to actually charge it! A dead one is useless.
Bring a plastic bag or umbrella bag with you if it’s raining or a storm is the forecast
I love snagging one of those umbrella bags that stores put out when it rains to keep in my purse. I hate carrying around a wet umbrella that I’ve used during my commute. So having a bag to toss my umbrella in and carry and place down somewhere is always really handy.
Keep extra socks in your bag during rainy days and the winter
No one wants to spend all day in damp, wet socks. It’s always a wise idea to keep a spare pair of socks in your bag just in case you step in a puddle or get caught in a storm. Being able to change into dry socks is wonderful.
Download a white-noise app
This is particularly handy for public transit. Sometimes I just want to read my book or sit in silence but everyone on the ferry/train is talking loudly, playing music or videos without headphones, or trying and failing to silence their screaming children. So, I pop my earbuds in and put on some white noise or nature sounds. Tons of apps let you do this (and they’re also awesome for travel), I use RelaxMelodies because it lets you mix your sounds (you can sound like you’re in the forest or on a beach).
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Always have a snack in your bag
You never know when you might be really hungry and stuck on transit or just feel a bit dizzy. It’s usually best to have an emergency snack that won’t melt or get too smushed … yeah, chocolate-chip granola bars aren’t a great choice for this even though that’s what I usually put in my bag.
If you use public transit, check online for delays or schedule changes before you leave
This has saved me a lot of stress and has helped me catch buses, avoid waiting in a downpour, and dodge delays. Usually, there are apps, websites, or even Twitter accounts you can check for this information.
Check the weather forecast every morning
This can help you figure out if you’ll need to wear layers, rain boots, or something appropriate for warm weather. Yeah, it’s not always 100% accurate … but it’s better to be overprepared than to have not prepared at all. And it’ll make your commute better if you’re feeling comfortable and dry.
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Download some “emergency” entertainment
At all times, I try to keep a few downloaded episodes of a Netflix show, a movie, and stand-up special on my phone (keep in mind they periodically expire so you have to redownload them). I also always have 10 – 20 episodes of podcasts I enjoy downloaded and ready to listen to. This is great if you have no access to WiFi but find yourself feeling bored while stuck in traffic or waiting for the train.
Bring a book
This is my #1 trick to make a commute better and more enjoyable. Read! A! Book! It makes the time pass so quickly and it makes a commute truly feel productive. As I say often, I rely on the library to get as many books as I want for ~free~!
Wear comfortable shoes
…or bring them in your bag and change into them. Foot pain can ruin any commute … but fortunately, some shoes are cute and comfortable! Pick ’em for your commute, especially if you’re doing a lot of walking.
What do you during your commute?
