Getting to and from work isn’t a lot of fun. Sometimes, the drive itself is stressful. That’s especially the case if you’re driving to and from work at the same time everyone else is, so traffic jams and erratic drivers are part of your everyday life.
Sometimes, it’s simply the length of your commute. If it takes you over 30 minutes to get to work, you probably spend a lot of time thinking about what you would rather be doing with that time!
Related: Why Working From Home Is the Worst
Aside from getting a new job, your commute isn’t something you can really do anything about, but you can make it much more enjoyable when you follow these tips.
Drive a Vehicle You Love
One of the best things you can do to make your commute more enjoyable is to drive a vehicle you love. This may be easier said than done, but it’s worth looking into purchasing a new vehicle if it means you’ll feel more comfortable and enjoy the time you spend behind the wheel.
That might mean buying a van with the latest safety technology to make driving the kids to and from school and activities easier, or it may mean getting that convertible you always wanted.
Always wanted to drive a motorcycle when the weather is nice? Go for it! Just make sure you hold the proper license and you follow the rules of the road very carefully. With around 89,000 injuries suffered by motorcyclists in an average year, it’s important to make sure you know how to operate your motorcycle safely.
Find the Perfect Route
It’s easy to get into the habit of taking the same route to and from work every day. It does have some benefits. Chances are, it’s the fastest route to your destination, and it’s a route you can take while on autopilot. That doesn’t mean it will help you enjoy your commute more.
Instead, try searching for the perfect route to and from work. Although it may add a little bit of time to your commute, you may find you enjoy a less stressful drive away from traffic.
You may also want to consider switching up your route a few days a week. Taking different routes every once in a while exercises your brain and can help you discover new sights and stores you may want to visit later.
Get Creative With the Radio
You probably have a few radio stations that you listen to every day, and those stations play the same songs over and over again. That can make for a dull commute. Instead, get creative with the radio in the car.
A few ideas include:
- Listen to a radio station you’ve never listened to before
- Play a short podcast episode to and from work
- Use the Bluetooth in your car to listen to playlists you have made
- Listen to an audio book
- Play a CD you haven’t listened to in years
Leave Early
Being late comes with many downsides. You can find yourself in trouble at work, but it can also stress you out. It’s never a good idea to start the day running behind as it can set the tone for your entire day.
You will enjoy your commute to work more if you leave a little early. It ensures a little extra traffic, road construction, or a train doesn’t make you late, and it can help you start your day off on the right foot. It’s much better to sit in your car and take a few deep breaths before heading inside than it is to fly out of the car and realize you accidentally locked your keys inside because you were in a rush.
Unplug From Technology
It’s no secret that distracted driving is dangerous. However, technology can also cause a lot of stress. If you’re in for a long day at the office, it’s not a good idea to start your day with the latest news or annoying post on social media.
Unplug from technology during your commute, which means not taking any phone calls or text messages, but it also means not checking social media if you get to work early. While you’re at it, turn off push notifications so you can drive in peace.
You may not be able to change the fact that you have a commute to and from work, but there are things you can do to make your commute more enjoyable so you actually look forward to your time in the car!