Traffic, traffic, traffic. Oh, the dreaded work commute! Sound familiar?

I’m going to tell you something that may surprise you. I LOVE my work commute! It has not always been this way, but over time I have found ways to make my commute not only enjoyable but purposeful as well.

My morning commute has become the space that I use to set the tone for my entire day. While my afternoon commute is where I unwind and let go of anything that did not serve me throughout the day. It also sets the tone for my evening time with family.

According to a recent Auto Insurance Center survey a typical commuter in the United States spends 26 minutes driving to work each morning and 41 hours stuck in traffic each year!

While these are stats on driving, we can’t forget our friends living in larger cities commuting via public transportation who face long commutes as well.

41 hours a year!! That’s a crazy amount of time!

Just think of what you could gain each day if you learned how to get more out of your commute.

My commute used to consist of a seven minute drive to drop my son off at daycare, and then an additional three minute drive to my office. Pretty lucky, right!

Well not so much anymore! He started kindergarten this past fall, and now most days I spend at least an hour in my car with school drop off and pick up. Maybe you can relate?

The good news is that a lot can happen in an hour if you choose to use your time wisely. Here are some easy ways to spice up your daily commute!

5 WAYS TO SPICE UP YOUR COMMUTE

 

1. PODCAST IT UP

It took me a long time to jump on the podcast train. I only started listening to them a few years ago, and now, I’m obsessed!

Podcasts have become a part of my daily routine. There are endless podcasts to choose from!
To find one that you’ll enjoy, I recommend searching based on your areas of interest. Check out the reviews and then try a few out to see which podcasts really speak to you.

Over time you will find your favorites and become hooked — just like I did! I’m not kidding when I say there is a podcast for every topic and for everyone!

2. ZIP IT

This might sound crazy to you, but try driving in silence!

Sitting in the quiet, even if you are stuck in traffic, can be a really calming experience. I cherish quiet time alone now more than ever!

When spending time in silence, you open yourself up to all sorts of things like inspiration, clarity, and insight! Get the most out of sitting silently by doing some deep breathing exercises!

My favorite exercise is to inhale, hold my breath for eight seconds, and then slowly release my breath for 5 seconds.

If you are feeling stressed (either from the traffic or a hectic day), using breathwork to ground and center yourself will help you immensely!

Trust me! You will love it! Don’t just take my word for it; try it out the next time you’re driving.

3. GET YOUR AFFIRMATIONS ON

There is no better play to say affirmations then when you’re chilling alone in your car — especially during a traffic jam! It will help keep you calm.

YouTube has a plethora of affirmation videos. Just to be clear, don’t try to watch the videos, keep your eyes on the road and simply listen!

Before you head to wherever you’re going, try searching for the type of affirmation you are looking for — healing, abundance, confidence, or money manifestation!

Listen to the video, and then repeat the affirmation either in your mind or out loud. I personally love repeating them out loud! It makes me look like I’m jamming out to Spice Girls, which is also a great thing to do while you’re in the car!

4. LET SOMEONE READ TO YOU

Anyone else too busy to sit down with a cup of tea and enjoy a good book? (Maybe one day!)

Finding time to read can be difficult. Listening to audiobooks is a great way to finally get around to reading those books your friends keep telling you to check out!

What better time to do it then when you are stuck in your car, on the bus or train! Listening to audiobooks is a great way to learn while you’re on the go!

5. GIVE SOME THANKS

This one might be my favorite way to pass the time while commuting! Gratitude is #EVERYTHING!

The hustle of the day can distract us from the amazing things happening right in front of us.

Use your commute as a time to go through, either silently or out loud (I’m personally a “talk to myself kind of person”), the things that you are grateful for. Give thanks for all the wonderful things in your life — big and small.

Head here to learn 3 Ways To Harness Gratefulness In Every Experience (Even The Bad Ones) — like bumper to bumper traffic!

IN CONCLUSION (TIME TO PARK THE CAR)

Not only will these five things help you get the most out of your commute but they will set the tone for your entire day.

How do you make the most of your daily commute? Share in the comments below!

For more on Katie, head here!