They say that “getting there is half the fun.” That may be true for a long overdue vacation but getting to work could be a different story. Traffic, unexpected delays and, rising toll and fare costs can make the morning commute the first challenge of many more challenges to face throughout the working day. And yet, a growing number of commuters are finding ways to take on that challenge and turn it into an opportunity to relax, expand the mind, strengthen the body. Here are five ways your morning commute can help you win the day.
- Let music boost your creativity.
Listening to music can be more than relaxing. Studies show that listening to music helps suspend awareness of time, train the mind to process information faster and if you listen to happy music, [ https://bit.ly/2zDdngu ] fuel creativity which is an essential component to problem-solving and innovative thinking. Many of us enjoy listening to music in the background while engaged in another activity. Why not use the morning commuting time to actively listen to your favorite song? It’s both a mood and mind booster.
- Sharpen the mind and reduce stress with a good book.
Reading is an activity that has countless benefits, is so simple to do and yet so difficult to find time for. Mobile phones, social media, games, and streaming shows are taking more and more of our free time. As a regularly scheduled activity, the commute is probably the best time to dedicate to reading a book all the way through. Whether by audio, digital or print, reading is a great escape and brain builder, too. Reading helps stimulate neural pathways in the brain and can reduce stress by as much as 68%. [https://bit.ly/2goPP6T ]
- Prepare your day’s action plan
Our days are filled with projects, deadlines, meetings and calls. From the moment you get in, it may feel like the day goes by like a blur with missed opportunities and things you should have said but didn’t think of it at the time. The morning commute is a great opportunity to visualize the day ahead, review those mental notes you’ve taken over time or planning for meetings later in the day. Early preparation will allow you to be in the moment and ready for anything.
- Workout on your way to work
If you drive or ride transit, there might ways to get fit on your commute. Take the time breath and stretch, [ https://bit.ly/2yDjO5k ] and be mindful of your posture and balance. Depending on where you park or the stop you choose on transit commute, you can add a longer walk the rest of the way. If you live close enough, you might consider bicycling as your new mode of transportation (and make sure to sign for bicycle benefits ). Also, skip the elevators and escalators and choose the stairs instead. The right amount of exercise will put you in a positive mood that will last the day.
- Benefit from your company’s commuter benefits program
No matter how you commute, by car, train, ferry, bus, subway or bike, enrolling in your company’s commuter benefits program means you’re saving money every day by using tax-free dollars for your commute. And if those savings is a good enough reason for you to switch from driving to transit, you’re saving even more by reducing your car’s fuel and maintenance costs. And you’re reducing carbon emissions with transit which means you’re doing your part to save the environment as well. Learn more about commuter benefits and how to get a program started at your company visit our website. [https://bit.ly/2ioDPGs ]
Want Commuter Benefits at Work?
Employers are the ones in control here, but there are some things you can do to help get the ball rolling. We’ll contact your employer on your behalf. Don’t worry, your request will be anonymous.
