Do you want to make more of your morning commute? You can dedicate some time to read if you use public transport to get to work. In this blog post we are going to share some tips to make that happen.
Studies show reading can make you more empathetic, help you see the world better outside of yourself and slow down mental aging. And, let’s face it, reading makes you smarter.
You can start with a small goal to read a certain number of pages on your commute and see where it takes you.
Here are some ways you can read more on your commute.
1 – Don’t discount the audiobook
Audiobooks are a perfectly acceptable form of reading. If you have to stand on a crowded subway train, for example, the audiobook may be your best option. Yes, it’s no Spotify playlist to soothe the commuting blues, but it will help you read more on your commute.
2 – Download a reader app directly to your phone
Believe it or not, reading a book on your smartphone isn’t much different from surfing the web. You can download Kindle, Nook and other popular readers and have access to every book you’ve purchased on it. It’s also great for long lines, especially at the grocery store or the DMV!
3 – Grab an old school book
Ok, this one is most obvious, so let’s call it a bonus suggestion. But would you like some time away from the screen? A used bookstore near you has thousands of titles waiting for a home.
We acknowledge that reading a hardcover or paperback book is not for everyone. Crowded buses, subways, and rideshares may make this impossible. But if you can do it, this method will keep you from stopping a chapter and switching over to Twitter to see some memes.
Maybe this can turn into a good habit and you can even join book clubs.
A Smart to Way to Pay for your Books
How are you going to pay for the books you are going to read this year? With commuter benefits.
Commuter benefits save you up to 40 percent in commuting costs for public transit, rideshares (Uber and Lyft) and parking. You set aside tax-free money in your paycheck to pay for your commuting expenses.
Take a look at this example on how commuter benefits work for an employee: a married commuter in Boston who puts aside $265 per month can save about $880 per year!
That’s about 88 ebooks priced at 9.99 — plenty of savings to cover your new reading habit.
Want to learn more? Download our 101 guide and see how commuter benefits work:
