If you commute to work by train each day, you might wonder how you can make the most out of this time that you have. This is one of the luxuries of using public transport that cannot be afforded to you by driving a used cars to work. Travelling by train gives you the opportunity to use the time productively and there are many things that you can do that could ultimately improve your life and career. Keep reading to find out how to make your journey more productive.
Start Planning
One of the best ways to use your commute is to plan your day/week. You should think about the things that you need to get done, make a list and plan the best way to use your time. You should invest in a decent planner or journal for any job, and you can take this on your commutes with you to help you plan. This should ensure that you are ready to hit the ground running from the moment you reach the office and achieve everything that needs to be done each day. This can also involve thinking about your evening and what you will do with your weekend to make the most out of your free time.
Read or Listen to a Podcast
It is understandable if you do not want to use your commute thinking about work or getting a head start on work – you are not on the clock yet after all! This is why an activity like reading a book or listening to a podcast can be a good use of this time. This is because these activities can be relaxing but also productive and good use of your time.
If you struggle to concentrate on public transport, you can use the time on the train to do smaller tasks requiring less attention. For example, you can write and send some emails that you have been putting off or make a to-do list for when you get into the office in the morning.
It would be best if you remembered to respect other people’s space on public transport while you do your work. Nothing is more annoying to a commuter than someone taking up the entire table with their own paperwork, so be considerate of others when you are working or studying.
Work
While some will not want to think about work until they step foot inside the office, others will see a long commute as an opportunity to get ahead and lighten their load for the day. You might be able to use the train journey to respond to emails, run over your notes, draft documents and other tasks. In addition to lightening the load, this could also help you to get in the right frame of mind so that you can be productive as soon as you arrive.
It is best to start the day in a productive mood, otherwise, you just will not get anything done and leave the office feeling unproductive.
If you do not like working on the train, you could use this time to catch up with friends or co-workers if you travel to work together. Or you could enjoy taking in the scenery outside the windows; who knows what wildlife and sights you will see when you are least expecting it. Many animal lovers enjoy looking out the train window and noting all the different birds, foxes, and deer they see on their short commute.
Make Goals & Brainstorm
For many people, the train is an opportunity to think creatively free from distractions in the office. This means that a train journey could be the perfect time to develop personal or career goals, brainstorm new ideas and think about the big picture in general.
These are a few of the best ways to use the time on your commute and you might find that this helps to improve both your career and personal life in a few different ways.
