credit: Travis Ruse
Those living in New York City commute an average of 48 minutes to get to work. The national average is 33 minutes. I have a pretty long commute to and from work which clocks in at about an average of an hour and 15 minutes though it can be longer depending on traffic. In my first two jobs, I was fortunate to work close to where I live and my commute took about 20 minutes. My 20 minute commute went by quickly and it didn’t bother me that I didn’t do anything productive. However, now that I spend so much time commuting, I feel like that time is wasted if I don’t try to do something besides commuting. I mentioned in a previous post that I practiced my best man’s speech while driving. It was perfect because nobody thought I was weird repeating the speech over and over again.
Here are a few things that you can do to be productive during your commute:
Read a book:
I always see people reading a kindle, a book, newspaper or magazine while commuting to work. It is a great way to pass the time and to entertain yourself. Of course, if you are driving, reading is not an option, but you can get audio books. I tried listening to an audio book, but prefer reading rather than being read to. I did listen to a “Learn Spanish” audio book which was pretty helpful in improving my Spanish skills.
Listen to a Podcast:
There are plenty of free podcasts that appeal to your interests. Podcasts range in so many topics and categories that you are bound to find something you are interested in hearing or learning about. If you love personal finance topics, Joe from Stacking Benjamins has some pretty interesting podcasts that you can check out.
Sleep:
Once again, this is something you can’t be doing while driving. However, I wish I could because I was pretty tired on Monday (yes, I’m a sleep deprived father of a 3 month old). When I was taking the subway to work, I would take short naps and feel rejuvenated. Even if I didn’t have a seat, I could close my eyes to get some rest. For you NYC subway riders who are scared that you might miss your stop, download this app which will alert you when you’ve arrived at your destination.
Relax:
Sometimes, it is productive to just relax and decompress. Sure it is easier said than done whether you are driving and stuck in traffic or in a crowded train with fellow commuters who don’t practice basic hygiene. But you can listen to music and zone out or block out the stressful commute and have time for your own thoughts.
Bond with family:
If you commute with a spouse or child, you can use that time to bond. I used to drop my wife to work on my way to work. I’m not a morning person and I just like to be alone in my own thoughts. But she found that odd, and I’d make an effort to talk about stuff that we hadn’t gotten to chat about during our hectic lives. Now she takes the subway to work. I do drive baby LRC to my parents’ house a few days a week and sometimes I talk to him, though he is only 3 months so he doesn’t really respond to me. Plus, he usually falls asleep pretty quickly on the car ride which is a good thing.
Organize Your Thoughts:
I often find that I think of something important while alone in my own thoughts; this usually happens in the shower or while driving. You can make a to-do list, brainstorm idea for your blog (if you blog), or just organize your thoughts for any purpose. Of course if you are driving, you can’t really write it down, so check out the dragon dictation app for iPhone or Tote Notes for Android which are voice recognition apps.
How long is your commute? What do you usually do?
My commute is about 45 minutes on the subway but I have to make a couple transfers so it’s hard to take a nap. I usually end up listening to music or playing candy crush (lol). I like the idea of listening to podcasts, sounds a lot more productive. I think I’m going to start doing that!
Connie @ Savvy With Saving recently posted…If You Were To Die Tomorrow, What Would You Regret?
45 minutes…you’re right at the NYC average. Yea it’s kind of hard to take a nap, especially since the subway is usually crowded and it’s hard to get seat. Definitely check out podcasts, there are plenty to choose from.
I have a really short commute, so I have no time to be productive. I’m at the office in five minutes. However, when I travel longer, I download some audio books and listen to them.
Savvy Financial Latina recently posted…LEAN IN: Negotiate Like A Woman
5 minutes is a really quick commute! I wish I had that.
Great list, Andrew! I try to work earlier so I hit off-peak traffic, but most of the time I either listen to NPR, music, or spanish lessons. 🙂
anna recently posted…A Few Ways to Save on Room and Board During College
Thanks Anna. I’d like to work earlier so I don’t hit as much traffic, but I’ve been having a hard time waking up. Plus, now that I drop the baby off, it makes it hard to leave earlier.
These are great ideas. I am very thankful my commute is only (usually) 15 minutes or so. If things go well I don’t usually hit traffic as I go against it. I mostly just listen to music in the car. However, if I was commuting by train or subway, I would definitely bring a book along, listen to a podcast, or write/brainstorm blog posts. I don’t think I could fall asleep (though that’s a neat app recommendation) because I’d be afraid of other things happening. I’m not a very trusting person, and I wouldn’t extend trust to strangers on a train. I don’t like falling asleep in cars, either.
E.M. recently posted…All Work, No Play
Yea I don’t usually fall asleep on the train, but at least you can just zone out or close your eyes. Driving does take more of your attention and mental energy. I used to listen to music, but now I tend to listen to a podcast/ESPN Radio/the news (especially to hear the traffic).
I have a very short commute but when I used to have a long one I used to listen to music or listen to my taped lectures.
Demaish @ Borrowed Cents recently posted…5 things you should know about student loans
Taped lectures are good for students. I used to listen to test prep CDs. It does get kind of boring though. Wouldn’t want to fall asleep!
It’s all about Podcasts for me – helps long drives go by so quickly! My commute is only 30 seconds though…and is typically made in my boxers.
Kyle | Rather-Be-Shopping.com recently posted…Frugal Hack #13: How To Score the Best Deal at TJ Maxx, Ross, and Marshall’s and Still Have Sex With Your Wife
30 seconds! I’m jealous of your commute.
I don’t commute anymore as I work from home but I used to have a 40 minute drive. I used to spend it thinking and reflecting about what I was going to do that day and preparing myself for work! I did try to learn a language once via audio CDs but I couldn’t concentrate on the task in hand!
Hayley @ A Disease Called Debt recently posted…Why you need to be happy in your job
That sounds like a very good way to start the day productively. The Spanish Language audio CDs I had weren’t that great…I might have to try different ones. Something with more conversation and something that goes faster because the one I listened to was a bit slow. Sometimes I just turn to a Spanish speaking radio station, but then they speak too fast!
Hey, I know that podcast!
Great piece. When I’m in the car it’s work time. I try to catch up on whatever audio learning I can grab and organize my thoughts. I use tools like Dragon to take hands free notes. Often I’ll have my best ideas in the car so it’s important to capture them.
Joe @ Stacking Benjamins recently posted…5 Gruesome Financial Halloween Nightmares (and a Giveaway!)
Wow you sound like you are very productive on your commute! How long is it? I find that I also have the best ideas in the car and if I don’t write it down, I’ll forget it.
I don’t miss my commute but the last one I had was about 30 minutes (18 miles) by car. Podcasts were a good option on the days we weren’t carpooling, which made productivity tough. I also liked using the time to call friends and family & catch up. If I was alone, I’d turn on the Christian radio station and even worship, or turn off the radio and pray some mornings.
A lot of time is spent on the way to and from work so, as long as you’re making use of it some way, I figure that’s a win.
Done by Forty recently posted…Notes from Peru
Did you call friends and family while driving? I have a hands-free bluetooth device for my phone but I still find talking on the phone a little distracting. I am more of an introvert and sometimes I enjoy the alone time I get in my car where I can just think about stuff.
My commute is about 30-40 minutes. I usually listen to podcasts and knit. Sometimes I plan blog posts. I would read if I could, but the motion makes me feel sick.
KK @ Student Debt Survivor recently posted…September Goal Progress & Income Updates
What podcasts do you like? I do brainstorm blog posts on my commute.
I’ve read somewhere about a lady who ran her blog waiting for the elevator and during the rides to and from her office. She was working at level 50+ and wanted to see if she could turn that wasted time into something profitable (and she did). Now we know that running a blog requires more time than going up 50 levels with an elevator, but at least she tried to increase productivity.
I would personally go for the relaxing part, though. We generally tend to be so stressed during the day because we have to do stuff that we rarely have time to relax and de-stress, and that’s very important too
C. the Romanian recently posted…How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster than the Rest
Wow, working on her blog while going up the elevator…now that is definitely very productive. I agree with you though. Work can be stressful and relaxing is a productive way to de-stress. Don’t have to work on something to be productive.
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I would love to drive or read a book while commuting, but because I actually have to drive means those are out of the question 😉 I mainly just listen to music, so really not that productive but I feel you don’t’ have many options if you have to drive.
DC @ Young Adult Money recently posted…How Do You Stack Up To People Your Age Financially?
It’s probably better to focus on driving anyway! Relaxing and listening to music is still productive…it’s a good way to relax before and after work.
If I have to wait somewhere or take the public transportation I ALWAYS have my Nook tablet with me. I read books and even write up few ideas, if I am being inspired for my blogs. Not wasting that time is a great idea, there’s still stuff to be done in those hours.
dojo recently posted…Saving and Frugality: being frugal when it comes to pregnancy clothes
Using a Nook tablet to read and work on your blog is a great way to stay productive!
My commutes not too long. I recently bought an audio book to try to be productive while I drive but couldn’t get into it. It was just a bit too dry. If I rode the bus I would definitely read.
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Yea I know you enjoy reading books but audio books are not the same. I’d prefer podcasts for driving, and reading is good for bus/train.
Fortunately, these days my commute is down to a few minutes, so I just listen to music, but when my commute was longer, I made phone calls. Hands-free, of course! But it was a great time to check-in with my assistant or return calls, etc. Or if I didn’t have calls to make, plot out my day. Long commutes can be a pain but they can also pretty productive too.
Shannon @ The Heavy Purse recently posted…How to Avoid Creating Feelings of Deprivation in Kids
I swear my iPhone is a lifesaving time killing MACHINE! Two hours can go by at the airport now and I won’t even notice so long as I have my phone. I’m thankful, and maybe addicted.
Financial Samurai recently posted…How Many Credit Cards Should I Have Until It’s Too Many?
Yea there are definitely some pros of having a smartphone/iPhone, but sometimes you just waste a lot of time doing mindless things with it.
Great article! I live in London and I used to take DLR to work which is an overground train. I used to read news on my phone or check social media websites. Now that I take Tube (underground) this is no longer an option. I haven’t figured out yet what I am supposed to be doing during my 10-minute commute to my office, I usually try to relax and organise my thoughts. It’s getting boring though so I might bring a book with me on Monday! 😛
Eva @ Girl Counting Pennies recently posted…Are You a Closeted Minimalist?
Some of the subways in NYC (underground) are putting in wifi networks so you can go online there too. 10 minutes is a nice and brief commute. Relaxing and organizing your thoughts is a good idea…especially on Mondays.
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