gridlock on a commute with city in the background

8 Inspiring Ways to Conquer Your Commute

Updated January 1, 1 . AmFam Team

No matter how long your commute, going to and from work each day can feel like quite the waste of time. But here are some smart tips to help you get the most of your time on the road! How will you conquer your commute?

Whether your commute is 20 minutes or 2 hours, going to and from work each day can feel like quite the waste of time. With an ever-growing to-do list and set of responsibilities, you can probably think of a hundred other things you’d rather be doing.

But what if you could actually make use of your commute time?

Think of it this way — it doesn’t have to be the most boring part of your day! In fact, it can be a really productive and positive time. Here are some ideas to help you get the most out of your commute.

Mentally prepare. When it comes to work-life balance, it’s important we take the time to mentally prepare for each day and wind down once it’s over. Use your commute as an opportunity to shift your mindset and go into whatever’s next with a clear head — you’ll find yourself wishing you’d always done it this way!

Amp up your reading. Whether you’re driving or making use of public transportation, your commute is a great time to tackle your reading list. Opt for audio books or the real deal. Whatever works for your commute situation.

Listen to podcasts. Name something you’re interested in. Odds are there’s a podcast (Opens in a new tab) about it! So do some research and subscribe to a few that catch your eye. It’s a great way to pass time and gain some knowledge while doing it.

Learn a new language. There are tons of audio tools available for people looking to expand their knowledge of languages — CDs, apps, bilingual radio channels, etc. What better time to learn than while driving to and from work?

Get your workout on. If you live close enough, biking or walking to and from work is a great way to make sure you stay on top of your wellness. Not only will it help you feel happier and healthier, it’ll save you time and allow you to do more with your days — two birds, one stone!

Consider carpooling. Save some gas and use your commute time to socialize with friends or co-workers. It’ll make the time fly by!

Check in with loved ones. No matter what dream you’re pursuing or what stage you’re at in life, it’s important to have friends and family that support you. So, if you’ve got hands free calling in your car or you take a different mode of transportation, use your commute as a regular time to call and catch up! They’ll appreciate that you thought of them and you’ll be happy knowing you made the most of an otherwise dull time.

Take the scenic route. Sometimes it’s not all about how fast you get there, but rather the road you take on the way — literally. If you’re feeling uninspired in your daily life, consider taking a new route to work, one that’s maybe off the beaten path. Mixing it up could be just what you need to feel reinvigorated.

No matter what you do, go into your commute with an open mind and a willingness to utilize the time! You’d be surprised at just how much you can get done while on the road.

Remember, your car plays a big role in getting you from point A to point B, so you’ll want to make sure it’s always protected — and we can help! Check out our various auto coverage options and connect with an American Family agent (Opens in a new tab) today to get started on building out a policy that’s unique to you.

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