Many of us spend hours each week commuting — stuck in traffic, riding trains, or waiting in line. But that “lost time” can actually be turned into your most productive hours with a bit of intention. Whether you’re a passenger or behind the wheel, here are 10 ways to make the most of your commute.
1. Listen to Educational Podcasts or Audiobooks
Turn your car or train ride into a mobile university. Podcasts and audiobooks can teach you new skills, expose you to expert insights, or inspire your next big idea.
Recommendations:
- The Tim Ferriss Show (productivity)
- How I Built This (entrepreneurship)
- Atomic Habits (James Clear – audiobook)
2. Plan Your Day
Use the quiet time to set your priorities. Review your to-do list, define top goals, or mentally prepare for meetings. This reduces stress and helps you hit the ground running once you arrive.
Tip: Use apps like Todoist, Notion, or a simple notes app.
3. Learn a New Language
Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Pimsleur offer hands-free lessons — perfect for learning on the go. Commit just 15 minutes a day and you’ll be surprised how much you pick up in a few months.
4. Meditate or Practice Mindfulness
Use your commute to decompress, not stress out. Guided meditations or breathing exercises via apps like Calm or Headspace can improve focus and reduce anxiety — even in traffic.
5. Read or Listen to Industry News
Stay up to date in your field by subscribing to curated newsletters or using apps like Pocket or Feedly to save articles. If you’re driving, have them read aloud using text-to-speech apps.
6. Write (or Dictate) Ideas and Notes
Creative ideas often strike when we’re not distracted. Use your phone’s voice memo app to record thoughts, brainstorms, or journal entries. Writers and entrepreneurs can turn commute time into content creation.
7. Practice Gratitude or Affirmations
Mental wellbeing matters. Reflect on things you’re thankful for, or repeat daily affirmations to boost your mindset before your workday begins.
Example: “I handle today’s challenges with clarity and calm.”
8. Tidy Up Your Phone
Delete old photos, reply to emails, or organize your notes. It’s a simple, satisfying task that clears mental clutter — especially on long rides.
9. Network and Reconnect
Use commute time to send a quick check-in message to colleagues, mentors, or friends. Maintaining professional relationships doesn’t always require long conversations — a thoughtful text can go a long way.
10. Do Nothing (Strategically)
Sometimes the most productive thing is… rest. Use the time to stare out the window, let your mind wander, and recharge. White space in your day allows creativity to flourish.
Bonus: Safety Comes First
If you’re driving, keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Choose audio content, voice-controlled apps, or hands-free notes. Safety is always more important than multitasking.
Q: What’s the most productive thing I can do during a driving commute?
A: Listening to educational podcasts or audiobooks is both safe and enriching.
Q: How can I avoid feeling burned out from doing too much during my commute?
A: Mix up productivity with rest. Use some days for learning, and others for relaxing or mindful reflection.
Q: Is it okay to use the commute for personal goals instead of work?
A: Absolutely. Your commute is your time. Investing in personal growth is just as valuable.
Q: What if I take public transport?
A: You can read, write, plan your day, or even learn a new skill — your hands are free!
Don’t let your commute drain you — make it work for you. Choose just one idea from this list to try tomorrow, and build a new habit that pays off daily.
I’m EKBAL HOSSAIN MONDAL, the creator of SmartSolveTips.com — a blog dedicated to helping people improve productivity, avoid digital burnout, and live better online. With years of hands-on experience in self-development and digital wellness, I write practical tips and tools to help you stay focused and thrive in a fast-paced digital world.
