Five Ways To Enjoy Your Commute

By Tony Deblauwe

I read a recent Gallup poll that showed the average US commute time is over 45 minutes.  That rings true for me. In California, driving is a must and often where you work and where you live is quite a distance. Of course in Silicon Valley much of that problem is due to housing costs so people have to live farther out in order to have affordable housing. Regardless of whether your commute is above or below average, we’re spending a lot of time in the car and in traffic—that can lead to stress and other troubling behavior (i.e. road rage). So what do you to make the most of it?

Below are some tips for helping you make better use of your time while driving to and from work.

1. Put Down The Phone

Recent news reports have highlighted the ongoing battle on talking on the phone while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver inattention is to blame for 80% of traffic collisions.  Talking on the phone or sending text messages while driving is one of the riskiest behaviors that drivers engage in.

The National Safety Council is calling for a legislative ban on these activities and claims that the distractions caused by using a cell phone for texting or even talking while driving is more dangerous than some other distractions, such as talking to another vehicle occupant.

Ok truth is – we all talk on the phone in the car. Bluetooth keeps are hands on the wheel, but the mind is still distracted in the conversation. It’s so productive though – just like texting in dead stop traffic or at red lights. I can point to many people that have mastered the driving-while-talking art. Don’t talk to them about phoning and driving – it may be the most efficient use of their time all day!

But we have to look at it from another angle. Certainly receiving calls or making important calls is going to happen, but is it truly as much a benefit as we think? While some people enjoy using their time in the car to talk on the phone, others feel that being constantly connected is a burden they would rather not have to shoulder.  It adds to the notion of 24/7 connectivity that we live in today. We may see it as the norm because everyone is doing it but are we sacrificing “think time” in the process. I know for me I think through things while driving and would rather have that 60 minutes to do that than chat on the phone or dial into a meeting.

Basically the idea of giving up chat time while driving might be unwelcome, but more states are implementing laws that restrict or forbid the use of phones while behind the wheel.  Believe it or not, some companies have started to forbid employees from using handheld devices while driving company cars. Not because of a work-life balance issue, but for liability. If the company culture or “mandate” is that people are always connected (including in the car), if I get into an accident, is my company partially to blame?

2. Carpool

We all know the carpool stories. Some people it’ perfect, others would like to but either nobody goes their route or the timing is off. Clearly sharing the journey with someone saves money. Taking turns driving saves wear and tear on your vehicles.  All of these are great outcomes, but if you can’t find a carpool schedule that works for you, try a staggered approach. Even once a week gives you some time back to concentrate on other things while someone else drives (like you take that phone call).

3. Listen To Music

This touches again on the idea of “think time.” Listening to music can reduce stress levels as well as reduce chronic pain and depression.  It has also been suggested that listening to certain types of music, especially classical music, can increase focus and even enhance the brain’s ability to predict events. 

Whether you are enjoying something relaxing in the background while you let your mind wander or you sing along to your favorite tunes, listening to music is a pleasant way to let the miles go by. The calming effects can help you concentrate, and help you with problem solving work matters.

4. Use The Time You Spend In The Car For “Reading”

I’m talking about the electronic variety. You can get books on tape, books on cd, and even download books to your iPod or mp3 player.  Publishers have made an amazing array of best sellers, classic literature, and nonfiction available and new titles come out frequently. If you spend an hour a day commuting, listening to an audio book is a great way to enjoy those hours spent staring at the same old scenery. I know many people who do their professional business development through CDs. Executive Book Summaries has a great line of key business books condensed into 30 minutes of audio highlights.

5. Take Varying Routes To Work

There are normally more ways than one to get to a specific destination.  Some ways are more scenic, others take less time.  Occasionally finding a different path can help you to increase brain function, possibly reduce your risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease in later life and takes some of the blah out of commuting. Breaking routine in your commute contributes to energy levels and brain activity. Especially on the drive home, varying routes can help disengage you from the zombie highway stare.

Ideas around commute productivity are aimed to keep you alert and focused on the task of driving. Sometimes it’s about work, but most times an effective commute is measured by your personal sense of good time management. You don’t need to get angry or bothered; you just need to change things up a bit. That way you’re more refreshed and ready to handle a new workday.

Please leave your commute tips for the community.

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