How to Make the Most of Your Commute: A Comprehensive Guide
The daily journey between home and the workplace is a ritual many of us have had to welcome back into our lives since the end of lockdown. Did you know that the average Londoner spends over 400 hours a year commuting? That is an awful lot of time that can be put to good use! Although the hustle and bustle of rush hour is not exactly a stress free experience, it does not have to feel like wasted time. In this week’s blog, we will transform your commute into one of the most valuable parts of the day, whether you are navigating packed train carriages or braving the unpredictable British weather.
How Far Does the Average Person Commute to Work?
Fun fact: In a lifetime, the average commuter will spend nearly two years of their life traveling to and from work!
Here in the UK, the average person commutes about 23 miles to work, a journey that is increasingly common with the housing crisis and the rise of commuter towns. More people are seeking affordable housing options outside city centres, making the commute a routine part of life for millions. The average commute time is around 59 minutes, with many Brits turning this travel time into productive or relaxing moments.
8 Tips to Utilising Commute Time
Task Prioritisation
If you have the tendency to wake up in work mode, this is the perfect time to get a head start to your day. As you sip a delicious morning latte, take a few moments to review your to-do list. Think about which tasks are the most urgent and which are more important, allowing you to hit the ground running as soon as you reach your desk.
Read more: Our Managing Director, Tray Durrant talks how to stay ahead of the game.
Email Triage
This is a golden opportunity to get ahead of your email game! As you settle into a comfy seat, take a few minutes to dive into your inbox, flagging urgent messages and neatly sorting others into folders for later. This makes the rest of your day a little more manageable and gives you the headspace to focus on other projects.
Schedule Coordination
Use your travel time to confirm appointments, schedule meetings, and coordinate logistics for upcoming events.
Personal Development
Make the most of your commute by diving into podcasts or audiobooks that boost your administrative skills, time management, or career growth. Tune in to our very own podcast channel featuring thought leaders and top-tier PAs and EAs as we explore leadership, confidence, and excellence in executive support. Enjoy your journey with a side of inspiration!
Discover Links, a platform for all things business support in the workplace.
Networking Outreach
Been to a networking event recently following our very own savvy guide to networking? This is a great opportunity to reach out to industry contacts relevant to you via LinkedIn or email and boost your career to new heights!
Project Management
Use project management apps or tools to track the progress of ongoing projects, assign tasks, and communicate updates with team members.
Relaxation & Mindfulness
Read our last blog? Taking care of your mental health is becoming increasingly important in workplace and is a key pillar when it comes to achieving career success. Use this time to incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness exercises, minimalising stress and maintaining a positive mindset.
Professional Reflection
Reflect on your performance, accomplishments, and areas for improvement in your role, setting goals and strategies for ongoing professional development. Our popular guide on how to make the most out of a performance review features a fantastic framework to measure your success within your role.
Conclusion: Efficient Time Management
Your daily commute holds potential for professional development and productivity, by implementing the strategies outlined above, you can transform idle travel time into valuable opportunities for task management, networking, skill enhancement, and self-reflection.
Key Points:
- Use your commute to organise your to-do list, focusing on urgent and important tasks to start your day effectively.
- Manage your inbox during travel by flagging urgent messages and sorting others for later, helping streamline your workday.
- Utilize this time to confirm appointments, schedule meetings, and plan logistics for upcoming events.
- Engage in podcasts or helpful resources to enhance your administrative skills and career growth, turning travel time into a learning opportunity.
- Incorporate relaxation techniques and reflect on your professional performance, setting goals for ongoing improvement and maintaining a positive mindset.
