How do you set yourself up for a successful workday? If you’re returning to the office, you might not be feeling too inspired at the prospect of sitting in traffic or cramming into a train. With a little creative strategizing, though, you’ll find that there are plenty of ways to make your daily commute more bearable.
Do Some Breath Work
This is a little different from all the times someone told you, “Take a deep breath.” Breath work is a more active form of meditation with a variety of exercises. The techniques, including alternate nostril breathing, tongue curling, and soft hissing, are based on influences as far back as China circa 400 BCE. Scientific studies back it up, too. Breath work can offer all kinds of health benefits, and Gwyneth Paltrow and Oprah have already given the practice their stamp of approval. If you’re on public transportation, no one has to know you’re doing it. Even if they hear you hissing, they’ll probably just give you some personal space. Win-win.
Incorporate a Little Exercise, But Be Safe
Leave a little extra time and get off the train a stop early for a vigorous walk the rest of the way. Or park your car more conveniently and use a folding bicycle for part of the trip. If you don’t want to arrive sweaty, buy an electric model that can give you a pedal boost if you want one. You can adjust the setting when you want more of a workout. But don’t be that person who strides into the office with bicycle shorts on. Wear less clingy exercise clothes or stop by the restroom first for a quick costume change.
While we hope that cars will share the road, bicycle accidents can be a serious concern for cyclists and motorists alike. Understanding the bicycle accident risk factors is crucial in promoting safety on the roads. Factors such as distracted driving, inadequate road infrastructure, and failure to yield the right of way can significantly contribute to bicycle accidents. To prevent such incidents and foster a safer environment for cyclists, it's imperative to stay informed about these risk factors and take necessary precautions while sharing the road.
Try More Active Listening
It’s hard to make your daily commute more bearable when all you hear is honking, gossiping strangers, or the drone of talk radio. But if you’ve been resisting people’s recommendations for podcasts and audiobooks, this is the time to give them a chance. With a good set of earphones, you can amp up your energy with heavy metal, listen to the latest best-selling biography, or finally learn a new language. Your commute is time just for you. During the pandemic, many newly remote workers have missed this often helpful transition between home and the office. Use the time productively—even if it’s just listening to soothing sounds to de-stress.
