With the help of modern-day technology, the morning commute is no longer just a commute. It can now be an opportunity to help yourself prepare for your day, envision what you need to get done, connect with family and friends ahead of the work day and, possibly most importantly, take a chance to prioritize yourself. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best things you can do to jump-start your day.
Learn Something New
Listening to podcasts in the morning is an incredibly effective way to help yourself wake up and learn something new. Finding podcasts that will help you achieve your goals should be a priority. There are a number of podcasts out there that will help you learn something new, build confidence, practice self-reflection and grow entrepreneurially. Here are some of our favorites:
The Quotable Podcast, hosted by our very own female founder Alessandra Pollina, is published weekly and goes into the ins and outs of owning a business, some of the lessons learned along the way and the experiences that you can gain from hard work. It is the perfect way to start your day!
The Daily from the New York Times is published daily, and gives you an in depth look at the biggest news story of the day. It is a wonderful way to remain in touch with the outside world, even while you are on the go.
The Good Life is a podcast published weekly that goes into detail on the most valuable parts about connecting with those around us. It offers information on how to more effectively form relationships.
Ten Percent Happier, hosted by Dan Harris, is a podcast on the values of meditation. Harris brings on scientists and meditation teachers to give you an inside look into the ways that intentional thought can make a huge difference in your life.
If you are craving new knowledge, you can always look into some online courses on entrepreneurship that allow you to sit and listen while you drive. This is an efficient way to multitask and advance your career while getting to the office!
Self-Care
Affirmations have been proven to improve your mood and productivity, so take full advantage of their benefits! They can feel ridiculous at first, but they will grow on you and make you more confident and productive in the long run. Meditating also goes along these lines and is an amazing way to spend your time alone getting ready for another day in the office.
If there is one thing that should never be forgotten when it comes to the morning commute, it is the power of listening to your favorite music on the way to work. Listening to something uplifting could be just the thing you need to get your mood up for the day and take time for yourself.
Keeping yourself fueled with good food should always be a priority, and the busiest of us may not always have time to sit down and eat before leaving home for the day. This makes the morning commute the ideal place to snack on something that will leave you feeling energized and ready to go for the day while continuing to prioritize your health in the long run.
Visualize Your Day
Morning commutes can be considered time spent alone disconnecting.This could mean visualizing your day or thinking about something upcoming that needs some attention, but it could also mean just spending time with yourself away from your phone. Sometimes all you need is a technology break, and the driver’s seat is an ideal place to do so!
On the contrary, voice text can be your best friend when used correctly. Using it to outline your day and make a to-do list, or simply to text a friend about something on your mind are both amazing ways to take full advantage of the technology at your fingertips. It can also be a great way to connect with co-workers ahead of the day about collaborative projects that need to get done.
Stay Connected
If you are looking for something that will allow you to have more direct human interaction, you can always consider carpooling with a coworker or friend whose company you enjoy. Sharing the joys of the morning commute with somebody you care about can make all the difference in your morning mood!
When you can’t have somebody physically in the car with you but still want that irreplaceable human interaction in the morning, it is never a bad idea to call a friend and chat while you drive. Using your commute as set aside time to reach out to somebody who you are long distance with, whether it be a friend, family member, or partner, is a great way to maintain strong relationships with the people you care about.
Your morning commute can be one of the most valuable and productive times of your day, so it is always a good idea to make sure you are taking full advantage of it! The opportunities are endless and stretch far beyond what is outlined here, so remember that the most important thing is that you are taking the time for yourself, whatever it is that you may need.
