Recently I started a commute that I would rather avoid Monday to Friday, but it is unavoidable until I can build up enough savings to move. What makes things more frustrating is that sometimes it can take me only 40 minutes, while other times it can take over 2.5 hours! There seems to be no in between. After doing this awful commute for only 2 weeks now, I have to feel for those who have been doing it for years!…and also needed to find a way to get me home in a better mood than I have been.
Love Your Job – I know that not everyone can choose where they work, but this is important. If you are dreading going to work every morning the commute will just be worse. If you do have a choice, do something you love! This will make all the difference. On Monday morning you will be excited to go to work, not frustrated.
CDs — Put songs on a CD that you love! Mix it up with old songs and new songs. Sing along with these songs in the car (singing at the top of your lungs helps…kind of like you might do in the shower)! Who cares who might drive by you and see you singing, believe me it will make you happy! You can’t sing your favorite songs without feeling better and taking your mind off your commute.
Books On Tape (or now usually CD) — This can really take up your time. Having a good book on tape can not only keep your interest but you will be at work before you know it. I know this might sound a little bit nerdy, but it is actually really enjoyable!
Use Public Transportation — Although not perfect, public transportation avoids the hassle of driving your car to work. It can benefit you in that you don’t stress about the traffic, you can take the time to get some needed work done, or even relax with your iPod or a good book. Who really wants to be stressed out before they even get into the office?
Find Someone To Commute With — If you have to drive to work, try to drive there with someone you live close to! Not only will this save you money on gas, but having some company and someone to talk to is really nice as well. Also, you are able to use the Carpool Lane if you are driving with another person in your car, usually making your commute a little less stop and go.
Eat Breakfast and Make Coffee — Make sure to be awake for your commute! The worst is when you are sitting in traffic and feel your eyes closing because you didn’t get enough sleep the night before. Eating breakfast will wake you up and make sure you aren’t starving before you even get to work. Making your own coffee will not only save you money at Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts, but having it to drink while you drive will help as well. Another thing I try to do is grab a snack for my drive home. There is nothing worse than being starving before dinner and knowing you still have another 2 hours before you even get to eat.
The afternoon commute always seems to be worse for me, but either way I know it is something I have to do each day and instead try to find ways to make the best of it. If anyone else has any ways that they make their commute go faster I would love to know!
Gas Saving Tip: I read the other day that driving with your windows open at high speeds uses more gas than having your air conditioning on. For me at least, I always thought it was the other way around, I now put my AC on while I’m on the highway instead of having the windows down.
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