Things to do on the Commute

Ah, the dreaded commute. In our fast-paced lifestyles, many of us struggle to psyche ourselves up for a day in the office, let alone the journey to-and-fro. For those that find themselves regularly staring existentially outside of a train window thinking of all the other (better) things they could be doing, here are thirteen things to do on the commute that will make the day ahead far more fulfilling. 

Learn a New Skill

From learning a language to programming video games, we all have that one thing in life we wish we’d taken up. A commute offers the perfect opportunity to do so, with free time to get stuck into a new skill. Whether that’s reading a how-to book, watching tutorials online, or even taking an online course, there are always plenty of ways to improve our skills and knowledge. 

Listen to your Favourite Podcast

From true crime to the latest sports opinions, podcasts are a productive way to spend our spare time. There are thousands of podcasts available on a wide range of topics, from big ideas to down to earth chats. For those looking to incorporate some learning into the day, try The Infinite Monkey Cage or for laugh-out-loud gags, look to Off Menu. 

Read the News

It’s important to stay updated on current events, though often constant news notifications on our phones can quickly become overwhelming. Reading a newspaper is a good way to mitigate the effects of information overload because you’re still getting the scoop, just not in the form of a vibrating notification. Sometimes newspapers can be quite awkward and ungainly so make sure to not infringe on anyone’s personal space when opening the latest broadsheet. 

Catch up on TV

Thanks to the mind-boggling number of streaming services available, there’s always a huge range of TV shows right at our fingertips. While this used to require an always-on data supply, it’s now possible to download programmes to watch offline. Catching up on TV is a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend the commute, though we recommend choosing something that fits neatly into the journey time to avoid cliffhangers! 

Make Space on Your Phone

We’ve all had that moment when we go to download an app or take a photo before the dreaded message appears: ‘there isn’t enough space on this phone’. Taking the time on the commute to plan ahead and free up valuable phone space is a necessary part of owning a smart phone. Start off by looking at photos that have been sent and screenshots, before removing the apps you never use. 

Plan the Day Ahead

Having a plan for the day helps us be more productive, ensures we stick to deadlines, and makes us accountable. Similarly, when it comes to our personal lives, many of us don’t know what we’re having for dinner tomorrow, let alone the structure of our day. Creating a personal plan or agenda for the day is proven to be good for health and well-being – not to mention it helps us make the most of our spare time. 

Do a Puzzle

Whether it’s a simple sudoku or a cryptic crossword, puzzles are brilliant for the brain. They reinforce connections between brain cells, improve mental speed, and are effective in improving short-term memory. Plus, they’re a tonne of fun to do and easy to dip in and out of. Packing a puzzle book on the commute can also help improve logical thinking skills in other parts of life. 

Listen to Music

Putting on a pair of headphones and listening to some great music is one of the more relaxing, or sometimes exhilarating, things to do on a commute. The beauty of listening to music is that it can be multitasked with another activity – pair some classical symphonies with reading for ultimate relaxation. 

Make Plans with Friends

Why not take the time to make some plans with friends for the near future? This will come as second nature to the organised planners of the group. However, for those that usually rely on someone else to make the first move, the commute is a great opportunity to take plan something enjoyable – perhaps a coffee shop catch-up? 

Find a Commuting Companion

Often, commuters will notice familiar faces if they take the same route every day. Rather than having them remain an anonymous but recurring part of life, try to ask them how their day is, and what they enjoy doing. Talking in person is something we’re doing less and less in the age of tech, but the daily commute is the perfect opportunity to change that. Plus, finding a friend on the commute is a great chance to take advantage of the Two Together Railcard, awarding you with a 1/3 off rail fares, as well as a new friend. 

If you’re planning a commute, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or the CrossCountry app. If you need more information, you can contact us here.