New York City is home to one of the country’s largest groups of super commuters: people who spend 90 minutes or more each way on their daily commute. Follow these 5 tips to make your commute more enjoyable.
Pack a Healthy Snack
Keep your blood sugar in check by packing a healthy snack for your commute. With a bag of nuts, snack-sized hummus or fruit, you are less likely to have an early lunch or dinner craving. This can also prevent you from feeling queasy from motion sickness and keep you sustained between meal times.
Get A Good Night’s Rest
A long commute can take a toll on your energy, so it’s important to make sure you get a full eight hours each night. Help yourself wind down by limiting screen time before bed – watch that last Netflix episode before, rather than after, dinner.
Exercise En Route
Commuting can be a great opportunity to sneak some exercise into your day. Consider walking or biking to your destination when possible, and try standing instead of sitting during your commute.
Turn Off Technology
Unless you’re taking an early call, step back from technology during your commute. Take time for yourself to be mindful. If you are walking or biking, you can observe your surroundings. If you are on the train, take a deep breath and get centered before your work day gets going.
Change Your Shoes
Little things – like footwear – can make all the difference. Try changing into sneakers for your commute, whether biking, walking or otherwise. In addition to being more comfortable, this subtle shift also signals to your brain that the you’re not at work and can relax a little.
Following these five tips will help keep your commute smooth and allow you to make the most of your time: half the battle can be just getting out the door. Do you have any other tips? Share them in the comments section!