Let’s be real—commuting can suck the life out of you.
Whether you’re stuck in traffic, crammed on a train, or waiting forever for your bus, it’s easy to feel like you’re wasting precious hours of your life going into the office.
The frustration of delays, sweaty overcrowded spaces, and that one guy who insists on playing his music out loud (seriously, why?)—it’s enough to make you question your life choices.
But here’s the thing… (drum roll, please)…
Your commute doesn’t have to feel like a shit show.
I mean, imagine if you could actually enjoy your commute, or at the very least, not hate it. Don’t worry, I’ve got you.
This no-BS guide is packed with real, practical hacks to help you make the most of your commute so you can arrive at work feeling like your best, unstoppable self.
P.S. If you’re new here, hey! I’m Thalia. I help burnt-out girlies in their 30s unf*ck their life through 1:1 coaching and self-paced tools. Every week(ish), I share content on burnout recovery, self-development, finding joy, and career growth. Subscribe here so you never miss a debrief.
My commuting backstory (because there’s always a backstory)
As I write this, I’ve just completed a brutal 10-minute commute along the rice fields in the quiet town of Hoi An, Vietnam. Pretty tough, I know. But hey, that’s my life now. (lol)
Don’t be fooled, though; my morning commute never used to be this dreamy or stress-free.
I’ve done the whole “train into London for an hour and a half, prayed for no delays, then walked 20 minutes along one of the busiest streets in the city“ routine. I was that girl sprinting through the station to catch the last train, cursing under her breath at cancelled services, and yes—once even leaving her laptop on a train (but we don’t talk about that one).
When I finally moved to London, I thought my commute would get easier.
Spoiler: It didn’t.
Instead of a 90-minute train journey, I was now dealing with a packed tube at peak rush hour. It was supposed to take 30 minutes, but let’s be honest, it never did. And without fail, I’d somehow always walk into the office 20 minutes late, Pret croissant in hand, looking like I’d just run a marathon.
So, if anyone gets the commuting struggle, it’s me.
And trust me, I’ve learned a few things along the way that can make this whole experience a heck of a lot less painful for you.
First things first… wake up early
If your commute is a daily nightmare, the first thing you need to ask yourself is this:
“Am I giving myself enough time in the morning?”
Because trust me, rushing out the door like a headless chicken, shoving toast in your mouth while trying to find your keys, and speed-walking to the train station like you’re in the Olympics is not the vibe.
Starting your day in full-panic mode means you’re already stressed before you even begin your commute. (Especially on a Monday.) And that energy carries through to the rest of the day. The solution? Wake up earlier than you think you need to.
A.K.A., give yourself breathing room so you can make a proper breakfast, get ready without feeling like you’re all over the place, and maybe even sit still for a few minutes before you leave the house.
Not only does this make your mornings feel smoother, but it also makes your entire commute feel more relaxed.
When you’re not running for a train or constantly checking the time in a panic, you’ll already feel like you’re winning.
How to make it happen:
- Set your alarm for at least 15–30 minutes earlier than usual (trust me, it helps)
- Do as much prep as possible the night before (e.g. lay out your clothes, pack your bag, have your lunch ready to go, etc.)
- Avoid checking your phone first thing (nothing good comes from doom-scrolling)
- Eat breakfast sitting down (not on the go unless absolutely necessary)
- Leave the house a few minutes earlier than usual to avoid asking, “Will I make it?”
How to glow up your boring AF commute
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
Making your commute more bearable isn’t about overhauling your entire routine overnight. It’s about small, intentional changes that add up over time.
If you’re used to spending your journey doom-scrolling, stress-planning your day, or just straight-up dreading it, don’t put pressure on yourself to fix everything at once.
That’s why I suggest choosing just 1-2 ideas from the list below to start with.
Once you’re doing these one (or two) things confidently and consistently, then think about adding some other healthy habits to your commuting routine. Remember, it’s the small shifts that make the biggest difference.
I encourage you to bookmark this page so you can refer back to it whenever you need to.
1 | Turn your commute into self-care
Self-care doesn’t always have to look like bubble baths and spa days. Sometimes, it looks like protecting your energy during your daily commute.
I don’t know why, but we seem to treat commuting like a chore. I mean, have you ever heard anyone actually say, “I love my morning commute” (well, apart from me, but I don’t count)?
The truth is, your daily commute can easily become a daily ritual that actually makes you feel good.
The trick? Being intentional with it. Because let’s face it, it’s probably the only time in your day where no one is asking you for anything—no emails, no meetings, no responsibilities. So, take advantage of it. Instead of letting your commute drain you, turn it into something that fills you up.
If you’re driving, create an iconic vibe. Set up a killer throwback playlist that you can sing along to, throw on an inspiring audiobook, or just enjoy the rare silence before the chaos of the day begins.
If you’re taking public transport, pop on your noise-cancelling headphones and cue up your favourite true crime podcast or money visualisation from the Activations™ app.
Your commute is happening no matter what so you might as well make it work for you.
How to Make It Happen:
- Be intentional with your audio: Pick a playlist, podcast, or audiobook that boosts your mood
- Swap doom-scrolling for something positive: Instead of mindlessly scrolling social media, read a self-development book that actually inspires you
- Create a mini ritual: Whether it’s sipping your coffee slowly, journaling, or just closing your eyes for a moment, make your commute feel apologetically yours
- Protect this time: Don’t start checking emails the second you leave the house; that can wait until you’re at your desk
- Make it enjoyable: Treat your commute like “me-time”—a moment to recharge, not just something to get through
2 | Master the art of mindful commuting
Okay, hear me out…
Instead of spending your entire journey mentally responding to passive-aggressive Slack messages with or drafting the resignation email you’ll never send, what if you actually let yourself be in the moment?
Mindful commuting sounds a bit woo-woo, but trust me, it works.
The goal isn’t to turn into some Zen monk on the subway. It’s about shifting your mindset so your commute stops feeling like an unavoidable daily punishment.
Most of us see commuting as a waste of time. It’s something we just have to do.
But what if you saw it differently?
Instead of treating it like wasted time, think of it as a pause between the two biggest parts of your day. One minute, you’re at home; the next, you’re at work. So stop filling this “in-between” time with stress, and use it as a reset instead to check in with yourself or actually take in your surroundings.
When you stop resisting the commute itself, you’ll notice it stops feeling so draining.
Because let’s face it… the situation is never going to change—your train will still be delayed, your bus will still smell weird, and you’ll still get stuck in traffic.
But what you can change is how you react to your commute. And that’s where the real shift happens.
How to make it happen:
- Ditch the distractions: Put your phone on airplane mode for at least part of your commute
- Breathe intentionally: Take five slow, deep breaths when you get on the train, bus, or in your car
- Check in with yourself: Ask, How am I feeling today? What do I need?
- Notice your surroundings: Take in the people, scenery, or little details around you
- Reframe delays: Stuck in traffic? Train running late? Use it as extra time for yourself
3 | Upgrade your comfort level
Your commute is already exhausting, so why make it physically unbearable, too?
A little comfort goes a long way when you’re spending 30+ minutes in a car, train, or bus every day. Yet most of us don’t think twice about how we commute. We just struggle through it.
But tiny tweaks can make a huge difference.
If you’re driving, set yourself up for a smoother ride by investing in a supportive seat cushion, a good travel mug so you can sip coffee on the go, and maybe even spray your car with a calming scent like lavender or peppermint. (Sounds boujee, I know, but you’re so worth it.)
For public transport, comfort is all about what you bring with you.
Noise-cancelling headphones? Game-changer. A lightweight, ergonomic backpack? Your shoulders will thank you. And if you’re always freezing on the train, keep a cosy scarf or jumper in your bag.
How to Make It Happen:
- Upgrade your essentials: Invest in things that make your commute more comfortable
- Dress for the journey: Layers are your best friend
- Bring your own comfort: A cosy scarf, good coffee, or even a stress ball
- Reduce physical strain: Swap heavy tote bags for a sturdy but comfy backpack
- Create a more relaxing commute space: If you drive, use calming scents or playlists. If you’re on public transport, make your personal space as comfortable as possible
4 | Use the time to learn and grow
I used to waste my morning commute reading the newspaper and doom-scrolling, arriving at work feeling depressed and moody before the (stressful) work had even begun. (Hands up if this is you.)
So I switched it up.
I started listening to podcasts, reading, and using that time to get out of my head instead of stuck in it. And suddenly, my commute wasn’t something I dreaded anymore.
I actually looked forward to sitting on the tube and diving into a contemporary fiction book. (Okay, so over time, reading fiction did become my escape from a job I hated, but that’s a story for another time.)
And that’s what I want for you.
Start thinking of your commute as free time for personal growth. Want to read more? Kindle and Audible make it so easy for you to do this. Want to learn a new language? Duolingo has your back.
Seriously, there’s no excuse anymore to say you don’t have time to glow up your self-development. Because your commute is that time.
How to Make It Happen:
- Pick a self-development podcast to tuck into: Something that helps you glow up your mind
- Try a language-learning app: Even 10 minutes a day adds up
- Use voice notes to brainstorm: Capture ideas, journal, or plan your day while you commute
- Keep a Kindle or book in your bag: Ideal for train and bus rides
- Make it a habit: Set a goal (one book a month, one new skill, etc.) and use your commute to make it happen
5 | Set badass boundaries for work stress
Just because your boss can email you at 7 am doesn’t mean you have to respond.
If your workday technically starts at 9 am, why are you letting work creep into your morning the second you leave the house?
Your commute should allow you to ease into work mode, not an unpaid extension of your job.
The trick? Set clear, non-negotiable boundaries.
If you must check emails, limit it to the last five minutes of your commute instead of letting it take over your entire morning. Otherwise, use this time to focus on you—whether that means thinking about something completely unrelated to work, mentally setting intentions for the day, or simply enjoying a rare moment where no one is demanding your attention.
And for the ride home? Leave work at work. Close your laptop, ignore the Slack notifications, and give yourself permission to actually zone out.
Your time is yours—protect it because no-else will.
How to Make It Happen:
- Decide when you’ll check emails: If you must, keep it to the last few minutes of your commute
- Give yourself a mental buffer: Use your commute to ease into (or out of) work mode
- Set a hard stop: When your workday ends, it ends. Commit to no sneaky email replies at 8 pm
- Resist the urge to replay work stress: Venting in your head about that annoying email won’t change anything. Let it go.
- Make your commute yours: Whether it’s music, silence, or something else that helps you reset, protect this time
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Final thoughts
Your commute doesn’t have to be a mind-numbing, stress-inducing nightmare.
A few small tweaks can turn it into something that actually serves you.
Choose one or two of these tips and make them part of your routine. You might be surprised at how much better your day feels when your commute works for you instead of against you.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll even start looking forward to your commute. (Okay, let’s not get carried away—but at least it won’t suck as much.)
Either way, you’re in control of how this time feels. So own it.
You’ve got this.
Thalia xx
