Let’s be honest—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 total 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 simple, actionable ideas to help you make the most of your commute so you can arrive at work feeling like your best, unstoppable self and actually SLAY the day.
P.S. If you’re new here, hey! I’m Thalia. I help 30-something girlies beat burnout and 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.
5 BIG Perks of a daily commute
Before we dive into the good stuff, let’s first chat about why your commute even matters. Because if you’re anything like I was, you probably dread it.
I used to see my commute as a total waste of time, which is a BIG reason why I now work remotely.
But here’s what I’ve learned since then: your commute doesn’t have to suck. With the right mindset (and a little intention), it can actually be one of the best parts of your day.
I mean, let me break it down for you:
- It’s a bit of me-time: Seriously, when else do you get a chunk of time that’s completely yours? No boss, no emails, no one asking you what plans you have this evening. It’s your little dose of freedom.
- It’s an excuse to chill: Commuting is basically your excuse to chill before you have to deal with everyone. Use it to switch off for a minute, clear your head, and just breathe before the next thing hits.
- It’s an easy way to sneak in new hobbies and habits: If you’re always wishing you had more time to read, journal, or pick up a new skill, this is it. Make your commute work for you, do what you want during that time.
- It’s a great way to get inspired: If you stopped staring at your phone for a sec, you’ll notice so much of what’s around you. Maybe there’s a cute dog (or guy), a new coffee shop you want to try, or you’ll see a trendy outfit you want to steal for your own wardrobe.
- It sets the tone for a better day: How you spend your commute can set the vibe for the rest of the day. Start with something good, and you’ll feel it when you sit at your desk—promise.
101 Things to do on your daily commute
If you’re used to spending your commute doom-scrolling, overthinking your day, or just counting down the minutes until you arrive at work, try switching things up with just one or two new habits.
From mindset upgrades to money moves, here are 101 ideas to make your commute actually work for you.
I encourage you to save this post so you can come back to it whenever you need to.
1 | For the mind
- Listen to an audiobook you’ve been meaning to start
- Read Stay & Slay: How To Beat Burnout Without Quitting Your Job
- Try a guided meditation on your favourite app
- Brain dump your worries and thoughts into your notes app
- Play a brain-training game or daily puzzle
- Learn a few words in a new language with Duolingo
- Watch a TED Talk or an inspiring YouTube video
- Listen to a self-development podcast
- Read The Weekly Debrief every Friday during your commute
- Try a mindfulness exercise: notice 5 things you see, hear, and feel
- Draft a letter to your future self
- Start a gratitude list—add 3 new things each day
- Record a voice note with your thoughts or plans
- Read an article on a topic that interests you
- Set a simple intention for your day
- Memorise a new quote or affirmation
- Make a list of things that help you feel calm
- Practice a quick visualisation of your dream life
- Reflect on a recent challenge and what it taught you
- List 3 things you want to learn this year
- Try a mini digital detox: yes… that means no social media
2 | For the body
- Take a new walking route and notice the scenery
- Do gentle neck and shoulder stretches
- Practice deep, slow breathing exercises
- Try a standing stretch or balance exercise
- Squeeze in a mini walking meditation
- Sip water and stay hydrated
- Snack on something nourishing and really taste it
- Roll your ankles and wrists for flexibility
- Massage your temples or use a mini face roller
- Sit up tall—work on your posture for a few minutes
- Do a few squats or calf raises if you’re waiting in line
- Use hand cream and take a moment for self-care
- Focus on relaxing your jaw and shoulders
- Alternate clenching and relaxing your fists
- Try box breathing for four rounds
- Do a gentle self-massage on your neck or arms
- Stretch your feet and wiggle your toes
- If you’re on public transport, stand and sway gently for balance
- Imagine tension leaving your body as you exhale
- Listen to a hot girl walk playlist
3 | For your soul
- Read an inspiring fiction book
- Visualise your ideal day from start to finish
- Text someone you love a thoughtful message
- Collect your favourite quotes and reflect on them
- List your core values—what matters most to you?
- Plan your next dream holiday—even if it’s imaginary
- Write down what you’re looking forward to this week
- Think of one thing you’re proud of and savour it
- Send a voice note to a friend you miss
- Practice saying “no” in your head
- Reflect on your biggest lesson from the past month
- Make a list of people who inspire you and why
- Create your own “main character” playlist
- Write 3 things you forgive yourself for
- Imagine how you’d act if you felt truly confident
- Plan a small act of kindness you’ll do today
- Think of a tradition you’d like to start
- Reflect on a turning point in your life and how it shaped you
- Picture your “glow up” moment and what it feels like
- Celebrate something you did well, no matter how small
4 | For your career
- Update your LinkedIn profile or CV
- Write down your top 3 career goals for the year
- Brainstorm roles or companies that actually excite you
- Make a list of your strengths and skills
- Read an article about trends in your industry
- Reach out to a connection for an informational chat
- List 3 things you wish were different about your job
- Listen to a career podcast that feels inspiring
- Research a professional certification or course
- Reflect on your career and the achievements you’ve made
- Draft an “ideal workday” schedule
- Think about your “non-negotiables” in a new job
- Identify one boundary you need to set at work
- Research flexible or remote opportunities
- Practice your elevator pitch in your head
- Write out your biggest work win from the last month
- List 3 ways you can bring more of yourself to your job
- Plan a small reward for hitting a work milestone
- Jot down your favourite part of your current role
- Dream up a side project that excites you
5 | For your finance
- Review your latest bank statement and track your spending
- Set a small savings goal for the month
- Listen to a money mindset or finance podcast
- List your top 3 money priorities this year
- Draft a “wish list” of things you want and why
- Calculate how much you could save by skipping one coffee per week
- Brainstorm 3 ways to bring in extra income
- Research high-interest savings accounts
- List your biggest impulse buys and what you learnt from them
- Review your subscriptions and cancel what you don’t use
- Read an article on investing basics
- Plan a no-spend day or week challenge
- Reflect on the best purchase you made last year
- Set a spending intention for today
- Write out your “money story”—how do you feel about money?
- Check your credit score
- Make a list of things you could sell or declutter
- Explore an app that helps you budget or save
- List 3 things you’re grateful for that didn’t cost anything
- Imagine your life one year from now with less financial stress
And idea 101… Draft THAT email to your boss
Instead of checking your emails and feeling overwhelmed, why not draft that email to your boss, letting them know you’re feeling burnt out and could use some extra support.
Spending your commute writing what really matters (instead of just reacting to everyone else’s demands) puts you back in control and helps you walk into work with a clear head, not a full inbox.
Take a few minutes for yourself, and use that time to move the needle (and your well-being) forward.
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 the above ideas 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 heading into the office. (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
