What I really wanted to call this is How to Make Your Commute Less TERRIBLE. Because I’m not going to lie, commuting is THE WORST but I try to stay positive so I will pretend it’s not. Before I became a work-from-home-mom I was in the car for three hours a day! It was boring, exhausting, frustrating, annoying and many more -ings. While I never loved my commute I did find some things to make it more enjoyable!
Create a Banging Playlist
Since driving is the worst you have to pull out all the stops when it comes to music. Bring out the best, most upbeat, fun, happy music you can think of. I am talking Don’t Stop me Now by Queen and A Warrior’s Call by Volbeat. There is nothing that boosts my mood (especially in the morning when traffic and myself are slurping along like slugs) than fast music I can sing along to.
Bring Your Coffee to-go
When I had a short commute I could function well enough without coffee to make it to work but with a long commute you must bring your coffee! Make it delicious too, don’t hold back on the creamer. You. Need. It. With a long commute, you don’t have time to stop! I love my Contigo thermos because it keeps my coffee hot for hours.
Forgive the Bad Drivers
Whatever your definition of a bad driver (to me it is tail-gaters and people who cut other people off and then slow down) it is helpful to forgive their erratic behavior. Yes, it is annoying, scary, frustrating, dangerous etc. but if you let these drivers get you all worked up you will have a crumby commute and be in a bad mood. Instead try to forgive them and let it go. If you have a hard time letting it go just try to come up with a good reason why they might be driving badly. Maybe they are driving a woman in labor to the hospital to have a baby. Maybe they got a call that a loved one needs help. Maybe they really have to poop (come on, we’ve all been there.) This method helps me to sympathize with the other drivers and not be so bothered by their bad driving.
Celebrate the Good Drivers
99% of people on the road are doing such a good job driving that you don’t even notice them. Send them some good vibes! I whole-heartedly believe in the Law of Attraction which states that you attract more of what you focus your energy on. So focus your energy on those people going the speed limit, using their blinkers and keeping a safe distance. Also, be sure to give people a thank you wave when they let you in.
Take a Deep Breath
It is easy to get really tense when you are in stop and go traffic. Try taking a deep breath (or three) and see how it changes your demeanor. It is amazing what a little meditation can do. I think that smoking is so enjoyable for some people because you take a deep breath in. Deep breaths are a fast and natural way to relieve stress and tension. While you’re at it try relaxing your shoulders and jaw muscles as well. It is amazing how much tension we hold in those areas.
Take the Scenic Route
When possibly, try taking back roads and avoiding freeways and highways. You will see less cars which means less stop and go and less chances of a collision. I also personally enjoy seeing homes, yards and birds more than over passes and graffiti. Try switching up your route often as well. Keeping things interesting can help relieve the boredom.
Enjoy Aromatherapy
A long drive can be made much more enjoyable by a nice smelling car. Find a vent clip or air freshener that smells awesome to you and change it out when you go “nose blind” to it. I personally love a nice peach scent.
Keep Your Car Tidy
I always feel much happier hopping into my tidy car in the morning. Before I leave my car I do a quick Ten Second Tidy where I grab any trash and stick it in the trash can. I grab my thermos, all my bags, receipts, papers and whatever else may have accumulated during the days errands. It really only takes about ten seconds but it makes a world of difference when you get to enjoy a tidy car in the morning.
Like I said before, commuting is no bueno (which I why I quit doing it) but it is possible to make it a little more bueno.
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