For many of us, commuting is a necessary part of the daily grind – a bridge between home life and the working day. But whether you're navigating traffic, power walking the pavements or hopping on the 7:42 train into town, it’s a chunk of the day that can feel like dead time.
In fact, a recent Gov.uk survey revealed it takes the average Brit 27 minutes to get to work in the morning, with that figure rising to 63 minutes if you travel by train. For some, commuting can feel like yet another reason to feel dissatisfied with your work, life balance.
The good news? With just a few small, intentional changes, your commute can become a meaningful and positive part of your day.
If you take the train to work, you’ve got a golden opportunity to carve out some time for yourself. Instead of diving straight into emails, scrolling news headlines or catching up with your socials, try setting the mood for the day. Use the journey to listen to a relaxing/energising playlist (depending on how you feel) or plug in a podcast, ground yourself with a guided meditation or learn a new language. Commuter trains are often packed with people, but mentally disconnecting from the noise – even briefly – can help reduce stress and set your headspace.
Reading is another great way to maximise your train journey minutes. Whether it’s fiction to escape or nonfiction to learn and inspire, reading helps you transition from home to work (and vice versa) in a calmer, more purposeful way. If you struggle to focus in noisy environments, invest in noise-cancelling headphones or grab some soft earplugs to help create a little mental space that might just make the difference between a good day and a bad one.
Of course, your physical wellbeing matters too. Train travel might seem passive, but being sedentary for too long can lead to stiff muscles and sluggish circulation. If you’re standing, try engaging your core or shifting your weight from side to side gently – it’s subtle but effective. If you’re lucky enough to bag a seat, stretch your legs, roll your shoulders and take a few deep breaths now and then to stay connected to your body.
It can also be a great time to practice breathwork. Slowing down your breath – even for just two or three minutes – can lower your heart rate and ease anxiety. Finish off with a breath of fresh air from one of our portable supplemental oxygen canisters. They’re easy to keep in your bag and deliver a fast, refreshing boost of pure oxygen when you’re feeling foggy or drained first thing. Had a poor night’s sleep? A few steady inhalations can help improve focus, fight fatigue, and sharpen your mind before your work day begins.
Driving or jumping on the bus? Similar principles apply! Listening to audio that calms or uplifts you, doing light stretches before you get going, and keeping water and healthy snacks on hand can make a real difference. Think of your commute as a soft launch into the day, not a high-speed race to your desk!
And when your day’s done, the journey home can be a great opportunity to unwind. Use the time to mentally switch off from work, rather than continuing to answer emails or tick off items on your to-do list. Whether that means catching up on a favourite TV show, writing in a journal, or simply gazing out of the window with a clear mind, the goal is to give yourself a mental buffer between work and rest.
Commuting might always be part of your routine, but it doesn’t have to be wasted time. By adding just a few simple wellness habits, you can transform your journey and your day.
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