For millions of people, commuting isn’t just part of the day—it is the day. For some, super-commuting, or traveling extensive distances to work, requires strategy, efficiency, and a focus on your well-being. If you are a federal worker, you world may have recently been rocked by a certain Executive Order that is requiring you to find creative ways to make it to work. So, why not make it work for you? Whether you’re logging hours in traffic, navigating packed trains, or cycling through city streets, the daily trek to work can be exhausting. But what if your commute could be more than just wasted time?
the best tips to make the most of your commute
Welcome to the Super Commuter’s Survival Guide, where we turn long commutes into opportunities. With the right mindset, tools, and habits, you can make the most of every mile. Whether you decide to learn a new skill, optimize your schedule, or simply make the journey more enjoyable, there are so many ways to find the silver lining in the commute cloud.
1. Optimize Your Schedule
If possible, negotiate flexible hours or remote days to minimize peak travel. This may not be possible for federal employees, but who knows what could be considered exempt or possible in the future. Consider opportunities to stay local to the job overnight some nights of the week, instead of stressing about getting to and from home every single night.
Account for potential delays to reduce stress. Expect the worst, and hope for the best. If you add buffers into your timeline for commuting, the potential for stressful delays may not be as big of a deal if it were unexpected. Planes, trains, and buses can all suffer from delays whether they be mechanical, weather, traffic, or ‘acts of god’.
2. Make Your Commute Productive
Turn travel time into learning time with audiobooks, podcasts, or textbooks if you are trying to improve yourself, and your competitiveness, or to make yourself indispensable to your organization. Or simply catch up on reading, TV shows, or things that you just couldn’t watch while working remotely.
If using public transport, answer emails, organize tasks, or brainstorm ideas. Be careful doing this though if you work in a cleared job. The last thing that you would want to happen is the loss of secure info or documents. Also, make sure you do this on modes of transportation where you can spare your attention or focus.
Meditation apps or relaxing music can help ease stress. As mentioned earlier, there may be times where you have unexpected traffic, delays, or other stressful events, and keeping a calm mind will help you deal with the problems that are out of your control.
3. Maximize Comfort & Efficiency
Noise-canceling headphones, ergonomic seating (if driving), and a durable travel bag can make a big difference when commuting long distances. Creating your own personal space while sharing mass transit could mean the difference in whether the commute is worth the stress.
Just like creating your own safe space or ‘happy place’ with quality gear, the same philosophy applies to clothing. Layer appropriately and wear shoes that suit your commute. Looking fashionable will get really old when you are struggling to find a comfortable position in cramped seats or when your bag is stuck in your lap.
Plan ahead for the worst-case scenario when it comes to long commutes. Batteries die, electronics fail, and sometimes you just forget to bring your headphones or your deodorant. Keep a power bank, snacks, water, and an emergency kit handy. Consider a bag of travel toiletries that includes, a toothbrush, floss, ear plugs, and things that will help you right before that meeting you might need to run into.
4. Leverage Technology
Technology will become your best friend when learning the different ways to avoid issues that will delay you from getting to work during your commute. Waze, Google Maps, or public transit apps help avoid delays and help you find the lesser-known routes that may get you around jams that will ruin your day. The same with quality tech items that will help you enjoy your time during the commute, leverage technology to give you the best experience, and create a commute that you can look forward to.
Set up auto-pay for tolls and transit passes to save time on your trip. It isn’t hard to find E-Z Pass apps or payment methods that will help reduce costs and time while traveling. You can also look for ways to reduce your tolls if you fall into specific demographics like veterans, students, etc.
5. Prioritize Health and Well-being
If sitting for long hours and it is possible during your commute, incorporate stretching exercises or take short walks when possible. You can easily find YouTube videos that show you how to exercise and loosen up joints and muscles to avoid any kind of injury from sitting too long.
Pack healthy snacks to avoid unhealthy fast food stops. The last thing that you want is to have to deal with the aftermath of a bad roadside sushi occurrence. Bring snacks,and healthy food, or have options along the route that won’t affect you and create a self-made problem.
6. Find Ways to Make It Enjoyable
If commuting with colleagues, use the time to build connections. Consider asking around the office to see if anyone else would like to commute as well, share driving responsibility, or start a vanpool. This is not only a great way to get along with or create new relationships in your organization, but it shows your leadership that you are a problem solver and someone who takes the chance to step up to solve a problem.
Use the solitude to enjoy music, journaling, or unwinding. There is nothing wrong with taking the time to find moments of peace and quiet, catching up on your favorite shows, or playing a game that you have had in your backlog for over a year and a half. Don’t worry about how oddly specific that last one is.
Best Tips for Different Commuting Methods
Depending on your transportation method, there are some tips that will help you make it.
Car Commuting Tips
- Carpool When Possible: Save money and reduce stress by rotating driving duties.
- Use Hands-Free Tech: Bluetooth for calls and voice assistants for navigation can keep you focused.
- Maintain Your Vehicle: Regular oil changes, tire checks, and keeping a roadside kit prevent unexpected issues.
- Break Up Long Drives: Stop for a stretch or switch up routes occasionally to avoid burnout.
Train, Bus, or Subway Tips
- Choose Strategic Seating: Sit near exits for quicker departures or find a quiet spot for work.
- Have Offline Activities: Download books, podcasts, or offline work tools in case of poor signal.
- Use the Time for Self-Improvement: Learn a language, read, or catch up on news.
Bike or Walk Commute Tips
- Invest in Weather-Appropriate Gear: Rain jackets, gloves, and proper shoes make all the difference.
- Plan Your Route for Safety: Use bike lanes, well-lit paths, and less congested areas.
- Stay Visible: Use reflective gear and lights if commuting early or late.
It doesn’t have to be a bad time
Your commute doesn’t have to drain your energy or be a negative experience that you have to go through day after day, like some terrible Groundhog’s Day. It can be an extension of your productivity, relaxation, or even self-improvement. By making small but intentional changes, you can transform the daily grind into a seamless, rewarding part of your routine.
So, whether you’re behind the wheel, riding the rails, or pedaling through traffic, embrace your (Super) commuter status. The journey to work is inevitable—how you experience it is up to you!
