Is your work commute turning out to be an activity that drains out your energy?
Although the number of people working from home is increasing gradually, the vast majority of workers in the United States have to go to work. This means commuting to and from the office almost every other day.
Doing the same thing over and over again is bound to become boring. Driving to work is no exception.
Should you just make peace with the boredom and get on the grind? Not under our watch! It’s possible to make your drive to work more enjoyable.
Buckle up as we flesh out some tips and tricks you can use to liven up your daily commute.
1. Invest in a Good Commuter Car
The car you drive to work has a big impact on your comfort, and thus your quality of life. Imagine driving a beaten-up Camry without a working air conditioning system. You’ll arrive to work either sweating profusely or freezing, depending on the local weather.
Suffice to say, you’re not likely to have many good days at work when you arrive in a state of discomfort. Your performance could drop, and it won’t be long before the higher-ups take note.
This is why it’s important to invest in a decent commuter car. The prices for both used and new cars are indeed skyrocketing, but you’re investing in your well-being.
There are many options to choose from when you’re in the market for commuter cars. One car that should be in your sights is a Volkswagen Jetta. It’s a more affordable compact salon car that arguably competes with the Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords in terms of comfort, performance, and fuel efficiency.
Of course, you have to consider other aspects of your life before settling on the right car. If you’d like to use your commuter car as a family car as well, for instance, you need to find a car that serves both purposes well.
2. Maintain Your Car
Every driver knows the importance of staying on top of car maintenance. It keeps the car in optimum condition, improves safety, and for a commuter car, makes your drives more enjoyable.
When you’re driving a poorly-maintained commuter car, you’re not only putting your life at risk, but also risking getting to work late. The car can develop issues and stall when you’re rushing to work, for instance.
Also, the car could develop serious repair problems if not well-maintained. This means you’ll pay for repairs that could have been prevented and, worse, you could be without a commuter car for the duration the car will be in the garage.
While at it, always keep your car clean and tidy – in and out. Research shows that an organized car interior has a positive impact on mental health, and enhances mood and concentration. This is exactly what you need on your morning drive to work.
3. Manage Your Time
Sitting in traffic for hours can make your daily commute unbearable. Imagine spending 45 minutes on a 10-mile commute. You’d rather walk, right?
If you know your route has high traffic during peak commute hours, it’s important to plan your time accordingly. Leaving early before traffic builds up is a no-brainer. While arriving early to work might not earn you more pay, you’ll have a better commute.
In the same vein, you still need to manage your time efficiently even if your route has little traffic. Leaving late for work will have you speeding to work, exposing yourself to road accidents and possibly traffic violations.
You should also consider using alternative routes with less traffic. Don’t shy away from taking a longer route to and from work if it will get you to your destination quicker.
4. Consider Carpooling
Driving to work alone gives you an ideal opportunity to clear your mind and focus on the day’s tasks. Some people love to jam to their favorite tunes as they accelerate to work, and others prefer to drive in radio silence.
Some people are bothered by the loneliness that comes with solo commutes. If driving along with another person will make your commute more enjoyable, carpooling could be perfect for you.
If you have some workmates who live in your neighborhood, talk to them about the possibility of carpooling. You can then work out the specifics, such as whose car to use and how to split the associated expenses.
When choosing a person for carpooling, be sure to consider their personality. If you don’t, you could end up with a person who makes the commute to work worse than it already was. And you’ll be thrown into an awkward situation where you need to cancel the agreement.
5. Look for Job Opportunities That Make Your Commute Easier
Do you think about your daily commute when looking for a new job?
If you’re like most people, your primary goal is to get a good job. Everything else will fall into place from there.
Well, without considering your commute, don’t be surprised to find yourself hating driving to work. Ideally, your place of work should be close to where you stay. The average American lives 27 miles away from their workplace.
Driving more than 100 miles (to and fro) every day is a sure way to have an unenjoyable commute. In addition to spending more time driving, your commuting expenses will be higher.
If it’s difficult to find a job near your residence, you should move closer to the workplace. Living so close to work can even afford you the opportunity to explore other means of commuting, such as walking or cycling.
Make Driving to Work Enjoyable Again!
Driving to work is the commuting method of choice for most working-class Americans. Cars make commuting to work more convenient and comfortable compared to using public transportation. Unfortunately, your drive to work isn’t immune from boredom and discomfort.
The good news is there are several remedies to this situation, from investing in the right commuter car to exploring other commuting alternatives.
It’s time to start working on improving your commute, but don’t forget to come back to our blog for more insights on various topics.
