Feeling fed up when travelling to work? Adopting a few simple changes could revolutionise how you approach the daily commute. Here’s how you can transform your journeys so they’re an easier and more enjoyable part of your day, not wasted time.
Stay up to date with local transport
In the summer, the government announced plans to more than double investment in local transport in England’s city regions to develop local tram and train infrastructure and launch zero-emissions buses along new optimised routes. You could soon have a choice of new or revamped public transport options for your commute, all designed to help you get where you need to go more quickly, so look out for suitable developments in your area.
Apps can help you stay abreast of developments and provide you with live updates day-to-day, alerting you to cancellations and route or timetable changes as they occur to help you avoid potentially frustrating situations.
Focus on your wellbeing
For all but the luckiest of us, our jobs are a source of stress. Help combat this by transforming your mandatory commute into time where you can focus on your wellbeing, giving you regular sessions of self-care without adding more to your plate. Listen to a calming playlist or a podcast about something you love, escape into a book, or take time to do brain-training puzzles or learn something new. You’ll be surprised how much joy can be found in these otherwise wasted hours.
You could also focus on your physical health during the commute. Simple habits like small stretches in your seat or choosing to stand for a portion of the journey can help support your muscles and joints so you feel less stiff during the day.
Consider cycling or walking
If it’s feasible, swapping public transport for cycling or walking can revolutionise your commute. You gain control over your schedule, avoid overcrowded vehicles, and can reap the many rewards of exercise and spending time in nature.
Prioritise your safety if travelling by bike. There are thousands of bike casualties in the UK each year, and planning your route carefully and wearing the appropriate protective gear can have a significant impact on ensuring your safety. Lights on your bike and reflective clothing are a must for winter. You have the option of claiming compensation in the event of an accident, but it’s always best to be safe rather than sorry.
Utilise tech and tools
Save time and stress by taking advantage of tech travel tools. There are a range of apps designed to help you make UK travel as smooth as possible, providing real-time updates and letting you map out complex journeys within one place, like Citymapper or Trainline. Driving apps like Waze or Google Maps will send you automatic traffic updates, even suggesting the quickest alternative routes around queues and roadworks.
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