What if I took a step back and savoured this experience?

Let me tell you about my mornings. They used to be meh — just me, my coffee and a painfully slow commute to either school or work. You know the drill: sitting in traffic, staring blankly out the bus window and watching your life inch along at a snail’s pace. It felt like I was just going through the motions and counting down the minutes until I arrived at my destination.

But one day, I had this lightbulb moment: “What if I could actually enjoy this time?” It was a bit surreal, don’t you think? I realized that my commute didn’t have to be a drag; it could actually be an opportunity for something better.

Now my commute is awesome, like my secret productivity superpower! I transformed those moments into chances to learn, laugh and get creative. It didn’t take much to make this shift happen. Here’s how I did it and how you can turn your own commute from a mundane slog into a productive and enjoyable part of your day.

Falling in love with podcasts

The first thing I did was dive headfirst into the world of podcasts and let me tell you, it was like discovering a whole new universe. Seriously, where have these been all my life? Instead of mindlessly scrolling through my phone or zoning out to the same playlist during my morning routine, I’m now completely hooked on podcasts. It’s honestly a game-changer.

Imagine turning your daily commute or your workout into a mini-masterclass, a comedy show or even a true crime investigation. Instead of dreading traffic, I’m now excited because I know I’m about to hear people dive into the most random (yet super interesting) topics. It’s like having a rotating cast of really smart, funny and insightful friends sitting right there with you.

From juicy true crime mysteries that make me question everything to deep dives into world events that keep me informed or even motivational pep talks that fire me up for the day, there’s literally a podcast for every mood I’m in. I get to learn new things, laugh out loud or just relax while I absorb content that’s actually enriching.

And the best part? They’re FREE. Yep, a wealth of knowledge, entertainment and inspiration, all without costing a dime. You really can’t beat that. Podcasts have become my go-to for making even the most mundane tasks feel a little more exciting and I’m totally here for it!

Brainstorming jam sessions

OK, so when I’m carpooling with friends or classmates, the fun level goes way up! The car transforms into this rolling idea factory where we strike a balance between prepping for the day and having a good laugh. It’s like a little incubator for creativity! We toss around ideas for class projects, debate the merits of different snack foods (because, honestly, priorities) and dive into some serious brainstorming for work.

What I love most is that the vibe is super relaxed so we can brainstorm without the usual pressure. Someone will inevitably throw out a totally random idea, like, “What if we present this in the form of a rap battle?” And honestly, those random suggestions often lead to the best concepts. If we hit on something truly amazing, I’m quick to grab my phone and record it because why let that brilliance slip away, right?

It’s not just about the work; it’s also about creating great memories together. And here’s a pro tip: make sure the non-driver is in charge of recording those gems. I learned that lesson the hard way when I was too focused on driving to capture our best ideas! So, next time you’re carpooling, embrace the chaos and let the creativity flow. You never know what magic might happen!

Creating productivity through your phone

When I’m commuting solo, my phone becomes my trusty co-pilot which keeps me connected and productive even when I’m on the move. Be it riding the train or bus, I’ll fire off a few quick texts, check in with people and make a few hands-free calls. It’s like getting a head start on my day before I’ve even arrived at my destination. I can tackle small to-dos, catch up with someone briefly or knock out reminders, all while cruising along.

The trick is to keep it light and easy. I’m not about to dive into deep and life-altering conversations at 7 a.m. when I’m still waking up, but sending out quick messages like, “Don’t forget the snacks for the meeting,” or “What’s the homework again?” helps me stay on top of things.

Even when I’m barely functioning on three sips of coffee, those little touchpoints make me feel like I’m ahead of the game. It’s all about maximizing those little pockets of time without overloading yourself. It feels good to know that even during the commute, I’m already getting things done without even breaking a sweat!

Learning cool stuff

Now, I know this next part might sound a little nerdy, but stick with me. Some days, I get a kick out of learning completely unexpected stuff while I commute. Why? Honestly, because it’s fun and let’s be real, who doesn’t love casually dropping surprising facts into conversations later on? (Yep, I’m definitely that person who will randomly say, “Did you know…?” during a chat).

For example, I once downloaded an audiobook on the history of chocolate. Yes, chocolate! By the time I got to my destination, I was basically a certified cocoa expert. I could tell you everything from how the Mayans used it as currency to the process behind turning cacao beans into the rich and silky goodness we all know and love. Who knew my commute could be so … deliciously educational?

And it doesn’t stop there. Some days, I’ll switch it up and practice my French on a language app and pretend like I’m just a few lessons away from being Paris-bound. Other times, I’ll tune into a self-help book that offers nuggets of wisdom to improve my mindset. It’s such a cool way to use time that would otherwise be lost to just staring out the window.

While everyone else is doing their best to stay awake, I’m over here feeling like I’m adding all these quirky, valuable skills to my life one commute at a time.

Turning my commute into my favorite part of the day

What used to be the most boring and mind-numbing part of my day has somehow become the part I actually look forward to. I know it sounds strange but seriously, my commute has gone from being something I dreaded to something that feels like a secret productivity hack. It’s like my own little mini-adventure every single day.

And the highlight? I walk into class with this sense of accomplishment like I’ve already checked a few boxes before my day has even officially started.

While other people are dragging themselves through traffic or trying to make it through a crowded bus ride without losing their patience, I’m over here feeling like I’ve made good use of that time. Sure, I’m still technically stuck in traffic or sandwiched between strangers on public transport but it doesn’t feel like wasted time anymore. It’s time I’m using to boost my mood, learn something new or just make my day a little better (and a whole lot more fun). Instead of zoning out or counting down the minutes until I get to my destination, I’m getting things done and that makes a huge difference.

Do you have a commute story that’s too good to keep quiet? We want to hear your tales of traffic antics and triumphs. Share the fun with us on Instagram @shareignite!

Feature image courtesy of Ashwini Chaudhary via Unsplash.

Got all the tools but still find yourself procrastinating? Discover our productivity tips to level up your student life!

Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for all things student life.