Ways to improve your commute into London...
Living in a London commuter town has its advantages. With so much going on such a short distance away, yet a wonderful sense of community and history on your doorstep, those living in Woolwich, Plumstead, Greenwich and the surrounding areas enjoy the best of both worlds.
Yet, there are parts of working in London and living further out that can be grating. Possibly the worst of those is the steady commute packed in on the train with many others making the same journey at rush hour. It’s not all doom and gloom though as there are ways to make every morning and evening weekday easier.
Check out our top tips to make your commute into London a breeze:
Make lists
Whether you prefer to write lists in your diary, on your smartphone or just mentally, use your commute to make lists of the things that you need to achieve throughout the day, week or even a list of long-term goals you wish to accomplish.
The commute is the ideal time to plan the day ahead, so that once you arrive at your destination, you are focused on what needs to be completed. Mentally preparing for the day ahead gives you the structure to achieve the goals that you have set, and if you have time to consider ways to complete each item on your itinerary, add it to the list.
To-do lists do not have to be limited to workplace demands, use the time to reflect on what you need to do at home too. For instance, any appointments you need to make, groceries to buy or things to do for the upcoming weekend if you have a busy one.
Get inspired
Use the commute to read. While you don’t need to commit to reading War and Peace, there are plenty of options open to you that offer abridged versions of books either in text or as an audiobook that can provide a welcome distraction.
Your commute can be used to enrich your life mentally.
Relax
Relaxation may not immediately be the first thing that your commute provides. However, use your time to sit still and reflect. Coping with delays, overcrowding and the public in general, can make a commute a stressful ordeal, but you can teach yourself to switch off from the outside and turn your commute into a tranquil journey through meditation.
With practice, you will arrive at work feeling relaxed and ready to face the challenges that arise with a new dynamic, and you will be able to return home having left work at the office. Practice deep breathing and overcome the stresses of the commuter lifestyle.
Exercise
While undertaking the plank would never be advisable on your commute, you can use your commute to exercise: get off the tube or bus a few stops early and make sure that you have a good brisk walk for the final leg of your journey. A daily twenty-minute walk will get your heart pumping and the blood circulating so that you are energized for the rest of the day.
Your commute to work is necessary, but it can feel like a frustrating waste of your precious time. Try to use the time to benefit you, rather than stress you out, and you will find that your work life and home life improves as a consequence as you are more organized and relaxed – you may even find that you enjoy it!