Smart Commuter Solutions for the Stressed Out Worker

This post may contain affiliate links. Everyone needs an easier way to get home from work. The joy of clocking out, walking out of the building … ahhh freedom at last… but then… TRAFFIC you’re a commuter, and it can make you want to pull your hair out. Use these commuter solutions to help make your life less stressful.

Use these easy, smart commute solutions to keep the joy in your life, even during your commute. 

Traffic, in all its horrific glory, is there to dampen your spirits. I’m here to tell you that you can not only decompress but also be productive on your way home. Sitting in traffic won’t feel as terrible when you walk into your home feeling slightly accomplished. I get more done every day on my commute thanks to this list and you can too.

1. Bleach your teeth!

If it’s possible, give your teeth a quick brush before leaving the building. Stick those whitening strips on while in the bathroom, or stick em on using your rearview mirror. By the time you get home, you’ll have a nice new set of pearly whites. My teeth are super sensitive. If you have sensitive teeth too, these Crest Strips are my favorite.

2. Commuter Solution: Start a Hobby!

With etsy.com you can sell just about anything you create. If you have an iPad, you can use your commute time to sketch and create greeting cards. The options are endless when you think outside the box. I have never envied anyone as much the Grandma who spent her daily commute crocheting and knitting. I counted 4 different pairs of gloves, multiple hats, 2 purses, a scarf, and socks. All this is only the course of a few months. Curious as to how much your commute is costing you? Plugin your numbers and see how much your commute costs with my Commuter Cost Calculator. You will be shocked.

3. Best 5 Easy Ways to Make Money Online Quickly!

Manage your finances and stay ahead of the game! You have time when you commute; use it to your advantage. I just started using a great program called Trim Financial Management. Trim allows you to analyze your existing accounts and helps you save money by showing you added details of where your money is going! It’s a free and easy way to analyze hidden costs. Make sure your subscriptions are canceled. Negotiate bills with credit card companies. Try out the Trim Bill Negotiator today and see how much you could be saving! So far, I’ve found an extra $45.00. If you’re looking for some quick money on the way home, sign up with a survey company.

• Decision Analyst Formerly known as American Consumer Opinion has been around for along time. You will get paid for the surveys you complete.
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4. Smart Commuter Tip: Listen for Learning!

I was able to study for my ‘Professional in Human Resources Certificate’ (PHR) with the help of audiotapes. Audiotapes are aaamazing. You can learn and absorb more than you realize when doing passive listening… So turn off the radio, as it’s all chit-chat and the same old songs anyway, right? Do you have something tedious to study?… use audio learning. Passively learn and calm your testing nerves. You could even try a language program through a company like Berlitz.com. In preparation for your fantasy trip to France, it might help to know how to say ‘Bonjour’ and properly ask for a ‘croissant’. Choice learning could always lead to a raise too!

5. Make a Connection

Call a friend or family member. Be mindful of state laws and cell phone use while driving. Talking to someone on the way home is great because it gives you a limited window to talk. A simple “I just got home and have to start dinner” confession gets you off the hook every time. Related: Everyday Purse Essentials You Need On Hand

6. Commuter Solutions: Invest In Groceries

If you have access to Amazon food delivery service, it’s worth the effort to do a cost analysis. Things to consider: gas, your time, and purchase cost (which all add up). With AmazonFresh food delivery, you can skip the physical shopping hassle, avoid the lines, and save money by not being tempted by impulse buying. Something everyone can appreciate after work! Amazon guarantees delivery within 2 hours. With Amazon’s recent acquisition of Whole Foods, I foresee even more healthy options and product availability. The monthly fee is now $14.99 for unlimited deliveries as a standalone and only $10.99/ month with Prime. If you aren’t already a Prime or AmazonFresh member, it can add seriously valuable time to your life.

7. Drink a bottle of water or eat an apple!

I routinely either drink like a fish or forget it completely. Drinking a bottle of water on the way home not only hydrates you but staves off starvation. An apple in your belly will help to avoid the snack closet and overeating at dinner too.

8. One of my favorite commuter solutions: do butt exercises!

How many butt clenches can you do? Really? Butt-clenching actually gives you a workout. Guess what? On the way home, you have plenty of time to squeeze those cheeks. I would start with 20 sets of 5-second squeezes and see how you feel. There’s no wrong way to butt-clench. Kegels are another option, as well as flexing your pectorals while your hands are on the wheel. Your results will be more or less apparent depending on how much you work out already. I NEVER work out, and with these little exercises, I did see and feel a difference. Your results might not be as apparent if you normally hit the gym to do power squats.

9. Pick Up Food During Your Commute

Be strategic and help yourself with dinner! A quick stop at Wendy’s means you can load up on a couple of baked potatoes and salad. Just add some leftover grilled chicken and you have a completely healthy delicious meal. Fast food doesn’t have to mean french fries. Curious as to how much your commute is costing you? Plugin your numbers and see how much your commute costs with my Commuter Cost Calculator. You will be shocked.

10. PodCasts

Chances are you’re plugged into your smartphone anyway. Why not discover a new podcast to increase your knowledge? With the amount of information that is available now, there’s no reason not to indulge in a new subject.

11. Socialize

Feel free to keep those headphones on but… you never know who you’re sitting next to. Chatting on a bus or train could open your eyes to new work opportunities, career options, and friends. You could meet your future spouse or co-worker!

12. Make Tomorrow Easier

Organize your calendar, plan your meetings, do your research, or write your speech all while you commute. If you can write use it. If you know that home obligations take over the second you walk into the door, then…do what you can when you can.

More career-related help? You’ll enjoy these!

• How to Have a Successful First Week at Your New Job
• Is Your Email Address Keeping You From Getting Hired?
• See how much your commute costs with my Commuter Cost Calculator. You will be shocked.

Done with commuting all together and ready to start your own blog? My posts below will get you on the track to success immediately!

• Start a WordPress blog with Bluehost will walk you through an easy setup.
• Ultimate Tips and Widgets for Monetization for immediate results.

Let’s Connect on Pinterest! I’m very active and I’d love to add your to own group board. 

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My Go-To Resources

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