How to Make Your Daily Commute a Time of Relaxation

The daily commute. Ugh, right? Whether you’re stuck in traffic, cramped into a train, or dodging puddles while biking, it often feels like the one part of your day that you can’t control. But hey, I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, your daily commute can be your hidden oasis of calm. Yes, you heard me right.

Sure, it’ll take some effort to shift your mindset. But if you stick with me, you might just find that this daily routine can turn into something you actually look forward to. So, let’s dive in, shall we?

1. Reframe Your Daily Commute: The Power of Mindset

Here’s the thing. Your daily commute is a chunk of your day that you can’t avoid. It’s one of those annoying facts of life, like taxes or your aunt asking when you’re getting married. But that doesn’t mean it has to be a wasted, frustrating experience. It’s all about perspective.

The commute might feel like wasted time, but let’s be real: it’s time you’re not spending at work, or—God forbid—doing chores. So why not take it back and make it something worthwhile?

I used to dread the drive. I’d curse the traffic, the red lights, the person who always cuts me off. But after a while, I realized something: I was the one letting it mess with my day. Once I learned to turn it around, things got a lot easier. Fast forward to today, and now I kinda look forward to my commute.

2. Mindfulness: Your Best Friend on the Road

So here’s where I get all zen on you. Mindfulness sounds fancy, but really it’s just focusing on the present moment. Sounds simple, but it can make a world of difference when you’re trying to keep your cool during your daily commute. Trust me—this isn’t just some random life advice.

2.1 Deep Breathing: The Instant Chill Button

Deep breathing. My first real encounter with it was when I was about to lose it after being stuck in traffic on the 101 for an hour. There I was, staring at the brake lights, my patience slipping away faster than a toddler’s ice cream cone. That’s when I remembered a thing I read somewhere about deep breathing.

You inhale for a count of four… hold it for a second… then slowly exhale. Repeat. At first, it felt like I was trying to hold my breath underwater, but you know what? It worked. After a few rounds, I felt myself calm down. No more road rage. Just me and the road.

2.2 Take in Your Surroundings—Without Losing Your Mind

I don’t know about you, but I have this habit of zoning out while driving. It’s like I’m in autopilot. But the real magic happens when I force myself to stay present. Look at the clouds, notice the trees, or maybe the weird little coffee shop on the corner that I always drive past.

You’d be surprised how these little things can shift your mindset. I once got stuck behind a garbage truck for 20 minutes, and instead of pulling my hair out, I decided to check out the dog in the back of the truck—poor thing was living its best life, happily wagging its tail while surrounded by banana peels and old pizza boxes. It gave me something to smile about.

2.3 Mental Detox: Bye-Bye Work Stress

You know how after a long day at work, your brain is like a blender set to “whirl”? I get it. It’s hard to shut that off. But during my daily commute, I’ve learned to do just that. Let go of the workday stress and just… let my mind rest. Sometimes I just do a mental inventory of what I’m grateful for. Other times, I’ll daydream about my next vacation. (Italy. The pizza. Don’t get me started.)

The goal here is simple: disconnect from the work grind and just… breathe.

3. Make Your Daily Commute About YOU

You don’t have to wait until you’re back home to have “me time.” Your commute can be the perfect space for self-care, personal growth, or just pure chill vibes. I mean, sure, you can zone out with a podcast about true crime, but there’s so much more you can do.

3.1 Podcasts & Audiobooks: Brain Fuel for the Road

Okay, confession time: the first time I tried listening to an audiobook during my commute, I picked a novel that was so boring, I almost nodded off in traffic. I’m talking about an audiobook that could put a caffeinated squirrel to sleep. It was a disaster. But after that, I found podcasts and books that actually kept me engaged. Now, I use my commute as a way to learn new things.

You’ve got podcasts for everything these days. Want to learn a new language? There’s a podcast for that. Need productivity tips? Yep. Want to hear about conspiracy theories? Well… good luck sleeping after that one. But you get my point.

3.2 Planning My Day (Or Week) Ahead

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just need to get organized before I dive into the madness of my day. And no, I don’t mean “organized” as in “spending 30 minutes staring at my to-do list.” More like quickly figuring out what I need to get done.

So while I’m sitting in traffic, I’ll pull up my calendar or open the Notes app and jot down a few things I want to accomplish. It’s surprisingly calming to just outline the next steps. Plus, it saves me time when I get to the office.

3.3 Learn Something New (That Isn’t Road Rage)

You’ve heard of learning on the go, right? Why not turn your commute into a mini-school for yourself? There are tons of apps that let you pick up new skills on the fly. I’ve been meaning to learn how to knit (because, well, “I need a hobby”) and honestly, the time I spent in traffic learning how to make a scarf was almost therapeutic. Who knew?

4. Set the Scene: Comfort on the Go

Maybe you’re like me—your car’s more of a mobile office than a luxury experience. But that doesn’t mean your commute can’t feel relaxing. Little changes can make a big difference.

4.1 Curate a Chill Playlist

Nothing sets the mood like a good playlist. You could go for a calming mix of classical music. Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, throw in some lo-fi beats. The key here is to set the vibe you want. My go-to is anything with a soft piano or some gentle jazz. I like to pretend I’m in a cozy café instead of stuck behind a school bus. It helps.

4.2 Aromatherapy on the Road

The first time I tried aromatherapy during my commute, I almost crashed. (Spoiler: I didn’t, but I did get distracted trying to figure out how to plug in my diffuser while driving. Don’t recommend.) But seriously—scents can totally change the atmosphere of your ride. A little lavender oil, a touch of eucalyptus, and suddenly, you’re in a spa.

My advice? Invest in a car diffuser. It’s a game-changer.

4.3 Make Your Car Feel Like a Cozy Nest

I get it—your car isn’t a luxury lounge, but why not make it feel like one? A comfy neck pillow, maybe a heated seat (if you’re lucky), and a nice travel mug for your coffee. It doesn’t take much, but it adds that extra layer of comfort.

5. Healthy Habits: Stay Energized

Look, I’ve been there. That 7:00 AM commute when you’ve only had 4 hours of sleep and half a cup of coffee. You’re barely functioning. But here’s the deal: your daily commute can actually help you feel more energized if you incorporate a few healthy habits.

5.1 Stretch (Yes, Even in the Car)

If you’re not the one behind the wheel, get a quick stretch in. It doesn’t have to be a yoga routine, but a simple stretch here and there can reduce tension. I once did a few stretches on my 45-minute train ride, and let’s just say, my shoulders were less stiff than usual.

5.2 Bring Snacks and Hydrate

This one’s huge. I don’t know about you, but by the time I reach work, I’m ready to eat everything in sight. Bring some healthy snacks—fruit, nuts, whatever—and keep your water bottle handy. You’ll feel a lot better, and trust me, your stomach won’t growl louder than your boss’s Zoom meeting.

5.3 Get Your Sleep Together

You can’t survive on caffeine alone, folks. Sleep is key. If you’re dragging yourself through your daily commute, maybe it’s time to consider your bedtime routine. Trust me, a good night’s sleep makes a world of difference.

6. Perspective Shift: Make Your Commute Work FOR You

Alright, here’s where I get all philosophical on you. Your commute doesn’t have to be something you “get through.” It can be part of your day you actually enjoy. Shift your mindset, and suddenly, your commute isn’t something that drains you—it’s a break. A transition. A moment to relax and recharge before the day begins or winds down.

Wrapping It Up

Look, I get it. The daily commute isn’t always the most glamorous part of your day. But with a little creativity and some thoughtful adjustments, it can be a space for relaxation, productivity, and even a little self-care. Who knew?

Anyway, if I can survive 45 minutes of bumper-to-bumper traffic and still find my zen, I believe y’all can, too. Try some of these tips, and soon enough, you’ll be wondering how you ever dreaded the daily commute. Happy traveling!

About The Author