For many people, commuting on a bus or train can be a time-consuming and often frustrating experience. However, instead of wasting those precious hours scrolling through social media or staring out the window, it’s great use of time and empowering to stay productive and get things done.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best ways to stay productive during a long commute on a bus or train or via carpool, including hardware, software, and apps that can help with your freelancing work and side hustles to maintain peak productivity.
Photo by Alexandre Debiève on Unsplash
1. Create a to-do list
Before your commute, take some time to create a to-do list of the tasks you want to accomplish during your commute. This can help you stay focused and productive during your journey. You can use apps like Trello, Asana or Todoist to create and organize your to-do list. By breaking down your tasks into manageable steps, you can make the most of your commute and make progress on your goals.
2. Use your phone for productivity
With a smartphone, you have access to a wide range of apps that can help you stay productive during your commute. For example, you can use the Evernote app to take notes, create to-do lists, and organize your thoughts. You can also use productivity apps like Focus@Will, which plays music specifically designed to help you focus and be productive.
3. Consider a budget-friendly tablet
If you find yourself struggling to be productive on a smartphone but don’t want to carry around a bulky laptop, a budget-friendly tablet might be the solution for you. While some high-end tablets like the iPad Pro can be expensive, there are many budget-friendly options available that can still provide you with the necessary tools to maximize productivity during your commute.
One such option is the Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet, which boasts an 8-inch HD display, 2 GB of RAM, and up to 12 hours of battery life. It also comes with Alexa hands-free, which can help you manage your schedule and stay organized without having to touch the tablet.
Another budget-friendly option is the Lenovo Tab M10 HD, which features a 10.1-inch HD display, 2 GB of RAM, and up to 8 hours of battery life. It also comes with a kids mode and a built-in parental control feature, making it a great option for families.
Finally, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is another great budget-friendly option, with a 10.4-inch display, 3 GB of RAM, and up to 13 hours of battery life. It also features an expandable memory of up to 1 TB, allowing you to store all of your important files and documents.
In conclusion, a budget-friendly tablet can be a great investment for those looking to maximize productivity during their commute without having to carry around a bulky laptop. By considering options like the Amazon Fire HD 8, Lenovo Tab M10 HD, and Samsung Galaxy Tab A7, you can find a tablet that meets your needs and helps you stay productive on the go.
4. Read or listen to audiobooks
Reading or listening to audiobooks can be an excellent way to use your commute time productively. You can use apps like Kindle or Audible to download books and listen to them during your commute. This can be a great way to learn new skills, get inspired, or simply relax and escape into a good book.
5. Use the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It involves breaking down work into 25-minute intervals, separated by short breaks. You can use apps like Focus@Will or Pomodoro Timer to implement this technique during your commute. This can help you stay focused and make the most of your limited time.
6. Work on your side hustle
If you have a side hustle or freelance work, your commute can be a great time to work on it. You can use apps like Upwork or Fiverr to find work and manage your projects during your commute. You can also use apps like Dropbox or Google Drive to access your files and collaborate with your clients.
7. Practice mindfulness or meditation
Your commute can also be a time to practice mindfulness or meditation. You can use apps like Headspace or Calm to guide you through meditation exercises. This can help you reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
In conclusion, a long commute on a bus or train can be an excellent opportunity to be productive and get things done. By creating a to-do list, using your phone for productivity, reading or listening to audiobooks, using the Pomodoro Technique, working on your side hustle, or practicing mindfulness or meditation, you can make the most of your commute and stay productive. So, next time you are on your way to work, use these tips to turn your commute into a productive and fulfilling experience.