Dealing with a Long Commute? 8 Positive Ways to Use Your Time

Oh, the dreaded long commute!  Sitting in traffic or having a long train / bus trip can feel like a drag and drain one's energy. . . or, it can be a fantastic time to uplift and rejuvenate yourself if you use it wisely.

Here are eight positive ways to use your commuting time:

1. Breathe.  Yes, breathe deeply.  Take a deep breath in for five seconds.  Hold it in for five and then release the air slowly for five seconds.  Do it several times as you calm yourself down and infuse your body with needed refreshment. 

2. Pray.  The extra moments of a morning commute provide you a few minutes to whisper a prayer.  Give thanks for blessings.  Spill your heart and hand over those burdens and worries to the caring hands of God. 

3.  Learn.  If someone else is driving, you can read a book.  If you are the one behind the wheel, listen to one on CD.  Delve into topics you have always wanted to explore.  A chapter a day will keep the boredom away and stimulate new growth.

4.  Prioritize.  Make your daily to-do list.  Use your audio recording function or your notes function on your phone.  Write down the key things you need to accomplish. Then put them in order of importance.  This simple gameplan will allow you to maximize your working time.

5. Sing.  Uplift your spirit with inspirational music.  Get your head bobbing and your heart pumping with a great song.

6.  Ponder.  Choose a wise saying or a scripture to meditate on.  Memorize it by reading it or saying it over and over.  Then consider ways you may begin to apply the idea to your daily life.

7.  Engage.  Use all your senses to take in the gorgeous scenery and intricate noises.  Enjoy and cherish the magic of nature.

8.  Dream.  Consider the question, "If I could create anything in my life, what would would I want?"  Imagine in detail what the new things coming into your life will look like.  Have fun opening your mind and heart to exciting possibilities.

Cherish the moments, yes, even those when you have to commute!

Hope these ideas work for you.  Share what works for you in the comments below!

Savor life!

With love,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
www.patriciaomoqui.com