Using Your Commute Home to Relax
A long day at work can put you in a stressed-out mood, and if you’re not careful, you may end up taking this stress home with you. That’s why it’s important to learn to relax after work, and your commute home is a good time to unwind, even if you are stuck in traffic.
Here are some ways you can relax on your commute, so you arrive home ready for a pleasant evening.
Turn your car into a sanctuary
Even if you have a long wait in traffic or need to drive on a busy and stressful freeway, you should try not to stress when you are behind the wheel. Turn your car into your own private sanctuary. You can feng shui your car by removing clutter, using essential oils such as lavender for a relaxing vibe, and play classical music instead of rock to help you stay calm during a stressful drive.
If you know you’ll be stuck in traffic for a while, stock up on drinks and snacks too.
Complete some mindfulness exercises
Commuting via bus or train can be stressful, but if you aren’t behind the wheel, you can use this time to do some mindfulness exercises. There are a number of apps that you can listen to on your commute that guide you through meditation, or you can learn mindfulness techniques online and then apply them next time you feel stressed. Even if you haven’t had a particularly hard day, getting into the habit of practicing mindfulness can help you become more resilient and less anxious in everyday life.
Play some online games
It’s important to spend some time switching your mind off if you’ve had a long day, and spending some time playing games or gambling, such as betting on the Mega Millions, can be a good way to do this. Ideally, you should find simple games that don’t require too much attention, such as playing lotteries or bingo, so once you arrive at your stop, your mind will no longer be on work.
Listen to podcasts
Sometimes, listening to music doesn’t take your mind off things, as it’s easy for your brain to still wander. However, listening to podcasts keeps you focussed on the topic being discussed, not thinking about stressful situations at work. There are podcasts on pretty much every topic, from movies to music, as well as podcasts that are designed to help you relax and unwind.
All you need to do is find the podcast app on your phone, or download one from the Apple or Google Play store, then choose what you want to listen to.
Enjoy a herbal tea
Whether you fill up your travel mug for the car or subway, a cup of herbal tea on the way home can help you relax. Forget your afternoon jolt of coffee, that’ll make you more stressed and keep your brain wired. Try peppermint, chamomile, passionflower, or pretty much any caffeine-free variety of herbal tea for your trip home.
