The daily commute, let's face it, it doesn't jump to the top of the list of our favourite daily tasks, but unfortunately is a part and parcel of our everyday lives.
Are you struggling for ideas on how to avoid the awkward eye contact with the person opposite on the Tube or failing to embrace the inevitability of zero personal space?
Well here are a few ideas which could help turn your nightmare journey into a productive trip.
The job site www.fish4.co.uk have come up with four different tips on how you can best use your time on that busy and sometimes lengthy journey to work.
So rather than dread the commute, why not make the most of your time on the Tube, train or bus and do something productive?
1.Read
The excuse for many people when asked why they don't read is simply - "I don't have time".
Well this is your opportunity.
Pick out a book and pop it into your bag for that moment on the Tube when you are fortunate enough to secure a seat.
According to Fish4, reading engages your brain and keeps you stimulated far more than listening to music.
2. Listen to an audio book or podcast
As you will only know too well, sometimes we find ourself pressed up against the window of the bus or Tube, just praying for our stop to come around.
In these common situations, reaching into your bag and taking out a book really isn't going to be feasible.
Phone and headphones to the rescue.
Download an audio book or tune into a podcast, you never know what you could learn on the way to work.
3. Learn a new skill
Maybe you have always wanted to learn Spanish or German or Italian, but have never found the time to sit down and make a start.
Download an app on your phone dedicated to the skill that you would like to learn and get started.
Just be prepared for a few funny looks after your 10th attempt at saying "Hello, how are you?" in French.
4. Play games
Whilst commuting to work, our phone is most certainly our best friend, so use it productively.
There is an app for everything these days, so why not download a crossword or Suduko app to help encourage your brain into work mode.
Alternatively, you could just pop a good old fashioned paper version of a crossword into your bag, just don't forget your pen.
And of course, if none of these ideas work for you, you can always try our advice:
5. Catch up on the news
Grab a paper or scroll through the news app on your phone and catch up on the latest stories.
6. Plan your day
If lunch and dinner are the only things you have to look forward to in a day, make sure you make them exciting.
Plan your lunch hour and think of something new and exciting you could cook for dinner.
You could also create a to-do list of things you wish to achieve for the day.
7. Sleep
Yes, this is certainly not an option for everyone, but for the easy sleepers amongst us, and of course, if you manage to grab a seat, your commute is the perfect time to catch up on a bit of shut eye.
You may want to set an alarm though, just so you don't risk missing your stop.
8. If all else fails
Catch up on your social media, play your party playlist through your headphones and dream about your Friday night plans.
Keep up to date with the latest news in west London via the free getwestlondon app.
You can even set it to receive push notifications for all the breaking news in your area.
Available to download from the App Store or Google Play for Android now!
