Working Remotely? What to Do With Your Commuter Time
If you're one of the many people who are now working remotely, you may find yourself with some extra time on your hands. Depending on your situation, you may have less time for your commute or no commute at all. One of the biggest perks of working from home is being able to avoid commuting to and from an office. This means that we save time and money, and can use that extra time in our day to pursue meaningful activities that make us truly happy.
Recommended reading: Why I Hate Working from Home: The Pros and Cons
So, how can we save time and not waste it? What can we do with all that extra time? Some choose to get some extra rest and relaxation, others might use that time to learn a new skill or hobby, and others might take the opportunity to get some extra work done.
If you find yourself with some extra time on your hands, in this article we will discuss 9 suggestions that you can do to make the most of your extra time.
Related: Why I Think a 4-Day Work Week is Brilliant
9 Tips to Make the Most of Your Time:
1. Get some exercise
Now that you're working from home you can use your commute time to get in some exercise during the week. First thing in the morning, take a brisk walk or run around your neighbourhood to get your blood flowing. Or, if you have a gym membership, use that extra time to hit the gym before work. Not only will you feel better physically, but you'll also feel more alert and focused for your workday.
2. Work on your second job
If you have a side hustle or a freelance gig that you’ve been meaning to get to, now is the perfect time to work on it. Use your commute time to work on your side hustle so that you can earn some extra income. Using your extra time to earn more money is an excellent way to achieve your financial goals.
Related: How to Make the Most of Your Time When Working Two Jobs
3. Learn something new
Use your commute time to learn something new. Whether you want to learn a new language, pick up a musical instrument, or learn how to code, there are plenty of resources available online that can help you get started. Be intentional with how you want to use your time to achieve your personal and professional goals.
4. Spend time with your family
Are there any goals you want to achieve collectively as a family? Now is a good time to be intentional about how you spend time as a family. If you have kids, use your commute time to spend some quality time with them. Play games together, read stories, go for walks together, or just spend some time talking. If you have a partner, use your extra time to reconnect with them and catch up on each other’s day.
5. Get ahead on your work
If you have projects that you’ve been meaning to get to, use your commute time to get a head start on them. This way, you can have more free time, later on, to relax or pursue other interests. Learn how to manage your time to your advantage.
6. Relax and recharge
Now that you don't have to commute, you can use that time to relax and recharge. Take some deep breaths, listen to calming music, or meditate for a few minutes. You can also use this time to journal or just take some time to clear your mind.
Related: Work Remotely or Go Back to the Office?
7. Connect with friends and family
If you’re feeling lonely, use your commute time to reach out to friends and family members. Give them a call, send them a text, or video chat with them so that you can stay connected.
8. Prepare and cook healthy meals
If you’re used to eating out or grabbing fast food on your commute, you can use your extra time to prepare and cook healthy meals for the week ahead. This way, you’ll save money and improve your health. You can use this time to sit down and have breakfast or dinner together with your family.
9. Read books or listen to audiobooks
If you enjoy reading, use your commute time to catch up on your reading list. Reading is an excellent way to destress, relax and unwind. If you prefer to listen to audiobooks you can do that instead. This way, you can make the most of your time and improve your mental well-being.
Working remotely can be a great way to have more flexibility and a better work-life balance. If you find yourself with some extra time on your hands, use it wisely and make the most of it. Remember to be intentional with how you want to spend your time so that you can achieve your goals.
Do you have any suggestions on how to make the most of your commute time? Share them in the comments below!
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