It’s a universal truth that New Yorkers disagree on many things. For starters, there’s the pizza debate: Di Fara in Midwood? Grimaldi’s in Brooklyn Heights?
But for all the arguing we do, nearly all New Yorkers can agree on one thing: Commuting is a pain. Sure, you’re probably not in a car, so you’re not dealing with bumper-to-bumper traffic. But chances are, your journey — be it via subway, taxi, ferry or bus — is still insanely crowded, time-consuming and, thus, aggravating.
Luckily, you can make the most of your commute so you’re not sitting and wondering if it’s time to move out west. The key? Be strategic. “Your commute is not invisible time — it’s time that matters,” explains Julie Morgenstern, organization expert and author of “Time Management From the Inside Out.” “And if you use it wisely, you’ll end up improving your schedule — and your life — overall.” It’s best to treat your commute into work and back home as separate entities, Morgenstern advises.
“When you’re on your way to work, you should psych yourself up, whereas when you’re coming home, it’s all about decompressing,” she adds.
15 minutes
First, count your blessings: You could have it way worse. Second, the best way to use this chunk of time wisely is not to be overly ambitious about what you want to accomplish. Pro tip: Hit up your iTunes. “Put on music that pumps your energy and gets you excited to go to work,” suggests Morgenstern, whose go-to recommendation is “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor.
On the way home, use the small window to meditate. “Slowing things down helps you segue into your evening in a more relaxing way, which is crucial if you want to maintain a positive outlook in the long run,” explains Piers Steel, author of “The Procrastination Equation.” If the subway or bus is too loud, listen to a meditation podcast.
30 minutes
A half-hour is the perfect amount of time to maintain your networks — both professional and personal. On your way to work, use the time to read professional career newsletters, and send e-mails to old colleagues and bosses with whom you want to stay in touch, Morgenstern suggests. (If you don’t have cellphone service, write up a draft of the e-mail anyway, and hit send as soon as you have service.)
At the end of the workday, use your commute to maintain your social networks. Send texts or e-mails to your friends and family, or use the time to make phone calls if you have service on a ferry or a taxi.
45 minutes
On your way into the office, brainstorm your various work projects. “It’s a long enough time to really get your creative juices flowing and start thinking about how you are going to handle certain projects,” Morgenstern says. If you need to take notes, write down your thoughts in your iPhone or in a journal.
On your way home, treat your commute like storytime. That could mean listening to a podcast or reading a book for pleasure.If you’re reading on a Kindle, be sure to upload the book before you get into your vehicle of choice.
“It gets you out of your work head and into a story, which means you’re more turned off when you get home,” Morgenstern says.
An hour
This is the perfect time to focus on your development, both professionally and personally.
“Use your commute to the office to read a book about a business skill you’d like to develop — that means you’re investing your time in getting to the next level,” Morgenstern advises, adding that it will also make you more focused on the ins and outs of your job once you get to the office. On the way home, organize your life. “Since your commute is so long, you may have to leave your job early, so wrap up loose ends before you do anything else,” recommends Steel.
And then, go big picture and focus on the week as a whole. What needs to be done at home? What needs to be done at work? “Make a to-do list about stuff that’s on the horizon in general, not just on your list for tomorrow,” Morgenstern recommends.
“That way, when you’re at work, you’re working, and when you’re at home, you’re present.” And isn’t your presence the best gift of all, anyway?