Some even began to introduce a ‘fake commute’ during lockdown, whereby they took time to walk around the block (or garden) at the beginning and end of the day to provide that same separation, not to mention an excuse to get some fresh air.

But, can you use your commuting time more effectively to help maintain your mental wellbeing and strengthen your resilience? Whether you’re travelling by train, bus, car or even just walking around the block here are a few simple suggestions to get your commute really working for you:
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• Value your commute!
  Don’t think of it as a negative or waste of time.  Take control of your decision to commute in terms of it being part of a bigger strategy to do the job you want to do, or earn the salary you need to, or live in the countryside but work in the city. Reframe your commute as a time for self-knowledge, problem solving, relaxation and fun (yes, really).
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• Say “thank you”.
  Use your commute to think about someone who was kind to you or helped you out recently and then compose an email or text to say thanks (obviously do this mentally if you’re driving).  Thanking people has been proved to release endorphins in the brain, which make us feel good and act as a natural antidote to the toxic impact of stress hormones. Plus, you never know, you just might make someone else’s day!
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• What are you grateful for?
  It might sound strange, but gratitude has also been shown to release endorphins and strengthen neural pathways on the brain, and it’s particularly useful as a daily practice. Spend some time considering 3 things you are grateful for – you could write them down or even say “I am thankful / grateful for…” out loud (but perhaps not if you’re on a crowded bus).
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• Do some research & get some perspective!
  ‍If you read the paper or a magazine, don't just flick through the headlines but choose a story and read everything you can about it. Or explore a new podcast or TED talk! Through the development of knowledge, you will be able to form your own moral, ethical and intellectual view of the situation, which helps you have interesting and meaningful discussions about important topics.  This can help boost your confidence as well as putting your own life into perspective and develops your ability to think through difficult scenarios in all areas of your life.
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• Laugh and the world will laugh with you.
  According to research, the older we get, the less we laugh (until we reach retirement).  The average 7-year-old laughs hundreds of times a day but the average 37-year-old is lucky if they laugh 7 times a day.  Download funny films, TV programmes, YouTube videos or podcasts.  Make yourself laugh on your commute and your endorphin levels will rise, helping you get into a good mood for the working day.
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• Plan an escape!
  Use your commute to research your next holiday, weekend away or day trip – even if it’s just to a local town or landmark.  It’s not all about sun, sea and sand! Every destination has a history, culture, traditions, food and drink.  Spend a bit of time learning about somewhere new and you may feel like you’ve already had a bit of a break before you’ve even gone anywhere!
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• Plug in and switch off!
  Relaxation has always been a useful part of a commute but not if you are sitting in a long traffic queue, or standing face-to-face with a stranger on a train.  There are so. many relaxation apps and mindfulness podcasts around it’s possible to plug in and tune out your surroundings (although, clearly not if you are driving). Try guided visualisations, meditation and breathing exercises.
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• Self-help really does help.
  Self-knowledge and self-awareness are essential to building resilience. Use your commute to check your own stress and resilience levels, there are plenty of online tools and resources available, including our very own Resilience assessment tool as part of Mind-Matters.

Source adapted from: Validium