The way you begin your day can totally transform its outcome, so start as you mean to go on and add some productivity and positivity to your routine when commuting by train.
Instead of letting those precious minutes go to waste by scrolling on your phone, there are plenty of ways to use the time, whether you’d prefer to switch off or embark on personal and professional development. From meditating to learning, we’ve rounded up some simple commuting tips to help you make the most of your journey.
How to stay productive when commuting by train
Your morning commute can be a good opportunity to kickstart your working day, whether catching up on admin tasks, planning side projects or learning a new skill. Discover our top tips to stay productive when commuting by train to find what works best for you.
1. Plan your day
On your morning commute, you may be thinking about what the day ahead will bring. Instead of ruminating on these thoughts, jot down a to-do list. This doesn’t have to be a lengthy list; it could be a note of some of the most crucial things that you want to remember or tasks you need to complete that day. By writing them down and organising your thoughts, those daunting tasks will suddenly seem much more manageable.
2. Stay one step ahead with work
While we’re not suggesting you do extra work, ticking off a few tasks before you arrive at the office can get you in the right headspace. Swap aimless scrolling for emails and power through any replies you’ve been putting off. Our handy tray tables make using your laptop or tablet super easy, plus you can take advantage of the free Wi-Fi on board our trains.
3. Make time for personal development
Taking time out for personal development is crucial, but rarely made a priority, so your daily commute could be the perfect time for this! As you gaze out the window on your next train journey, start considering your personal goals. Write down what you’d like to achieve in the next few months, then take the time to look into courses or activities that could help you achieve these goals.
4. Work on a side project
Whether it’s a passion project or a side hustle to earn you a bit of extra cash, your morning commute could be the ideal time to work on this. From penning the book you’ve always dreamt of writing to putting together your online photography portfolio in the hopes of it becoming a business, consider how you could turn that hobby into a side project.
5. Learn a new skill
Many people put off learning something new because they think they don’t have time, so why not use your daily commute to focus on upskilling? Whether learning a new language using an app (just 15 minutes a day could make a big difference), taking an online course, or sharpening your brain with puzzles, it’s an exciting challenge that can aid personal development and keep you entertained on your commute.
The best ways to keep occupied while commuting
Whether you’re travelling for a couple of hours from a London commuter town or have a short journey to work, we’ve pulled together some of the best things to do to pass the time. Remember, not all your time has to be productive, and you can use your commute as an opportunity to switch off from the stresses of daily life!
1. Listen to music, audiobooks or podcasts
If you want to unwind on your commute, listening to your favourite music, podcast, or audiobook is the perfect escape. You can find podcasts and audiobooks to suit every mood, including educational topics and lighthearted, fun listens. Not sure where to start? SWR customers can try BookBeat for free for 90 days, giving you access to over 900,000 audiobooks!
2. Catch up on your favourite TV show
Do the evenings seem to disappear once you get home, leaving you no time to watch your favourite shows? Your daily commute could be a great time to catch up on any episodes you’ve missed, whether before or after work.
3. Read a book
If you’re looking for escapism, there’s nothing better than getting lost in a book. Not only does it keep your brain active, but it’s also a failsafe way to detach from daily stresses. Whether you’d prefer fiction reads to transport you to a different world or non-fiction to assist with learning and development, there are so many options to explore.
4. Try meditation
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, so take the time to quieten the noise in your brain by practising meditation. Zoning out on your train journey is an excellent way to prepare for the day ahead. Whether you follow breathing exercises on an app that teaches you how to meditate or listen to calming meditation music, these techniques can help to improve your focus, reduce your anxiety and stress, and boost your overall wellbeing. You can get Free Unmind - which offers wellbeing soundscapes via our SWR Rewards offers.
5. Enjoy the views
Trying to reduce your screen time? Look out of the window and take in the scenic views. Many of our routes in the South West pass through beautiful countryside, making for a lovely commute, but if you’re travelling between cities, there’s still plenty to observe!
6. Check in with friends and family
If your notifications and missed calls have been stacking up over the week, why not take some time out of your train journey to get in touch with your loved ones? Let a friend know they’ve been on your mind with a funny photo, or check in with family with a simple text. It’s a guaranteed way to start your day – and theirs – on a positive note.
Free Wi-Fi. Whether working on your commute or streaming music, podcasts, and TV shows, our customers can enjoy free Wi-Fi to stay connected throughout every journey.
Charging points. Keep your devices powered up from the comfort of your seat, with charging points available on our trains.
Comfortable seating. It doesn’t matter if your commute is 10 minutes or 2 hours – you can sit back, relax and enjoy comfortable seating on our trains.
Quiet Zones. If you’d prefer to unplug during your commute, take a seat in one of the train’s Quiet Zones, where we ask passengers to refrain from using mobile phones or talking.
If you need to commute on different days each week, it may be worth considering a Tap2Go account to get the best value fares. Tap2Go is an exclusive product for SWR Touch smartcard holders that allows you to travel around the SWR network without the need to pre-purchase a ticket online, or at the station. If you make regular journeys across the week (Monday-Sunday) we’ll cap prices (Weekly Capping) to the equivalent weekly season ticket price to save you money. Tap2Go is valid for travel across all of the SWR network including journeys on SWR services within the London fare zones.
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