What to do when you're stuck in traffic...

I'm not sure if I've wrote about this on here yet, but I've started a new part-time job. I am really excited about it and I like all the people I've met so far, but before I can officially start working I have a month of training ahead of me. This training happens to be in Lakeland Florida, which is about 62 miles from me. Which in traffic time comes out to about a 1.5hr drive in the morning and a 2hr drive in the evening. Bringing me to a total of 3.5hrs on the road and A LOT of that time I'm barely moving.

To combat the road rage that tends to come over me in those stand-still situations, I decided to be proactive and have a plan to make the time more enjoyable. Yes, I know some of these ideas are obvious but I think they are worth mentioning because they get me through it and they may help get you through it as well. 

1// Read a Book 

Or rather have someone read one to you. Audio books are awesome. If the book is good, it gives you a mental escape from the bumper to bumper traffic that is taking up your reality. I am currently listening to Love Does by Bob Goff. Not only is it entertaining but his stories are insanely inspiring, they make me want to make the most of every opportunity. Even traffic.

2// Learn a New Language

If you are like me and haven't yet mastered a second language, your commute may be the perfect time to start. I have a cheap $5 Learn to Speak Italian Audio set, I bought in a bargain bin, that literally makes me giggle like crazy. I can't say I've retained anything I've listened to yet, but it sure is entertaining. I am thinking about investing in a better set, something like this or this because I do really want to learn.

3// Have a Scavenger Hunt

We all drive the same roads every day, we know them so well that sometimes it feels like we just ended up at home. Auto pilot kicks in and we've made all the turns without even thinking. Because we are so use to our commute, there is a pretty good chance we are missing a lot of cool details along the way. One way to break up your trip and to appreciate your surroundings is to challenge yourself. Create a list of things you'd like to see and then while your driving keep an eye out. There is a good chance, you are passing by some beauty every day and you don't even know it. I plan on making me own list.

4// Rock Out

If you are going to be in the car for a long period of time, I say embrace the fact that you are essentially alone and rock out to your favorite tunes. Create a playlist of all the songs you love, but wouldn't necessarily sing along to with other people around. Then crank up the volume and sing it out. I do this A Lot. Sometimes, to oldies like Backstreet Boys and Hanson and sometimes I use the time to discover new music. Right now I've been listening to Brandon and Leah, Kim Walker-Smith and Skyler Smith and Sara Bareilles. 

Let me know in the comments what you do on your commute, I'm always looking for good ideas.

It's time to unwind.

Let's be honest life gets busy. Our calendars fill up quicker than we can blink. We all have a number of commitments and responsibilities that fill our days. That being said, If we aren't careful we can get to a point where we burn ourselves out. That is why I truly believe, no matter if your married, dating or single that it is extremely important to take a little "me" time to unwind and reflect. I came up with 5 easy ways to unwind after a long day, that don't require too much time.

Disclaimer: When it comes to all of these suggestions, they all are a suggestion of taking at least 30minutes for yourself. I hate how easy it is for people to say, I can't find the time... you can make the time to take 30 minutes for yourself a week. I would go so far to say each day (or at least every other day,) but I don't want to push my luck with those of you who are married and have kids. I know your schedules are jam packed. I can't speak for your schedules but I encourage you to try and find the time. I truly believe you will be happier for it. 

Go for a simple picnic.
It can be in your backyard or on top of a mountain. Just pack yourself a nice treat, grab a favorite magazine, book, devotional or a journal and embrace the slower pace. It's simple and doesn't require you to spend any money. Shop your pantry or fridge for the treat and pick up that book that's been sitting on your shelf for the last 6months just waiting to be read. If by chance, you don't have one of those books... call a friend and raid their personal library.

Watch the sunset. 

The first step is to get outside; go to the beach, a park or if you don’t want to leave home head out to your yard. Once you’ve found your sunset spot, take a moment to reflect on your day. You will never have that day again; each sunset marks the end of something. I encourage you to make time to be thankful for all the good that came to you and to release all the bad. So when the sun rises and brings you a new day, you can walk into it the best way possible.

Go for a bike ride or walk. 

Take some time to “literally” escape your surroundings. Grab your ipod, turn on your favorite song and just go. Not only will this help you de-stress, but it will burn calories and keep you healthy. Win-Win.

Treat yourself. 

For a lot of people something sweet like chocolate or ice cream is a nice treat, but for others you may enjoy a glass of wine or a rich strong coffee. It doesn’t have to be outrageous, it just has to be something that makes you smile.

Take up a hobby. 

We all have a lot of things we “have to do,” because of this I think a lot of us lose sight of the things we “want to do.” To battle this, I encourage you to take the time to rediscover something you once loved or uncover something new that brings you joy. It can be anything from blogging, cooking, scrapbooking, couponing, baking, sewing, drawing, painting, writing, photography, etc. Just find something you can get excited about and start doing it. Don't put it off for tomorrow.



These are simple things that we all know, but rarely do. I think it's time we change that, what about you?