Make Your Commute More Mindful

Commuting at rush hour can be a stressful experience. Trying to keep track of the time and not bother any of the strangers around you can be an unpleasant experience. However, our daily commute to work is an ideal time to wake up to the present and experience mindfulness. We can do this by:

1. Focusing on our breathing. Whenever the mind wanders, return to the intention of inhaling and exhaling. We can think of this as inhaling any of our pain or worries, and exhaling relief. This can help us to be more focused and better able to concentrate.
2. Focus on bodily sensation - are you hot or cold? Experience the feelings and make yourself comfortable with them.
3. Appreciate the sounds. Your commute may be the perfect time to listen to music or a new podcast that you are really interested in. But this is an opportunity to be silent and take in the sounds around you to ground yourself.

By gently incorporating little moments of mindfulness into your commute, you may find yourself calmer, more present, and ready to take on whatever life throws at you that day.