About 86 percent of people commute daily to work or school.

The average commute time is about 26 minutes. Meaning about one hour of every day is spent in a car or bus. Let’s be real, rush hour in the Tampa Bay area is torture. Between the snowbirds (winter tourist hiding from the snow) and standstill traffic, it can be easy to get road rage and start off on the wrong foot.

While it’s not likely for us to change our daily commute time, we can utilize it to bring more positive vibes to our life.

Here are a few small things that can optimize that dreaded commute.

Create a Daily Commute Playlist

I don’t know about you, but I have different music selections for every mood. And sometimes just shuffling through various songs can become tedious. However, that frustrating feeling can be eliminated by making a morning playlist or finding a preset playlist via Apple Music or Spotify. Fill the playlist with songs that lift your spirits and make you forget that traffic hasn’t moved. My personal favorite is “Weekday Morning R&B” on Apple Music.

Podcasts

Podcasts have become a staple to my early-morning commute. They’re a great way to keep up with current events and can help inspire creativity. There is a podcast for everyone, you just have to figure out what topics and styles interest you. As a creative, I love a podcast that talks about goals and personal branding. They not only provide me with inspiration for future projects, but it gives me food for thought and something to reflect on.

Meditate

Meditating is all about inner peace, being alone with one’s thoughts and having time to reflect. Most people associate this with yoga, but it can be done while in a car. At the end of the work week try driving home in complete silence and see where your brain takes you. JUST DON’T CLOSE YOUR EYES! I’ve found that meditating on my way home is a great way to help me unwind and prepare for the weekend.