How to Enjoy Your Daily Commute

Don't let traffic ruin your ride

Driving to work can feel like a hassle if you have a long way to go. With the cost of gas at an all-time high and a large number of frustrated drivers on the road, you’ll want to find ways to keep your spirits up. Here are many easy ways to make your commute an enjoyable ride every day.

Things You'll Need

• Vehicle
• CDs/iPod
• Snacks
• Water

Instructions

Take the stress out of your commute

1. Keep it clean. A dirty, cluttered car is never appealing. Get your car washed (or wash it at home). Vacuum the interior, clean out the clutter, shine up the upholstery and dashboard, and keep your CDs and other miscellaneous items organized. Keep cleaning wipes handy to wipe up spills and remove dust. A newly cleaned car will feel a lot much more comfortable for a daily commute.

2. Keep it fresh. Get a car freshener. You can buy these for cheap at your local convenience store. Yankee Candle and Bath and Body Works, among other companies, sell “car jars” and “auto fresheners” for a few extra dollars in many different scents and styles—you are sure to find one you like.

3. 

   Personalize. You should have at least one accessory that makes your car feel like you, whether it’s a homemade trinket hanging from your rear view mirror or your favorite sports team’s sticker on your rear window.

4. 

   Plan your music. Keep your favorite CDs within reach or connect an iPod with some good driving play lists. Sing along. Use a CD holder that attaches to your visor to make finding your music easy. Make a copy of your favorite CDs to leave in your car so you don’t have to fret about lost or stolen CDs. Always keep your doors locked and never leave your iPod in your car.

5. Purchase audio books.These help pass the time quickly, especially on long drives. You can even rent them from Cracker Barrel and return them to any other Cracker Barrel during your trip.

6. 

   Download podcasts. If you have an iPod, you can enjoy podcasts of your favorite radio shows without having to time your drive to your program.

7. Program your favorite radio stations into your radio. Also consider Sirius or XM Radio, as these programs have hundreds of stations you can listen to.

8. 

   Brings snacks and water so that when your stomach starts rumbling halfway through your trip, you have something to relieve the hunger or thirst.

9. Practice gas-saving techniques. Use cruise control. Maintain speed at 55 or 65 mph. Avoid accelerating and excessive braking.

10. 

    Find a sweet resting spot. Check out local sub shops, cafés, scenic areas, and other relaxing spots so that there’s always a place you can go to when you need a break.

11. Explore. Learn new routes. This will help break the monotony of driving the same route each day. These are also good to know when you hit a traffic jam—you’ll already know of an alternate route.

12. Get a head start on productive tasks by keeping your mind active, but try not to dwell on work. Many cell phones have a voice recorder—learn how to use it and take time during your drive to record your grocery list. Brainstorm. Reflect.

Tips & Warnings

• Always obey the rules of the road and drive carefully.

• Always wear your seatbelt and be sure other passengers are wearing theirs.

• Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Don’t allow yourself to submit to road rage, which is dangerously easy to do when you spend a lot of time in the car. Don’t tailgate or intentionally aggravate other drivers.

• Be cautious when using your cell phone. Don’t text while driving. If you make a call, use a headset or Bluetooth. In some states, this is the only legal way to talk on the phone while driving.