7 Productive Things to Do When Stuck in Traffic

April 3, 2019 | Episode #36
I've got 7 productive things you can do to make being stuck in traffic suck less! Plus, a quick hack for eliminating interruptions at work.

7 Productive Things to Do When Stuck in Traffic

Make Life Easier

1. Avoid ads whenever possible

  • Ads, especially ones on TV / radio, cause me a great deal of stress
  • I go out of my way to avoid them, and recommend that you try this too
  • They can be repetitive and can get really annoying, especially because most of them are uninteresting to most people
  • I don’t listen to commercial radio in the car because of this

2. Listen to music that brings you joy

  • Listening to music can definitely make being stuck in traffic suck less
  • I recommend you start using Spotify, if you’re not already
  • You can curate custom playlists with only the music you love
  • You can also listen to specific artists, albums, and songs on-demand
  • And, if you pay for premium (I do), you can avoid ads altogether!
  • In episode 238 of The Productivity Show podcast, the hosts talk about how the physical vibrations of music can alter your mood!

3. Listen to comedy!

  • Did you know that you could get comedy playlists on Spotify?
  • These are an amazing way to bring some laughter to your commute!
  • My boyfriend, a few friends, and I were headed to Chicago a couple years ago and we listened to comedy on Spotify almost the whole way there. Made the four-hour drive fly by!

4. Listen to podcasts

5. Listen to audiobooks

  • By far, this is my favorite way to make being stuck in traffic suck less
  • At the recommendation of my friend Colleen, I’ve used Audible for years
  • I can’t say enough good things about this amazing service!
  • If you’re interested in signing up for Audible, click here to head there now!
    • Normally, you get one free audiobook when you sign up
    • But, using that link, you’ll get two free books and two free pieces of Audible original content too!
    • I will make a small commission, as well ?
  • Here are some books you should check out:

6. Listen to public radio

  • If you don’t want to use your phone, don’t have the tech, or simply like listening to the radio, give public radio a shot!
  • love NPR!
  • During the week, NPR does mostly news and politics. Then, on the weekends, they host a bunch of amazing shows! These include
  • Also, incidentally, all of these shows are podcasts too! You’ll be able to find them in whichever podcasting app you use!

7. Enjoy the silence

  • Studies show that being bored is good for your health
  • We’ll cover this more in an upcoming episode!
  • For now, simply be content with the silence.
    • Roll down the windows (in good weather)
    • Leave the radio off
    • Sit quietly and drive
    • Allow your brain to wander

A Quick Hack for Eliminating Interruptions at Work

Make Work Easier
  • Find yourself getting interrupted all the time while you’re trying to work? I know I was.
  • Sometimes, you just need to focus!
  • Studies show that it takes an average of 25 minutes to refocus after an interruption
  • So, I designed a sign which sets up Focus Hours: Dedicated time in which I ask folks not to interrupt me.
screenshot of focus hours sign

Here’s a clip of my focus hours sign!

  • Click the button below to grab the sign. Then, here’s how you use it:
    • Print a copy
    • Be sure to fill in your email address in the blank at the bottom
    • Make copies of the sign after filling in your email
    • Then each time you use one, be sure to include a time when people can come back, as well as today’s date
    • All three of these pieces of information (email, time, date) increase the chances that folks will respect your wish and not interrupt you, even if it’s “urgent”
  • Another idea I had while recording the show: Print just one copy and put it in a frame. Then, use a dry-erase marker on the glass to fill in the blanks!

Download the free sign

Get the Free Download!

15 Strategies for Getting More Done in a Day

I have a fantastic freebie I'd love to send to you. It's a one-page guide that covers my favorite 15 strategies for making the most out of every day.

Click below to grab this download now!

What’s Next?

Subscribe to Easier

Weekly Email

Get the Newsletter

Apple Podcasts

Subscribe on Apple

Google Play

Subscribe on Play

Stitcher

Subscribe on Stitcher

Spotify

Subscribe on Spotify

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This