At an average of 45 minutes, British commuters have the longest journeys to work in Europe.  And when you consider that for most of this time you will probably be squashed into a hot and stuffy bus or tube carriage, it is probably the least favourite part of anyone’s day.  However, there are ways to make this time more bearable…

• Read

Use this time constructively and read a book.  It will help you forget about how hot and uncomfortable you are and will pass the time more quickly.  The commute is the perfect time to catch up on your reading or to start that book you’ve been meaning to read for ages.

• Eavesdrop

Now we all know it’s rude to listen in on other people’s conversations but sometimes you just can’t help it, either they are talking too loudly or what they’re talking about just sounds too interesting!  As long as you are not obvious about it, this can be another way to help pass the time and amuse yourself on the way to work. 

• Smile at someone
Everybody is aware of the unspoken rule which applies to all commuters.  You must never make eye contact with anyone never mind smile; it’s just not the done thing.  However, how about breaking that rule one morning, make eye contact, smile and maybe even drop in a compliment to a fellow passenger.  If they don’t faint from the shock of it then you will put a smile on their face for the rest of the day.