How Remote Workers Can Maximize the Time Saved on Commuting

The workforce has evolved dramatically since COVID-19 shut down thousands of businesses and changed operations forever. The sudden surge of remote workers led to a shift in employment strategies in nearly every industry.

There are many differences between remote workers and in-person employees, with one of the most significant being the lack of a commute. In the United States, the average commute is just under half an hour, but a growing number of people have commutes of at least 60 minutes one-way.

For the sake of argument, let’s look at a remote 9-5 position. An average half-hour commute adds one hour per day to the usual 8 hours. You may also spend half an hour to an hour preparing to leave. The lack of a commute for a remote worker could save 1.5 to 2 hours per day in some cases. That is a lot of extra time on your hands.

Let’s look at how you can maximize this extra time to achieve your personal goals and build a more fulfilling life.

Create a Home Upkeep Checklist

When we spend 10 or more hours a day preparing to leave, commuting, and working, there is little time left to take care of the home. Even if you carve out a half hour in the evening or morning, you may be simply too exhausted to focus on cleaning.

As a remote worker, that extra hour or two can be extremely valuable. A home upkeep schedule can cut out some of the decision-making in the cleaning process, making it less stressful. Maybe two mornings each week are set aside for starting laundry loads. On Thursday night, you can vacuum downstairs. An organized checklist reduces the mental load of deciding what to accomplish each day.

Engage Your Hobbies

An extra hour before or after work shouldn’t always be used to add more tasks. Sometimes, the lack of a commute means more time for your interests.

Reading, journaling, listening to podcasts, experimenting with new recipes, lawn care, crafts, and other hobbies are important for your mental health, providing outlets that can help prevent burnout. Whatever your favorite activity is, removing a long commute gives you more time during the week to relax.

Spend Time Outdoors

Spending time outside is much easier during the day. At night, the natural lighting decreases, so there are fewer activities you can do. The lack of a commute gives you a better chance of being outside while there is still daylight after a long shift at work.

There are infinite things you can do with your extra time outside. If you live in a snowy climate, you can clear the driveway at your leisure since you don’t have to worry about commuting. Use a shovel for exercise, a snowblower for speed, or invest in snow blades for compact tractors with all the money you save on gas. In the warmer seasons, there is more time in the morning or late afternoon for a run. Go for a walk at a nearby nature center in the early evening after your work day is done. With no commute, you have more freedom to enjoy the fresh air and health benefits of the outdoors.

Meet With a Therapist

Mental and emotional health are crucial if we want to lead healthy lives. If you have switched from in-person to remote work, you have more time throughout the week to prioritize your well-being. Mental health is essential for thriving at work and at home.

Many workers struggle to find time to meet with mental health professionals because of their busy schedules. After a long day of commuting and working, they only have time to prepare a meal and unwind before getting ready for the next day. With no evening commute, you have an extra chunk of time to dedicate to your mental health by scheduling an appointment with a therapist.

Rest

This last piece of advice is simple: rest more. An extra hour or two a day gives you more time to relax. Resting can look different for everyone.

Watching your favorite TV show or reading a book may be restful. Sitting out on your porch or deck with a cup of coffee may be restorative for your mindset. Following along with a light Yoga session on YouTube may provide the peace you are seeking during a busy week. Working from home has pros and cons, but the lack of a commute is a huge positive for someone who wants more time to rest and re-energize to engage fully with the people they love most.

What Practices Will Give You the Most Fulfillment?

The transition from in-person work to a remote role can be exhilarating and difficult. Some people struggle to find that work-life balance when the boundaries between the two are blurred. However, if you can compartmentalize the two, the time you used to spend commuting can be redirected to more fulfilling activities.

A simple home upkeep checklist can keep you on track with cleaning by tackling small tasks throughout the week. Hobbies provide an outlet to engage your mind and body in ways you enjoy. You have more freedom to get outside and experience the health benefits of fresh air without worrying about a commute. Restoring your mental and emotional health can be a priority with therapy and additional rest. Try out these practices to find the most fulfilling way to use your extra time as a remote employee.