Train commute - survival tips

[RappelChoan]

I’ve started a new job recently with a commute of 60-60 minutes on the train (depending which one I catch) and 20 ish minutes either side. Office hours and some weekends. Working from home is not an option.

Would really appreciate any advice from people who do or have done this, what makes it easier please?

BorrowBox is quite good for audiobooks. It’s the library app so free.

I split mine up into stages. I spend 30 minutes reading my book with some lovely music playing and drinking my coffee as I sort of emerge into full consciousness. Then there's a really beautiful section of countryside so I make sure to look at it. I have a podcast I like for that part, or I do headspace. Then I get my laptop out and set myself up for the day on my kanban so that when I get in I feel really prepared and focused.

I have noise cancelling airpods, my laptop, downloaded podcasts and a paper book. I do always have a seat because our stop is before the big town, and that makes a difference.

I've realised after this thread, why so many people feel the need to take a backpack the size of a house, gotta love them in front of you on an escalator!

I used to do, 1.5hrs each way, 3 times a week, took normal workbag, bottle of water, tissues in my bag and a packet of extra strong mints. Ear buds and phone are a permanent fixure and I survived.

Download music, podcasts, movies etc - train WiFi is rubbish!

A little fold away fan made loads of commutes better for me - even in winter the carriage can get hot!

And definitely carve it out as ‘me time’ to read, sleep, watch movies etc etc.

I’ve never travelled first class but a fry up is a more pleasant smell (to me) than porridge plus if you know they serve food then you make the choice to be around it when you book.

They serve porridge as well in First Class 😆 Don't worry, though, the so-called 'full English' breakfast is so tiny you'd need a bloodhound to sniff it out. If you fancy seatfrogging a First Class ticket, do it for the extra space, not the food.

I commuted an hour each way for a decade (40 minute solid train journey the rest was to / from station)

I'm very well read.

Noise cancelling headphones and a good playlist of interesting and informative podcasts/audiobooks.

A good thermal coffee cup - that you fill with your favourite beverage at home or at the station.

possibly a decent book to learn things (see podcasts above), but some people can’t read while travelling.

A notebook and pen - real paper and pen versions - in your bag to do planning etc as you travel.

If your train may have something to lean on (seat back table, proper table etc) even if only some days - think about writing real letters, getting your Christmas cards done in batches, …

And other planning like Christmas lists, followed by online shopping. Weekly menu lists followed by online shopping or click and collect orders. To do lists for work to action as soon as you hit your desk. Etc.

I also have a proper below knee-length waterproof coat (from Ila’s Jacobsen) which is a godsend in wet, windy and cold days on train platforms but looks good enough to wear to formal office. Not cheap but well worth it.

Add a PROPER warm hat and gloves and scarf for winter. Thermal layers help but you also need bits to remove on hot stuffy trains.

And in summer, remember to fill a bottle with cold water.