Burn some calories

Where possible, try to swap driving or using public transport with cycling to work in order to get those endorphins pumping. Investing in a specialized hybrid bike to carry you to and from work will often work out cheaper than petrol or ticket costs, and 30 minutes of cycling a day fill your quota of aerobic exercise that the NHS recommends per week.

Alternatively, add some more activity to your commute by parking  a little further from your office block, or getting off the bus a stop earlier. Not only will those steps soon add up, but it’s a great way to see a bit more of your surroundings and find some hidden-gem coffee shops or bars that you might have otherwise missed.

Learn something new

Whether it’s learning a new language, researching a new hobby or simply discovering a new author, learning a new skill is an effective way to make those otherwise wasted hours productive ones.

If you drive to work or, like many people, feel queasy reading on public transport, there’s a vast range of apps and audiobooks to choose from that can help you perfect your new skill – even if it’s just learning new history facts so you can rule the next office pub quiz!

Take a time-out

These day we live such busy lives – and with constant access to the internet via our phones, we never really get a chance to ‘switch off’. Though being knee-to-knee with a stranger on the train may not seem like the most relaxing of situations, your commute to and from work is a great opportunity to refocus your thoughts and meditate. Apps such as headspace are a great place to start if you’re looking to start meditating – and who knows, your new found zen may help you to be more productive throughout the day.