Let's face it – the daily commute to work can be a drag. Every morning, commuters endure crammed trains, stop-and-go traffic and crowded footpaths just to do the same thing over again at the end of the work day. Not only can the ride be draining, but it often seems like a waste of time.

The average commuter travels roughly 26 minutes to work each day– that's almost an hour of commuting every day of the week. So how can you use this time more efficiently?

Have a look at some of the best ways to make your daily commute less of a hassle and more of a productive experience.

Consider Public Transportation

If you don't already, consider using public transportation as your primary mode of travel. While it may make your commute a few minutes longer, riding along public transportation has several benefits. First off, it gives you the ability to safely use your portable device. Public transport also allows you to avoid the anxiety of driving through rush hour traffic, saves you money on petrol, and protects your car from wear-and-tear. Not only that, but public transport is great for the environment.

If public transportation doesn't work for you, consider joining a ride-share program. Sharing a ride to work is not only great for the environment, but it can give you the chance to network with new people every morning.

Prepare For Your Day

Preparation is key to setting your work day up for success. If you start the day knowing exactly what you need to accomplish, you're likely to feel more energised and ready to tackle work. Consider your most important tasks and either write them down or use a to-do list app (I use Wunderlist). If you're a driver that needs to create a to-do list down while keeping your eyes on the road, consider using a dictation application on your smartphone that will convert speech to text.

Learn Something New

Even if you can't take public transport to free up your attentions, there are still plenty of ways to make your commute to work more productive. Catching up on international news, listening to a podcast, or trying out a new audiobook can be the great start to your day. You can even learn a new language by using apps like Duolingo. In addition to being entertaining, learning something new gives you more opportunities to connect with colleagues and strike up intelligent conversation.

Relax

The workday is stressful enough as it is; your commute shouldn't add to that. If you find yourself suffering from high levels of anxiety, consider blocking out your commute time as a chance to reflect and relax. If commuting via public transportation, use the time to take a few deep breaths and meditate with help from apps like Headspace. If you drive, try taking a scenic route on the way home. While your commute may take a bit longer, it may help provide a sense of comfort and relaxation as opposed to the hustling traffic of the motorway.

Your commute sets the tone for the rest of your day. Don't let it become a daily hassle. Start your day off right by trying some of the suggestions above. No matter how you are trying to make your commute more productive, remember to drive safely.

What do you do to make your commute productive?