Nearly 188,000 cross-border workers commute into Luxembourg every day, including around 98,000 from France, 45,000 from Belgium, and 45,000 from Germany. With daily journeys averaging two hours, commuting can feel like a major time drain and a serious source of stress, especially when traffic jams and train delays strike. But what if you could turn that "lost" time into something useful? Here are 5 smart ways to make your commute more rewarding and maybe even enjoyable.
Learn something new
Instead of getting frustrated with delays or roadworks and starting your day on the wrong foot, use your commute to learn a new skill. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn a language, try coding, or even pick up knitting. Why don’t you give it a try during your daily commute ? There are countless apps and online platforms that can help you get started with learning a new language or learning coding.
If you are driving, you should know that there is a huge range of podcasts and even language learning old school CDs to listen to while on the road. As for knitting, bring your kit along and start crafting your own scarf by watching a tutorial on your phone. Of course, do not try this behind the wheel.
Take a moment to breathe
At first glance, public transport doesn’t exactly scream “relaxation”. But instead of letting the noise and chaos get to you, why not use the time to unwind and be present in the moment? Your commute can be the perfect window to clear your mind, observe your surroundings, or simply pause before the workday begins. If you're on a train or bus, investing in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones could help you get into meditation or mindfulness. Never tried it? No worries, there are plenty of beginner-friendly apps and tutorials to guide you through the basics.
Meet your soulmate…
… or at the very least, make your commute more social! Whether you’re on the train, bus or carpooling, why not strike up a conversation with fellow travellers? You could ask what book they’re reading or what music they’re listening to. Feeling shy? The worst that can happen is someone won’t be up for a chat. But you might just make a new friend, someone who inspires you, teaches you something new, or simply helps pass the time in a more enjoyable way.
Boost your productivity
A great way to set the tone for your day is by getting organised during your journey. Use the time to make a quick to-do list or refine the one you already have. Prioritising your tasks before arriving at work can bring clarity and focus, making your day far more productive. If you're driving to work, try using your phone’s voice memo app to record your goals and ideas as they come.
Get moving
No one’s suggesting you cycle from Arlon to Luxembourg but why not add a bit of walking or cycling into your routine? If you take the bus, consider getting off a stop earlier. If you drive, park a little farther from the office and enjoy a brisk morning walk. It’s a simple change, but it can give you a proper energy boost to start the day and might even help shed a few pounds along the way. 😊
You can also make the most of your commute by exploring your next career opportunity!
You can also check out the calendar of our upcoming events.
