There are five things that I just can’t commute to New York City without:
This one is most obvious. Our phones are our lives. I wouldn’t be able to get to work the first day without Google Maps. Because of the Urban Spoon app, I found the nearest Indian food place without wasting time wandering around on my 30 minute (well 20 once I wait for an elevator) lunch break. I keep up with editors in San Francisco, Dallas, Lexington and New York via email. I listen to music (very low or only in one ear for safety reasons) as I walk through the streets or sit on the train. One thing I learned the hard way though is to never text while walking. I know it seems silly, but I have gotten inches from speeding cabs on more than one occasion because of texting. Always pay attention while walking, no matter where you are!
Everyone I know who has to commute hates it, but with the right stuff, it really isn’t so bad. I love the fact that I have 30-40 minutes at the start and end of every work day where I can either just sit and read, listen to music or get to know the person sitting next to me. So far I’ve read The Monster of Florence, Fifty Shades of Grey, and Fifty Shades Darker as I’ve commuted. Last year, it took me the whole summer just to finish one book! If you’re not into books, listening to music, playing games on your phone or just looking out the window are other nice ways to cherish your downtime while on your commute.
This may be the writer in me but I carry a marble notebook with me everywhere. Aside from my planner, which I don’t always have on hand, I use a notebook to leave myself reminders, take notes during work, or write down the crazy stories of my day. I don’t think I could leave the house without pen and paper in some form.
Everyone should do this! Take a zip lock sandwich bag and fill it with essentials. I keep Oil Absorbing Sheets, Excedrin, a small mirror, anti-bacterial, pens, gum, lip balm, floss, tweezers, tissues and a mini toothbrush and paste in mine. This way, you don’t have to look through all the compartments of your bag to get to what you want and it makes it easy to change from bag to bag. Also, if you get caught in rain, your lotion explodes or your water bottle leaks, nothing will get ruined.
As told in the post “Don’t Just Think On Your Feet, Think Of Your Feet,” I wouldn’t be able to commute without my commuting shoes. I still have blisters and calluses from those first two weeks of walking two miles each way in flats. Walking as a part of your commute is a good way to incorporate a bit of exercise into your day, but walking in shoes without support can lead to back and knee pain. You could really ruin your feet. I commute either in a pair of Keds or these Fit Foam Adidas Flip Flops. Change up your shoes and your feet will thank you!
