3. Practice a language. If you have been thinking about learning a second language, your commute can be a great time to practice. If you have the desire to work in a foreign country, knowing a second language can give you the inside track to an overseas job within your company. Also, knowing a second language will never be a negative on your resume. You should be able to get a wide range of language CDs at your local library to begin practicing right away.
4. Practice public speaking. Being able to give a quality presentation is always a good skill set to have that can help you advance your career. If you decide to join a speaking group like toastmasters to improve your public speaking, your commute can be a perfect time to practice your speech or presentation.
5. Make calls. If you have a speaker or other hands-free phone, there are a number of ways you can use it that can make yourself more productive while driving. You can get started on some early business calls to touch base with people that you need to contact. You can also use your phone as a digital recorder by calling your voicemail and leaving messages to yourself of tasks you need to do that day which you can then write into your calendar when you get to work.
6. Exercise. Most people don't think of a car as being the ideal place to exercise, but there are a number of small exercises that you can do to help you relax and will help take away stress.
Consider doing simple facial and breathing exercises. You can also get yourself in better shape with a muscle-centric workout by contracting and releasing certain muscle sets that you want to work on. Abdominal muscles are easy to work on in the car by holding in your belly. You can also work out your bottom, thighs and shoulders by doing simple stretching and contracting of muscles while driving. Incorporating breathing, facial and muscle exercises should give you more energy when you get into work and help take away the built up stress of work on your way home.
