Whether you're stuck in traffic, on the Gautrain, or cycling through busy streets—the journey to and from work can often feel like lost time. But what if your commute wasn’t just a means to an end? What if it became an opportunity for personal growth, relaxation, and maybe even joy?At YuLife, we believe that wellbeing is about taking small steps to create big change. This means making the most of every moment—including your time spent commuting. Instead of seeing it as dead time, take inspiration from our co-founder and Chief Product & Technology Officer, Josh Hart, and start reframing your commute as an opportunity to invest in yourself—an investment that can have a powerful impact on your overall mental and physical health.“I used to find long commutes boring,” Josh says. “But it all changed when I realised we are gifted time on our commutes, and I get to decide what I do with it.“I try my best not to let time drift by with little value. I start by reframing every long commute as a practice, not a punishment. A chance to invest in me.”With two hours of commuting built into his day, Josh explains that he tries to view this as 7,200 seconds of opportunity. Here are seven ways to transform your daily travel into a wellbeing boost:1. Practice mindfulnessA long commute can be the perfect time to practice mindfulness, whether it’s deep breathing, guided meditation, or simply being present in the moment. Apps such as Calm, Headspace, Breathwrk or Meditopia (the latter available through YuLife) offer easy-to-follow guides that can help you start the day with clarity and focus.2. Engage your brain with puzzles and gamesIf you are not in the driver's seat, Instead of endlessly scrolling through social media, why not challenge your mind with puzzles or games? Sudoku, YuLife's Yudoku, crosswords, and other brain-training apps are great ways to sharpen cognitive skills while keeping your journey engaging and fun.3. Listen to audiobooks or podcastsTurn your commute into a daily learning session by listening to an audiobook or podcast. Whether it’s for personal development, gaining industry insights, or enjoying a gripping novel, absorbing new knowledge on the go can be a great way to make the most of your time.4. Mentally prepare for the day aheadUse your commute as a time to set intentions for the day. Think about your top priorities, visualise success, or jot down a quick to-do list. A few minutes of mental preparation can help you arrive at work feeling more organised and in control to tackle the day. 5. Zone out and relaxSometimes, the best use of your commute is simply to let your mind rest. Giving yourself permission to enter a calm, relaxed state can help reduce stress and improve focus for the day ahead. Listening to soothing music or nature sounds can be surprisingly rejuvenating.6. Catch up on focused workIf you are carpooling, have a train or bus journey, this can be the ideal time to get ahead on emails, draft ideas, or review notes. Just be mindful of setting boundaries – your commute should be about balance, not just extra work hours.7. Move your bodyIf your commute involves walking or cycling, embrace it as an opportunity for getting more exercise. Moving your body before and after work can improve circulation, boost your mood, and increase overall wellbeing.Reclaim your commute for a healthier, happier youBy shifting your perspective on commuting, you can turn a mundane part of the day into something valuable. Whether it’s learning, relaxing, or preparing for the day ahead, using this time wisely can enhance both your productivity and overall sense of wellbeing.At YuLife, we encourage small, positive changes that add up to a healthier, happier life. What will you try on your next commute to make it work for you?About YuLifeYuLife is working to reimagine the insurance industry by protecting lives, rewarding living and inspiring life. We’re on a mission to transform traditional insurance into a life-enhancing experience each employee will value and use daily. How does it work?Our award-winning app uses behavioural science and game mechanics to reward your people for living well while offering protection in case of crisis. And with our top-rated employee assistance programme, your team gets access to mental, financial and social support, virtual GPs, nutritionists, life coaches and more to help them live their best lives.Because we believe that your employees should benefit from their insurance from day one — and that wellbeing should be accessible every day, for everyone.Request a demo for your team today.