Another day, another commute. If you’re a certified commuter in the Philippines, you know the struggle is real. From lining up for the MRT or LRT during rush hour to getting stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic on EDSA, getting to your destination can sometimes feel like forever.
But who says your daily commute has to be boring? With a few simple activities, you can turn those extra minutes into an opportunity to relax, have fun, or even get a little productive. Instead of scrolling through your phone, here are fun and easy things to do while commuting to make your daily trips more enjoyable!
1. Listen to Music or Your Favorite Podcasts
Sometimes, all you need is a good playlist to make a long commute feel a little more bearable. After all, what’s a long ride without a little background music? Listening to your favorite songs can make the trip feel less tiring, whether you’re standing inside a crowded MRT, sitting by the window of a bus, or squeezing into the last available space in a jeepney. Play some upbeat OPM hits to get yourself ready for the day, or switch to your favorite mellow tracks when you’re finally on your way home.
Not in the mood for music? Podcasts are another great option! You can listen to everything, from inspiring conversations and relatable life stories to comedy or even true crime mysteries. Plus, you don’t even have to look at your screen, making it perfect for those siksikan moments that are common when you commute in the Philippines.
Tip: Download your favorite playlists or podcast episodes before leaving home. That way, tuloy-tuloy ang sound trip even when your mobile signal suddenly disappears!
2. Catch Up on Your Reading List
Remember that book you bought months ago and promised yourself you’d finish? Your daily commute might finally be your chance to pick it up again! If you’re lucky enough to get a seat on the bus or train, bring out your favorite book or open an e-book on your phone. Even just 10 to 15 minutes of reading can help you make progress on your reading list.
But we know not every commute comes with a comfortable seat. That’s where audiobooks come in handy! Instead of flipping through pages or staring at your screen, you can simply put on your earphones and listen to a good story. It’s a convenient way to catch up on your reading list, even when you’re standing throughout the entire ride.
Tip: Save articles or download e-books beforehand for easy access during your commute. If reading on a moving vehicle makes you dizzy, audiobooks are a great alternative!
3. Play Quick and Relaxing Mobile Games
If you’re stuck in traffic and have already checked your phone five times in the last ten minutes, playing mobile games is a surefire way to pass the time. Puzzle games, word searches, and casual mobile games are especially convenient for commuting because you can enjoy them in short sessions. They’re also a great option when you want to keep your mind occupied without committing to a long gaming session.
Tip: Go for mobile games that work offline and don’t require too much concentration. That way, you can easily pause when it’s time to get off.
4. Watch Short Dramas for a Quick Entertainment Break
Ever started watching a series, only to realize you don’t have enough time to finish an episode? Luckily, you don’t always need a full hour to enjoy a good story! If you’re looking for things to do while commuting, watching short dramas is a fun way to keep yourself entertained without committing to long episodes.
Unlike traditional TV shows with longer episodes, short dramas offer bite-sized stories that are easy to enjoy whenever you have a few minutes to spare. And here’s something worth checking out: Shopee Drama! With Shopee Drama, you can watch short dramas for free directly on the Shopee app. Got a few minutes before your stop? Watch an episode or two. Stuck in traffic on EDSA? Catch up on a few more episodes while waiting for the traffic to move. The quick, engaging episodes make it a convenient entertainment option for both short and long commutes in the Philippines.
Tip: Bring your earphones so you can enjoy your favorite stories without disturbing other passengers. Keep an eye on your stop, too!
5. Organize Your To-Do List for the Day
Now, if you want to make your commute a little more productive, you can use a few minutes to organize your schedule and prepare for the day ahead. If you’ve managed to find a seat, open your phone’s notes app and list your priorities for the day. Maybe you need to finish a work report, submit a school requirement, pay a bill, or finally reply to that message you’ve been putting off.
And if you’re commuting home after a tiring day, you can also jot down reminders for tomorrow, so you can start your morning with a clearer plan. You don’t need to accomplish major tasks either. A quick checklist is enough to help you feel a little more prepared.
Tip: Keep your to-do list simple. Start with your most important tasks, and save the longer planning sessions for when you’re somewhere more comfortable.
6. Learn Something New in Just a Few Minutes
Your commute can also be an opportunity to pick up a new skill or discover something interesting. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn a few Korean phrases because of your favorite K-drama, improve your English vocabulary, or finally understand that interesting topic you keep seeing online.
Instead of spending your entire ride mindlessly scrolling, try watching a short educational video or practicing a few words in another language. Even a few minutes of learning each day can help you build a consistent habit over time.
Tip: Choose bite-sized lessons that fit your commute. No pressure to learn everything in one ride!
7. Take a Moment to Relax and Recharge
After a long day of meetings, deadlines, classes, or errands, sometimes all you want to do is get home, eat, and lie down. And that’s okay. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat on the bus or train, take the opportunity to rest for a while. Put on some calming music, look out the window, or simply enjoy a few quiet minutes without checking your phone.
You can also try some gentle breathing exercises to help yourself unwind after a stressful day. Of course, relaxing can be a little harder when you’re standing in a crowded MRT or sitting shoulder-to-shoulder inside a jeepney. In those moments, even something as simple as listening to soothing music and taking your mind off your busy schedule can help.
Tip: If you’re planning to take a quick nap, make sure you’re seated somewhere safe, keep your belongings secure, and set an alarm before your stop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I make a long commute feel shorter?
Keep yourself entertained with activities you enjoy! Try listening to your favorite podcast, watching a short drama, or reading a few chapters of a book. Having something to look forward to, like watching a Shopee Drama episode, can make the ride feel less tiring.
What if I’m standing on a crowded bus or train?
Go for hands-free activities like listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. That way, you can stay entertained while keeping your hands free to hold on and secure your belongings.
What are some things to do while commuting without using your phone?
You can read a book, listen to music, enjoy the view, or simply take a moment to relax. If you’re feeling tired, use the time to rest and recharge before reaching your destination.
Make Every Commute More Enjoyable
Commuting in the Philippines isn’t always easy. Between long lines, crowded trains, and never-ending traffic, getting from one place to another can really test your patience. But while you can’t always control how long your trip takes, you can definitely find little ways to make it more enjoyable!
You can listen to your favorite songs, catch up on reading, play quick games, or simply relax after a long day. And when you’re in the mood for a little entertainment, why not give Shopee Drama a try? With free, bite-sized episodes you can watch right inside the Shopee app, you can turn even a long bus ride home into your own mini binge-watching session. Want to know more? Check out our article to learn more about the feature and how you can start watching your next favorite short drama: Watch, Tap, Shop: Free Short Dramas Have Arrived on Shopee.
The next time you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for your stop, make the most of your travel time and turn those extra minutes into something fun to look forward to!
