The pandemic opened the eyes of many to the benefits of running or cycling to work – or “active commutes” – and some have kept up the habit.

No longer content with long drives or boring train rides, commuters have been seeking ways to make their journeys more productive and enjoyable.

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    English
    157 months ago

    It always seems weird seeing most people in busses/trains doing nothing. That’s one of the biggest advantages of having someone else drive you.

    • @SchmidtGenetics
      link
      English
      207 months ago

      Is enjoying the view not doing something? It’s not really something you get to do nor appreciate if you’re driving yourself.

      • @[email protected]
        link
        fedilink
        English
        87 months ago

        Sure, I guess I included the subway in “trains”. Most of my commute does not really have a view.

        • @SchmidtGenetics
          link
          English
          47 months ago

          Hey, I appreciate the view of a concrete wall as it wizzes past you, every once in a while is a door even!

          Yeah definitely not doing that underground, so yeah fair point in those cases haha.

      • u/lukmly013 💾 (lemmy.sdf.org)
        link
        fedilink
        English
        27 months ago

        It’s not really something you get to do nor appreciate if you’re driving yourself.

        I mean, you do, but it may decrease your and someone else’s lifespan…

      • Ephera
        link
        fedilink
        English
        17 months ago

        Well, if it’s a regular commute, you’ll soon have seen everything there is to see…

        • u/lukmly013 💾 (lemmy.sdf.org)
          link
          fedilink
          English
          27 months ago

          I’ve been taking the same route twice a day for the past 3 years.

          No less interesting so far.

          Actually, I am so weird I have the whole route recorded on my phone (from the window) like 4 times, and yes, I did watch it at home numerous times, in real time without skipping. Just like a movie.

          No, it does not get boring.

        • @SchmidtGenetics
          link
          English
          17 months ago

          Eh, people watching is always new, the scenes change depending on the sun and weather. Flowers don’t bloom forever. Lots to keep the view unique everyday.

    • @woop_woop
      link
      English
      77 months ago

      I like to sit and take a moment for me. It’s a nice moment of calm either before chaos or to release tension from the chaos. So I looks like nothing, but it’s zen

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      67 months ago

      I used to read a lot on my way to uni and work, but I stopped at some point. My commute consists of three 15-minute train rides, and I just can’t focus “on demand” like that any more, unfortunately. But I still enjoy daydreaming, which looks like(or maybe even is) doing nothing. Every day is filled with plans and things I need to do, it’s actually nice to have some time to do nothing. But if my commute were one continuous train ride, I’d probably read a lot more.

    • @Num10ck
      link
      English
      67 months ago

      some people have a very rich inner life, or would love some relaxation time to work through things for themselves, or to strategize re-approaches, etc. it may look like nothing to an outside observer. some other people may look like they are doing something like reading or watching media but really they are zoning out the same.

  • Ephera
    link
    fedilink
    English
    117 months ago

    I always like to work on my laptop, when I’m on the train. It’s great, because there’s no distractions, not much else to be doing. If the train ride is long enough, I can really get into the zone and be more productive than I’m anywhere else.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      3
      edit-2
      7 months ago

      I take the train to my new job and I gotta say I didn’t expect to like working on the train so much. If you pass through any nnicd areas you have a nice view, the upper floors are quiet zones during rush hour, the seats are fairly comfortable. It’s nice! The drive is about half the time, but even if I could drive there I wouldn’t.

  • Mannivu
    link
    fedilink
    English
    97 months ago

    When I was younger and attended university, I spent the time on the train reading. And that’s what brought me back to reading books.

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    English
    47 months ago

    I always just listen to music and maybe scroll Reddit or more recently Lemmy.

    Nowadays I often play on my Steam Deck. It makes the train ride go much faster.