|The Monday Post| #41 – The How to Have a Successful Commute Edit

January 20, 2020 by MP

“Americans will put up with anything provided it doesn’t block traffic.” – Dan Rather

There is nothing worse than starting the day off on the wrong foot. In my last post, I shared my morning routine with you and how I manage to get out the door in a timely manner. But what happens once you get out of the door? Are you the type to hustle and bustle out the door, only to get in your car and sit in traffic for an hour? Or do you scramble onto a subway platform with hundreds of other commuters? Or do you use your morning commute as a way to get in exercise? Regardless of how you get to work, we all have to get there and show up in a professional fashion. Here are some of my items needed for a successful morning commute.

14 Items Needed For A Successful Commute

Audible

This is my number one recommendation. Whether you are driving, riding, walking, or cycling to work, the time always seem to go by a little quicker when I’m into a good book. I’m currently trying to find ways to save money and one are where I will not budge is my monthly Audible subscription. I feel that strongly about it.

Mini Emergency Kit

You just never know what might go wrong on your way to work. With this mini kit, you’ll always be prepared – it includes bobby pins, stain remover, earring backs, safety pin, deodorant towelette, dental floss, and adhesive bandages just to name a few. It comes in a cute little pouch that is discrete enough to hang out in your tote bag and ride around town with you.

Tote Bag

Having a nice tote bag to throw everything into is critical to a successful morning commute. This tote bag is reversible and comes with a detachable wristlet. And can you look at these colors? Black and leopard or taupe and ivory are the two current options – I have the black and brown combo (not currently available), but am REALLY into that leopard combo.

Headphones

These headphones were labeled the “best true wireless noise cancelling” headphones out there. Perfect for listening to your audible book, podcast, or jamming out to your favorite playlist on the way into the office.

Water bottle or Reusable Coffee Cup

This water bottle is my favorite. It doesn’t leak, making it perfect to throw into your tote bag for your morning commute. I carry mine with me AT ALL TIMES. Even mild dehydration can have a negative impact on productivity, energy level, and alertness.

This silicon coffee mug is perfect to grab and go. When you are finished with your coffee, simple collapse it and throw into your bag. It’s also perfect for traveling when you don’t have a lot of bag space and don’t want to worry about where to fit a big and bulky mug. Also, using this can seriously cut down on the amount of disposable cups you use, which is a huge bonus.

Breakfast/Protein Bar

Breakfast is extremely important and should not be missed. Grab one of these protein bars with 20 grams of protein and plenty of fiber on your way out the door if you just can’t squeeze in a more solid breakfast.

Hand Sanitizer

Do I even need to explain? This 9 pack comes with the travel wrap cases, perfect to attach to your bag, gym bag, laptop bag, etc.

Make Up Touch Up Pouch

Keep a small pouch of make up essentials in your bag – powder, blotting papers, chapstick, lipstick, mascara.

Eye Drops

These eye drops are a life safer. As my optometrist says, people forget to blink when looking at their phone, laptop, computer screen, etc. causing your eyes to dry out and potentially affecting the way your contact lenses sit on your eyes. These are made for contact wearers and are AMAZING.

Umbrella

This umbrella has a vented double canopy construction system to keep your umbrella from breaking. It is lightweight and durable and holds up season after season. Oh, and do you see how many color options there are?

Polarized Sunglasses

I won’t wear sunglasses that aren’t polarized anymore. I feel like it’s kind of one of those things that you don’t realize what you’re missing until you do. These are extremely affordable, stylish, durable, and polarized.

Reusable Bag

You just literally never know what could happen or when you might need an extra bag. These are also good to travel with because they fold up into a nice little pouch. I actually use one of these to bring home my sweaty work out clothes.

Travel Size Hair Spray and/or Dry Shampoo

You can watch the weather channel all you want to, Karen, but literally no one can control what mother nature decides to do, so keep this handy just in case.