Mastering the Commute: How to Stay Ahead of Delays, Disruptions, and Stress
Hybrid working means we don’t all have to slog into the office five days a week, but when we do commute, it’s often at different times and under different conditions. That unpredictability can make commuting feel more stressful than ever. Trains are late, buses are full, traffic grinds to a halt—yet somehow, we’re still expected to show up on time and ready to go.
I’ve had my fair share of commuting disasters—missed connections, cancelled trains, once even a bus that spontaneously decided its final stop was not quite where I needed to be. But over time, I’ve found ways to build a touch of resilience into my commute, so I’m caught off guard less often. Here’s how I manage my commute strategically, with a focus on backup plans, good sleep habits, and using technology to my advantage.
The Golden Rule: Always Have a Backup Plan
When you commute regularly, things will go wrong. It’s not an “if,” it’s a “when.” The trick is to have contingency plans so that when your usual route fails, you don’t panic.
Know your alternatives – If your train is cancelled, is there a bus? Can you drive instead? If the main road is jammed, do you know an alternative route? Always research at least two backup routes for getting to the office.
Set a threshold for giving up – If a delay hits, at what point do you switch to Plan B? For me, if my usual train is delayed more than 20 minutes, I switch to my other route immediately instead of waiting and hoping.
Keep transport apps handy – Apps like Citymapper and Google Maps are your friends. They provide real-time updates, so you can react fast when things go south.
Have a remote work contingency – If things are really bad, can you just work from home instead? It helps to have a flexible approach with your company.
Alarms, Sleep, and the Art of Waking Up Right
Commuting is stressful enough without running late because you overslept. The way you wake up plays a huge role in how smooth your commute goes.
Buffer time is key – Set your alarm 15–20 minutes earlier than technically necessary. That way, if something goes wrong (coffee spill, missing keys, etc.), you’re not instantly in crisis mode.
Alarm strategies – Use a mix of alarms: a gentle one to start waking you up, then a second one across the room so you have to get out of bed. If you’re a serial snoozer, consider one of those apps that forces you to complete a task (like solving a maths problem) to turn it off.
Prioritising sleep – If I know I’ve got an early commute, I force myself to shut down screens earlier and wind down properly. Sleep deprivation makes everything worse—including dealing with delays and unexpected disruptions.
The commute nap trick – If you’re lucky enough to get a seat on your train or bus, power naps can be gold. Set an alarm, wear noise-cancelling headphones, and grab a 10-minute recharge.
Checking Conditions Before You Leave
There’s nothing worse than getting to the station only to find out your train has been cancelled. A quick check before you leave home can save you a load of trouble.
Use real-time apps – Before stepping out the door, check live updates for your train, tube/metro, or bus service. Many transport apps even let you set up alerts for your regular routes.
Check the weather – Rain means slower traffic. Freezing conditions can cause train delays. Wind? Say goodbye to a smooth bike ride. Knowing what’s coming helps you adjust your timing or even choose a different mode of transport.
Look at traffic reports – Google Maps has a great real-time traffic feature, but Waze is also solid if you’re driving. Do a quick check to see if your usual roads are jammed.
Check social media for real insights – Sometimes, train operators are slow to update delays, but fellow commuters are not. A quick Twitter/X search for your route can reveal real-time problems before they’re officially announced.
Packing Essentials for Commute Survival
A well-prepared commuter is an unbothered commuter. Keep a small “survival kit” to help you handle unexpected delays with minimal frustration.
Some must-haves:
Portable charger – Because transport delays kill phone battery life.
Headphones – For drowning out those loud conversations, screaming babies, and the general chaos of public transport.
Snack & water – If you’re stuck for an extra hour, at least you won’t be starving.
Umbrella & gloves – Because weather forecasts aren’t always right…
Backup work items – If you might end up needing to work remotely, bring your laptop charger and a mobile hotspot just in case.
Handling the Stress of a Disrupted Commute
Even with the best planning, bad commutes happen. Here’s how to keep your stress levels in check when they do:
Mindset shift: Instead of getting frustrated, try to see it as extra time for a podcast, audiobook, or just zoning out with some music.
Breathing & relaxation tricks: If you’re stuck in a packed train going nowhere, practice some deep breathing or mindfulness techniques. Yes, it sounds cheesy, but these things do help.
Rant later, not now: If you’re about to send an angry tweet at the train company, best to wait. Complaining is fine, but stewing in frustration won’t get you there any faster and just worsen your mood.
Know when to cut your losses: If delays are severe, sometimes it’s better to turn around and work from home or head to a coffee shop instead of waiting indefinitely.
Final Thoughts: Control What You Can, Adapt to What You Can’t
Hybrid working means we don’t commute as much, but when we do, we need to be smart about it. By planning ahead, having backup options, and using tech wisely, commuting can be less of a nightmare—even when things go wrong.
The key takeaway? Control what you can—your alarms, your route planning, your backup plans. But for everything else? Accept that delays and disruptions are part of the game. The better you adapt, the less they’ll ruin your day.
And hey, if all else fails? There’s always the option to do WFH…