The Power of The Podcast

Listen To a Podcast During Your Commute

drcommute   •   November 2021

Dear commuter,

If there are things you can improve during your commute is the opportunity to learn. To engage with creative content and experience something new. Either you want to learn a new skill, improve yourself, lift your spirits with a good laugh, feel inspired, excited or even motivated. The power of a good podcast can help you tick all those boxes and you can really become addicted to this new experience if you are not already a big fan of podcasts.

As we all know we live in the Information Age where all you need is just a click away. We have apps for literally everything we want. The beauty of a podcast is that you just need to lay back and listen. The main challenge in 2021 is selecting the right podcast. We can spend so much time just trying to find a good quality podcast that fulfils our ambition.

Don’t you worry I got your back. I will narrow everything down for you.

Interestingly, the word podcast first originated from a portmanteau of:

The iPod was a portable media player device created by Apple and released in 2001 with the slogan “1000 songs in your pocket”.

The word was first mentioned by a British Journalist – Ben Hammersley that was on a deadline

We needed one more sentence – just to fill the page,

So I wrote something pompous like: And what should we call this new phenomenon – audioblogs? How about podcasts?

Ben Hammersley – BBC News

You may ask, How many podcasts are there?

From April 2021, there are over 2 Million podcasts and over 48 MILLION episodes.

Podcasts are having a steady engagement over time and across several countries.

The country with higher podcast consumption is U.S followed by Sweden.

The demographics with podcasts is higher in young males 18-35 years old.

According to several stats the most liked podcasts genre are:

• Comedy
• News
• True Crimes
• Sports
• Health & Fitness
• Music ( 2nd in UK)

What is the average number of podcasts consumption per week? 6

Most Popular podcasts directories/Apps:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Castbox
• Google Podcasts
• Web Browser
• Podcast Addict
• Overcast
• Apple iTunes

According to this article the U.S podcast audience is predicted to double by 2023.

Why do people listen to Podcasts?

• To learn new things
• Entertainment
• Keeping up with things
• Inspiration

Still unsure where to start?

If you are already enjoy some podcasts and want to know podcasts with a similar audience check out this website.

Or, select podcasts that you already enjoy and let this website narrow the options down for you.

Here you can select the podcasts you enjoy and suggestions will appear based on your likes.

I’m glad you’ve made it this far. Ready to embrace your podcast addiction?

As a commuter, you will either listen to a podcast on your computer or smartphone.

First, you will need to select a Podcast App. Podcast Apps are usually free so selecting the right one for you may be a hit and miss experience at the beginning. If you have an iPhone you have the Apple podcast app if you own an Android phone you probably have the Google Podcast App integrated.

Here are some of the best Podcast Apps:

• Apple Podcast
• Spotify
• Google Podcast
• Pocket Casts
• Podcast Addict
• RadioPublic

Second, you will need a good set of headphones if you are commuting, by public transport, cycling or walking/running.  If you are commuting by car, you will need to connect your smartphone via Bluetooth connection to your car. Please make sure that everything is working properly before you start your commute to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

Either you are just starting listening to Podcasts or you are already addicted to them.

Let me know if you have any other suggestions or tips to improve this journey.

Enjoy your commute

Yours truly,

drcommute

Commute and Mental Health

The impact Commuting has on your wellbeing

drcommute   •   October 2021

Dear commuter,

In this forever changing world it is clear that both commuting trends and working patterns post-covid are evolving. But are they adapting to the needs of the commuter?

In this article we are going to discuss:

• How does your commute impact your mental health?
• How you can improve your commute?

During covid times, some commuters went from daily commuters to remote workers to part-time commuters again. Since 2020 so much changed because of Covid. Were you all prepared for this shift? Do you prefer to work from home, full-time or do you enjoy commuting some days of the week?

Without a doubt, commute plays an important role in our culture. The average human is a double-sided coin, the family person and the working person. The time you spend commuting is a part of who you are, it’s the rim of the coin, the transition between one side and the other. So don’t think it is just a means to an end. It is paramount that this travel pattern is acknowledged, understood and acted upon.

Unquestionably, commuting times have been rising. The long commuter is now more common than ever before. According to the Eurostat, in 2019 in Europe:

A large number of workers see their commute as a daily activity that is far from being enjoyable. The lack of control and unpredictability are some of the main factors that enhance this perception. Several studies have shown commuting times and trends to have a relevant impact on the commuters wellbeing.

Having said that, understanding the commuting trends and the impact it has on the commuters mental health will possibly give solutions to questions that remain unanswered. Enabling future changes in policies and structural urban and transportation design that better address the needs of the commuters.

General aspects of commute through time:

– Increased commute length both in time and miles

– Car being the preferred mode of commute

– Men commute longer than women

– Stress factors identified due to congestion, crowding and unpredictability

Subjective wellbeing in commuting is the perception as a commuter of how well  life is during this journey. In other words, it is a self-evaluation that you do during your commute integrating all the positive and negative emotions during this time. This is usually measured through national surveys.

Higher life satisfaction is associated with:

According to this research:

• Longer commuting (60-90 min) times are associated with lower life satisfaction
• The level of physical activity can have an influence on your happiness and wellbeing during your commute
• Active commuting: walking and cycling increases mental health and enhance your mood
• To work: commuters are preparing themselves for the day ahead, working mindset
• From Work: commuters are more open to enjoy their commute
• Higher levels of stress during rush hours caused by: loss of control and unpredictability
• Positive impact whilst commuting with someone
• Women although commute less, are more prone to a negative influence of commuting than men

The commuting and wellbeing study from UWE Bristol added:

• Car commuters report a higher level of stress and more negative emotions than rail commuters
• Commute can be seen positively: it is a time to relax, there is a shift from working person to family person, time for reflection and commuting times can be used in a productive way
• Commuters with greater options in terms of transport demonstrated a higher journey satisfaction
• Negative impact on physical health when commute journeys are longer for car drivers and women, leading to more GP visits
• Switching from car travel to walking, cycling or public transport decreases body-mass index (BMI)

Take advantage of your commute, stop and visualise the kind of day you wish to have, reflect on your accomplishments or progress over the following week. Make use of your commute home as a transition point between work an home mode so you can leave the work mindset for the next day. Try to cut yourself off from business correspondence on the train. Increase active modes of commute like walking or cycling.

These are some tips to enhance your commute experience:

In conclusion, with the shift of modern travel behaviour and working patterns, there is clearly a need for new research to be conducted. In order, to increase the understanding of travel patterns, commuters needs and the impact on workers wellbeing.

Modern commuting patterns post covid need to take into account:

• Change in the work pattern – part-time, remote workers.
• Workers with no fixed usual workplace
• Trip Chaining: commuters tend to combine in their primary trip (house to work) non-working related trips (picking up children, grabbing coffee, groceries, gym..)

Several variables need to be accounted for to enable future realistic data collection for future studies. Allowing an in-depth understanding of the commuting patterns of nowadays. Giving the researchers the tools to compare these results and differentiate them across generations and countries. This will allow targeted policy-making to shift and accommodate the commuters priorities and interlink them with urban improvements such as transport facilitation, employment, services etc.

In the near future, it is important to:

• Increase the predictability and ensure the commuter has control of their commute by offering real-time information for public transports, guarantee a ride home programmes
• Offer high-quality Wi-Fi on public transports
• Reduce crowding on public transports, peak times by enabling flexible working patterns
• Increase/Improve green routes options that are safe for walking and cycling
• Financial incentives (eg. tax-free bicycle, transporting prices that suit every type of commuter, full-time, part-time)
• Improve public transports (rapid transit, better integration between services)

In the end, the question is not :

Is the Commute bad for your health but rather how do I improve my commute?

• Plan ahead, be in control of your commute
• Create a healthy morning routine
• If possible, a shorter commute that includes an active mode of commute either walking or using a bicycle
• Be productive: listen to a podcasts, read a book, revise, learn something new..
• Relax and reflect: listen to relaxing music, meditate or play a game.

Please share with us your routines, thoughts and experiences.

Have a lovely journey and please make sure you always put your wellbeing above all.

Student Commuter

Where the Magic Happens

drcommute   •   September 2021

Dear  student commuter,

In the mid-1960s, the student commuter had a negative attribution. There was always a tendency to compare the student that commutes to the “traditional student” living on campus. Nowadays with modern technology and the long-lasting changes in our society, we need to look at the student commuter experience independently and understand how this travel behaviour impacts the student and how it can be improved.

It can be overwhelming when choosing for the future university as well as the commute itself. There are a lot of factors that need to be balanced and considered before making this decision. This is a tremendous pressure that every student has to face. Having said that we are going to gather as much information so you can base your choices on factual information. Giving you the tools to make an informed decision that best suits your priorities.

For many, the question is: should I commute to university or should I invest in student accommodation?

On one hand, you feel the pressure to fully commit to the student experience. Everyone around you will tell you over and over again that you need to fully embrace this journey. On the other hand, probably you just can’t spend that amount of money or let go of the comfort of your home.

If you choose the latter you are going to be integrated into the large group known as – student commuters. And no, commuting is not just for work purposes.

Either way, no matter what you choose you will have your challenges and you will need to overcome them. The important thing is to plan and prepare for what is to come. As a student commuter, I do not doubt that you will have more challenges than your peers. But don’t forget this:

“Outside of your comfort zone is where the magic happens”

Some studies agree on the impact commuter students show on their academic experiences compared with their non-commuting peers. As an example, commuter students show a lower academic engagement, with poorer learning outcomes possibly leading to the difficulty of achieving a secured graduate job. So the question arises: Are the universities adapting their systems to accommodate the student commuter? Is this outcome solely because of the reduced student engagement? Or the lack of support from the institutions?

By commuting to University you can choose to enhance your productivity and discipline. You will be able to see the commute as the start and end of that day. Allowing you to separate your social life from your personal life. Take advantage of this time. On the other side of the coin, you have the challenges of the commute itself. As studies previous showed, both the types of mode of commute (active/passive) and the length of your commute have their advantages and disadvantages and they can have a positive or negative impact on your happiness.

There has been much discussion about the University engagement you will have as a student commuter. It is harder to make friends. You will need to make an extra effort to make new friends and have a University social life. Reach out to commuters and people that are in the same situation as you.

Being a student commuter may not be for everyone. But if you choose this path, commit to it. Persevere and everything will be ok.

What is a student commuter?

It’s the daily journey you undertake to go from home to the university campus or college and back. It can be within these modes of commute: walking, cycling, by car or public transports.

Student commuters are defined as students not living in university-owned housing and can range from:

• Full-time students living with their parents
• Part-time students living in accommodation off-campus
• Full-time workers
• Parents with children at home

Sandwich students are also included in most of the statistics about student commuters.

What is a sandwich student or sandwich degree?

It is a practical work experience component integrated in your academic degree.

Some general aspect you need to consider during your commute:

• Commuting costs: monthly pass, car insurance, parking options (this is a big one!)
• Commuting lengths: increased commuting times takes a big toll on your wellbeing. Check out this post about the long commute. I used to commute for 3 hours and it was so worth it. But it may not be for everyone. Take advantage of the technology nowadays and be productive!
• Making friends: It is important to engage in peer activities. Join a club or a sorority.
• Be strategic: Make smart choices about the classes you attend. Avoid long gaps during your day. If they are inevitable plan to do something productive. Start a blog, learn a new skill.
• Confirm if your University has a commuter lounge or lockers, so you can relax and put your things down.
• Plan your meals: Either bring snacks with you or opt for a meal plan on campus.
• Consult your University, about student commuter options.

These are only small tips for you to consider and plan your next steps. I hope it helps.

In the UK, according to HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) in 2019/2020:

• Full-time and Sandwich Students Studying in The UK by Term-Time Accommodation

In this research paper summary, it is evident that there is a constant tendency to compare student commuters with more traditional university students and these are some of their conclusions:

• Commuters students tend to have poorer outcomes than students who decide to relocate to study
• They demonstrate lower rates of belonging
• Commuter students are more likely to have lower rates of continuation

Nonetheless, it is important to understand the student commuter, not as a single homogenous group but as different groups with different priorities and needs. The students who commute are facing daily challenges that need to be acknowledged and understood. Enabling institutions to find reasonable solutions for these obstacles.

Over 25% of UK undergraduates are commuter students. This research paper concludes 34% of all UK universities are implementing tactics to enhance the student commuter experience.

In the U.S these are the college and universities with the highest percentage of students living in university housing for the academic year of 2020/2021.

These colleges reported the highest percentages of students who commute to campus on the academic year of 2020/2021

In a word, commuting either to work or as a student is unpredictable and can be stressful. Clearly, there is scope to improve the student commuting experience. First and foremost, you need to do your homework before choosing what type of commute you are choosing. If it is predictable, peak times, how long it is, costs, etc…

Universities need to also acknowledge and accept this travel behaviour and adjust to their students needs.

By incorporating:

• Accurate online information
• Realistic parking solutions
• Lockers
• Meal plans
• Commuter lounges
• Redesign their classes to better suit their schedule and maximise their time at the institution
• Flexible learning
• Access to commute communities

In this internet era, the time you spend commuting can be so productive. You have access to an enormous amount of information that previously wasn’t even possible.

During your commute you can:

• Focus on your studies, revise
• Listen to music and decompress
• Listen to a podcast and learn something new
• Read a book

This post gives you some tips on how to improve your commute.

In conclusion, the final decision is always yours. The best advice I can give you is preparation. Try and anticipate any hiccups. Balance the advantages and disadvantages of this decision. If you do that, you will be ok. If the commute is not bringing you any benefits, rethink your priorities and if possible, adjust.

Don’t forget you are a student commuter, everything is new. Go out of your way and experiment with new things, because it is out of your comfort zone that magic happens.

Please tell us your stories. We would love to hear about them.

Trip Chaining

A new way of Commuting

drcommute   •   September 2021

Dear commuter,

Trip chaining behaviour has been acknowledged since the 1960s. Although to this date, there are no set agreements on the definition of this term, it is a pattern easily recognised. Nonetheless, how is this pattern analysed and what impact does it have on the commuter’s journey?

As a commuter myself I’ve noticed becoming a part of this commuting trend. Previous data released measuring commuting journeys base their model on a very simplistic framework.

Having said that let’s start with the main question: What is the meaning of commute?

The commute is a journey that an individual undertakes from home to work (and vice versa).

Currently, statistics on commuters behaviour extract their data based on this simplistic model.

Historically, the commute was a journey limited by urban and technological developments so, the commute patterns were well monitored and known. Nowadays with the advancement in the different modes of commute, transport links, technology and even flexible working patterns, the commuter’s journey transformed to adapt to the individual needs and priorities. This allows the commuter to plan ahead and integrate errands during this journey. In current times, the pattern of mobility during the commute is no longer defined by the original statement.  The need to acknowledge, accept, investigate and adapt is paramount to the complexity of human travel. Allowing future knowledge and resources to be used in transportation improvement policies, urban structure with the view to contribute positively to the future of the commute and ultimately to the commuter experience.

With that being said, what is trip chaining?

Currently, there is no set agreement for the definition of a trip chain.

Trip chaining is a travel pattern that combines the commuter’s daily commitments (non-work-related stops) into one simple trip (home to work or work to home).

For instance, during your commute, you make a stop to drop your children at the daycare centre, go to the gym or even do your shopping on your way back home. This is a simple diagram to help you understand the concept of trip chaining during your commute:

In simples words, you take advantage of your daily commute to do your errands with the view of saving time and money.

The trip chaining definition by the National Travel Survey in England:

Trips individuals make within a defined period of time (eg: morning peak). This includes both chains (stop in a journey to take a child to school or for other purposes regardless of the time taken) and travel patterns (someone who makes a trip with a purpose may return home and then make another trip).

Other trip chaining definition was described by McGucking and Nakamoto:

Travels between two anchors (The tour)  that is either a direct or with an intervening stop of 30 minutes or less (chain).

There are two anchor points in this case (home and work). The journey between these anchor points is considered the tour and chains are the stops or trips taken during this tour.

This definition was proposed by the U.S Federal Highway Administration and used by the 1995 Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey (NPTS) and the 2001 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS).

In 2008 Primerano et al proposed trip chain as:

A primary journey (e.g your commute to work) that start and ends at home with secondary trips linked to your main trip.

General aspects of your commute with trip chaining activities:

• Increased commute length both in time and miles
• That leads to an increasing number of stops
• Trip chaining behaviour is increasing both in male and female
• Women show a higher number of stops
• Predominant in non-urban areas
• With an increase in denser urban areas as well
• The mode of commute preferred in non-urban areas is the car
• But trip chaining behaviour is seen using different modes of transportation

According to the latter study, these are the most common stops from home-to-work and work-to-home.

The complexity of trip-chaining (on the way to and from work) in different household types increases from:

It is in the presence of households with children that commute patterns and trip chain behaviours diverge from men and women. Showing an increase of women stopping on their way to work and back. Other studies  reached the same conclusion.

In these studies there are noticeable differences between commute trip chaining behaviours between men, women and their household structure. Again the data collected is from 1995 NPTS and the 2001 NHTS:

• both man and women increased their stops during their commute from 1995-2001 mainly from home to work
• Men’s trip chaining increased almost twice as much (24%) – stops for meals and coffee – “Starbucks effect”
• Men in a household with teenager children or no children showed an increase in trip chaining behaviour
• More than 40% within a household with small children included non-work stops into their commute – slight change since 1995
• When both parents work the trips to drop off or pick up a child is made by women 66% and men 34%.
• Women are more likely to incorporate household responsibilities: ex: children’s drop-off

As well as this paper where it is mentioned that:

When households come into light:

• 80% of both men and women in households with no children show no stops on their way to work.
• 40-50% of stops on their journey back home.

The causes of this shift away from the traditional commuting patterns are not clear at the present time but it is speculated that it can be a consequence of:

• Trip Chaining: commuters tend to combine in their primary trip (house to work) non-working related trips (picking up children, grabbing coffee, groceries, gym..)
• Change in the work pattern – part-time, remote workers.
• Workers with no fixed usual workplace

Several questions focusing primarily on the trip chain behaviour, need to be considered before collecting new data related to the increase of this commuting trend.  The questions that come to light are: a) what is the formal and comparable definition of trip chain; b) what comparable data should be used? What should be the length of the trip? The purpose of the trip? What is the direction of the commute journey (home-to-work or work-to-home)? Or the number of stops? Studies have shown that incorporating an analysis with a geographical component will step up the understanding of trip chain behaviour during commuting.

All of these variables need to be accounted for to enable future realistic data collection for empirical studies. Allowing an in-depth understanding of the commuting patterns of nowadays. Giving the researchers the tools to compare these results and differentiate them across generations and countries. This will allow targeted policy-making to shift and accommodate the commuters priorities and interlink them with urban improvements such as transport facilitation, employment, services etc.

Please share with us your thoughts and experiences.

Backpack and Back pain

The Commuters Guide to Prevent Back Injuries

drcommute   •   August 2021

Dear commuter,

Do you have a backpack or back pain? In other words, during your commute do you feel tension on your shoulders or discomfort on your lower back? This is the ultimate guide to prevent backpack injuries during your commute.

Generally speaking, this is clearly a relatable topic across several generations. The backpack is introduced to us at a quite young age but it is later in life that the impact of poor habits will eventually sneak up on us. Consequently, it leads to negative repercussions on our comfort and ultimately our health. Needless to say, that prevention and awareness of the impact of a poorly fitted backpack is vital for a healthy spine and mainly an uneventful commute.

As we are well aware, commuting times are on the rise, leading to an increase in our backpack weight. We tend to carry our lunch, gym gear, computers, books and probably we still do our groceries on our way back home. In the long run, this new way of commute called trip chaining results in a natural increase of what we carry. With  the prospects of taking advantage of our long commute. Can you relate to this?

So, I am here to address the importance of a good backpack. In addition, I will explain how you should wear it and what you should look out in order to prevent future injuries. In conclusion this commuter guide will help you improve the quality of your commute.

Back pain is a very common symptom and it is expected that 80% of the population will experience back pain at some point in their lifetimes.

I’ve come across several papers focusing on both children and adolescents and the impact of backpacks design and loads coupled with the change in posture and increase of physical discomfort. Probably because this can be detected quite easily in children and adolescents, when it comes to adults there are other factors that back pain can be linked to rather than your backpack. Nonetheless there are no strong longitudinal studies that link the backpack as a possible risk for back pain.

This systematic review concludes there is no current evidence that indicates a link between backpacks and the increased risk of back pain in children and adolescents although there is some evidence correlating the back pain with the weight of the backpack.

The sooner you understands the benefits from a comfortable backpack and backpacking techniques the better to help prevent or reduce injuries. Ultimately, improving the quality of your commute:

As a general rule, your backpack should be removed before boarding and kept low or at your feet. Don’t forget to bend your legs when you need to grab it to prevent straining your back.

Finally, I am proud of you! If you are reading this and got this far it’s because you do want to make a difference and improve. I know it is hard to take the first step. Let me know how your commute improved with these tips.

Or even better, tell me about your daily commute.

The 7 Best Minimalist Backpacks

For your Commute

drcommute   •   August, 2021

Dear commuter,

let’s talk about backpacks. As a commuter myself a good backpack is one of the most important if not “THE” most important essential you will need to purchase to ensure a comfortable and smooth commute. It is well known that commuting times are on the rise, so check out this selection for the 7 best backpacks for your commute and let us know what you think.

There is a wide range of options for every taste, budget and that adjusts to your priorities as a commuter.  Nonetheless, you need to make sure that the backpack is properly adjusted to prevent fatigue and injury. Something that we will discuss in another post.

This post is mainly focused on the commuter that walks, uses the car or public transports. Commuters that run or cycle to work may want to invest in a backpack that is targeted to their needs.

If I could design my backpack it would be

On a side note, I didn’t have the opportunity to review each product physically but through meticulous research combined with other commuters’ reviews and personal preferences. Hopefully you will find this selection helpful in your search for your perfect commuter backpack. Let me know what you think!

BEST MINIMALIST BACKPACKS FOR YOUR COMMUTE

• • Moleskine – Classic Match Round Top Backpack
  • STUBBLE & CO  – The Commuter
  • RAINS  – Backpack
  • Kapten & Son  – Aarhus
  • Horizn Studios  – Gion
  • Bellroy – Classic Backpack
  • Fjällräven – Kånken Laptop 15”

“In France, these notebooks are known as carnets moleskines: ‘moleskine’, in this case, being its black oilcloth binding. Each time I went to Paris, I would buy a fresh supply from a papeterie in the Rue de PAncienne Comedie. The pages were squared and the end-papers held in place with an elastic band. I had numbered them in series. I wrote my name and address on the front page, offering a reward to the finder. To lose a passport was the least of one’s worries: to lose a notebook was a catastrophe…”

“Some months before I left for Australia, the owner of the papeterie said that the vrai moleskine was getting harder and harder to get.”

The Songlines by Chatwin, Bruce, 1940-1989 

Founded in 1997 by Francesco Fransceschi, based in Milan the company was known at the time as Modo & Modo. These unique and lush notebooks were brought back to life and trademarked as the today known Moleskine brand. An idea that was pitched at the time by the co-founder Maria Sebregondi.

“Refined style, long-term durability and exceptional quality are extremely important to us. We have tirelessly tested every feature, detail and dimension to ensure the greatest functionality and highest quality for you.

Benjamin and Victoria Watkins, Stubble&Co

Founded by Benjamin and Victoria Watkins, this British based brand was brought to life in the pursuit of creating high quality design at an accessible price. Benjamin couldn’t find the best of both worlds so decided to just design one. It is clear the dedication and love they’ve put into building this legacy together.

“With every collection, we set out to challenge traditional notions of rainwear and prove that even in wet weather there’s an opportunity to display your personal style..

Lotko, Co-founder of Rains

Founded in 2012 by Philip Lotko and Daniel Brix, this Danish company has its beautiful logo influenced by the Scandinavian weather. From their first waterproof poncho to an elegant waterproof style, ranging from clothing to backpacks. This brand combines a timeless minimalist design with high-quality materials during challenging weather conditions.

““Kapten” is Swedish for “Captain”, a person which leads the right course and perfectly represents our values.

Kapten & Son

Founded in 2014 by Fabian Deventer, Johannes Theobald, and Artjem Weissbeck, this company based in Germany started by selling lush watches. Nowadays Kapten & Son have expanded worldwide and offer accessories that combine amazing design with cutting-edge precision.

” Thriving on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, we design smart luggage, backpacks, and accessories both for your daily commute and your future long-haul trips.

Horizn Founders

Founded in 2015 by Jan Roosen and Stefan Holwe, this Berlin based company is conquering the World by incorporating minimalist elegant design with digital innovation focusing on the needs of our new generation of commuters. Have a look at their best-selling smart luggage.

” In 2009, we thought Bellroy would be a bag brand. I had spent my youth seeking adventures around the globe, but like many co-travelers, was constantly frustrated by the bags I carried. With products designed for simple concepts of travel, I was met with friction, failure and the feeling that my stuff was holding me back.

So, I started talking to some friends and family about the sort of brand that would get us excited. One that could solve some of the problems we were experiencing over and over.

Andrew Fallshaw

Founded in 2009 by by designers Andrew Fallshaw and Hadrien Monloup, and engineers Lina Calabria and Matthew Fallshaw, this Australian based company is an amazing and inspiring brand. A family brand that transpires a steady growth based on belief, discipline and resilience that is reflected on the outstanding design of their products.

” Enabling and inspiring more people to experience nature was Åke’s vision and we now make it our mission. Nature is in our DNA. We simply can’t deviate from it. Without it, we’d be nothing. It is our past, present and future. It’s our forever.

Founded in 1960 by Åke Nordin this Swedish based company is an incredible story about how a child imagined and created his first wooden frame backpack in his parent’s basement. The search for a light, comfortable and reasonable size backpack for his adventurous personality gave Åke the vision to create a range of backpacks that are known globally today. Offering everyone the opportunity to share his dream with nature.

drcommute   •   December, 2019 (Updated 2021)

Dear commuter,

We live in a Digital Era! Sometimes, I just take a step back and glare at these amazing times. I am utterly astonished at the way we are globally connected. We have the opportunity to obtain instant information delivered to us in a matter of seconds. We just need to have good connection, or a stable Wi-Fi and voila everything at your fingertips.

According to several surveys, it is well known that commuting times are on the rise. Consequently, there is a clear impact on our happiness and well-being. Embrace this time and combine it with this phenomenal point in history and transform it into a positive outcome. Take advantage of the technology and plan your journey, learn something new, relax and be productive. In fact, there are numerous apps choices that can enhance any skills you want to master.

If you are a long commuter like me, make sure you are one step ahead of the challenges, know your priorities and plan your journey to boost your productivity.

Either you have a short or long commute, several apps can enhance your experience as a commuter.

Here is a list of the best apps for commuters, divided into 8 categories:

The best apps for commuters list will be frequently updated.

If you have any suggestions, please don’t hesitate to mention them.

Commuting Trends and Happiness

drcommute   •   November, 2019

Dear commuter,

Technology, high-speed transport and the need to encourage a healthier lifestyle, gave way for the commuting trends to change over time. Therefore, it can be difficult to follow the new working culture because the traditional commuter has evolved and adapted to new modern challenges.

Commuters are important for the economy, and they are responsible for 20% of all miles travelled. Since 1995, there has been a steady decrease in commuting journeys per year. This pattern leads to a shift in the traditional commuter behaviour. Some reasons have been mentioned to justify these findings:

• workers commute fewer days in a week
• a rise in a part-time scheme or different working sites throughout the week
• working from home
• rise on self-employment
• trip-chaining: where people combine other route journeys in their commute, for example, dropping children at school or shopping

Given that the traditional commuter is changing, the travelling behaviour, as a result, has adapted with an increase in the commute duration and average distance.

* Department for Transport Great Britain

Most importantly, we need to divide the commute into two types:

• Active commute: walking, running and cycling
• Passive commute: driving or public transport

Research has found that active commute positively affects wellbeing rates and travel satisfaction. In other words, there is a clear association between mental health benefits and exercise.  However, cyclist commuters recorded experiencing high levels of fear. This can lead to the need for a better infrastructure system, that will be able to reduce or eliminate this stress during the cyclists’ commute or workers that wish to initiate this mode of commute.

In 2018, a study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health published an article providing reliable evidence that workers involved in this study that commute (mainly active commute) through natural environments revealed better mental health.

Passive commute is the most common mode of commute in our time. Several studies show the negative impact on our mental wellbeing and physiological measures. Usually, this is caused by journey delays, overcrowding, anti-social behaviour, uncomfortable temperature and long commutes.  Leading to problems such as blood pressure, poorly balanced diet that can result in a higher BMI and reduced quality time with family and friends. – Health in a Hurry, a study released in 2016

Reflect on your Daily Commute

Given the research available, it is evident that a shorter (less than 30 min) active commute has, overtime, benefits on your wellbeing and happiness. Naturally, you can’t base your decision just on evidence. You need to balance your reasons for a longer commute and set specific milestones in your life.

Personally, as I mentioned before, my commute is about 60 min each way. Although, I feel that it is a long commute, the benefits of the job in terms of career progression and fulfilment outweigh the disadvantages of this long commute. Somedays, a long commute is useful to analyse and reflect on a challenging day and then turning that working mode off when I arrive home. Nevertheless, my goal in the near future is a walking distance commute of 40 min.

One way or the other, we will be here to help you enjoy your daily commute. What is important at the end of the day, is that you use the tips given here to improve your daily commute, making it meaningful. Leaving you with a feeling of ownership and productivity.

Own your time and choose your mindset

Planning for your day ahead doesn’t start from the moment you set foot outside your house, on your way to work. It is a combination of small routines that will create a mindset giving you the tools to shape and take control of your day. So, plan your day! I promise that you will feel more energetic, boosting your productivity and better prepared for what comes ahead.

Here are some tips that have shown to improve productivity and fulfilment. You can either incorporate them on your morning routine, commute or evening routine:

• do a to-do list: write down the priorities for that day
• meditation: helps with stress, controls anxiety, enhances self-awareness…
• gratitude journal: improves positivity and self-esteem, makes you happier…

There is evidence, as well, on how a healthy diet, 8 hours of sleep and daily exercise influence your performance and mental health.

So why not start your day with a morning routine?

Learn something new on the spot

It is important to feel constantly in control. When during our commute, we hit traffic or the underground is delayed this can have an impact on our stress levels. So, if there’s nothing you can do, try not to give way for stress to grow and shift your focus to what you can control.

Luckily, we live in the Wi-Fi era, we are constantly connected to endless information. So instead of spending your precious time on social media. Why not, listen to music and sing along, learn a new language, read a book or catch up with a podcast. In addition, why don’t you catch up with family or friends? If you are feeling brave enough, take the risk and just send that message to someone you admire asking for advice.

Choose to learn something new today, be productive!

Finally, I am proud of you! If you are reading this and got this far it’s because you do want to make a difference and improve. I know it is hard to take the first step. For tomorrow, schedule your day write down and apply one of the advice given above and let me know how it felt.

Or even better, tell me about your routine commute.