What can I do on the train? (long commute)

I just started taking the train to work. The train ride is about 40 minutes each way. Originally, I was very excited to commute by train because I though I could sleep, read etc � be productive, instead of when I had to drive I couldn�t really get much done (except for an occasional phone call). But it turns out that the trains are crowded, and while I often do get a seat, I can�t really sleep. I am also usually tired (in the morning I am still half-asleep and in the afternoon I am drained from the long day).

Any suggestions of what I can do that�s not too intense but so that I can feel productive? I usually end up wasting time on my blackberry or just spacing out...

Posted: Tue, Apr 24 2012, 10:07 am Post subject:

I commute about 40 minutes each way also. I would recommend getting a Kindle or a Nook and downloading all the books that are "must reads" and reading them on your commute.
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Diamond Member Joined: Apr 18 2010 Posts: 3017

Not particularly prodictive, but I like to play sudoku on the train.

you can probably download some books onto your bb as well.

How about listening to shuirim or other things of interest?

Moderator Joined: Dec 18 2008 Posts: 3611

daven
Tehillim
knit
crochet
needlepoint
Imamother
read
make lists
plan menus
think good thoughts

Posted: Tue, Apr 24 2012, 10:19 am Post subject:

Active Poster Joined: Apr 13 2011 Posts: 97

I daven on my commute (its about 75 minutes door to door) and I rarely get funny looks...though granted, this is in the tristate area. Without my commute, I would have very little other time to daven and say tehillim at all!

FYI, the site http://www.jewish-e-books.com/ has Jewish ebooks for download...though be careful about the formats being compatible with certain E-readers.

Another commuting tip: I can't speak regarding your schedule, but I find that commuting at off times is much easier to handle and less draining than commuting at the heaviest times. Most significantly, commuting at off times makes it much easier to find a seat on which to nap!

Platinum Member Joined: Mar 24 2008 Posts: 6528

Would a circle loom work for you. Its portable, and easy to make quick things.

rh1211, unfortunately my schedule is not flexible, and you are right, I do end up taking the train during peak hours which is a big reason why the commute is so annoying...

sky, what kinds of things do you make with circle loom?

Gold Member Joined: Jan 27 2010 Posts: 1434

I try to do things to organize myself like making grocery lists, dinner menus etc. Mostly I end up reading Imamother on my iphone.

Diamond Member Joined: Oct 25 2007 Posts: 4833

Of course, I'm a big fan of the Kindle, but I'd really recommend cross-stitch, as well. Unfortunately, most frum women don't have time to do needlework anymore, and it's really a shame. Anything you make is likely to become family heirloom and a wonderful memory of you!

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 12 2007 Posts: 20487

Kegels? No one will ever know.... Embarassed

Executive Member Joined: Mar 09 2012 Posts: 373

merelyme gave a good list.
Also...
meditate
write a poem/short story
learn a new language (listening to CDs or reading materials for this)

Platinum Member Joined: Mar 24 2008 Posts: 6528

Senior Member Joined: Dec 26 2010 Posts: 108

Crossword puzzles
Either as app or a book of them

Gold Member Joined: Jul 14 2009 Posts: 2094

I can't believe nobody suggested listening to shiurim, or music if you just want to chill. There are shiurim/speakers on any topic & whatever mood you're in.

Gold Member Joined: Jun 05 2011 Posts: 1019

I bring a small netbook with me on the bus every day. 1/2 of the time I catch up on emails and I do small work which doesn't take much concentration.

As it is I feel ridiculous schlepping 3 bags (laptop case, which is heavy/bulky, purse and my lunch...I was actually thinking of getting a large tote bag to fit my lunch and purse items. Any suggestions??), so I would prefer not to bring anything extra. What kinds of apps can I download to my blackberry that are free? Can I listen to shiurim with it? (I would need someting "light" because, like I wrote, I am usually tired when I am on the train, and also something I can just stop and pick up later since I never know exactly how long the commute will be, who might call me etc)

Thank you all for the ideas!

Platinum Member Joined: Apr 12 2010 Posts: 5773

You should get a tote bag for your purse and lunch items .
A kindle is great for reading all types of things.
An ipad is more expensive but also has games and internet.

BOth of these will fit into your tote bag. Knitting also does and so does magazines.
YOu can get electric sudoku games same size as an iphone and put that in your bag.
You could also master the art of sleeping standing up. Ive done it and although not as comfy as sitting, it does the job of resting you Smile

_________________

I do sudoku puzzles, listen to podcasts, read or just think.
_________________
But then again, I'm a dragon.
"The best way to keep a prisoner from escaping is to make sure he never knows he�s in prison."
� Fyodor Dostoevsky (via cosmic-rebirth)