Traffic conditions in Seattle are abysmal.
While it is true that last year, Washington voters approved a $54 billion tax package (Sound Transit 3) committed to building out railway extensions, rapid transit busses, and address a host of other traffic concerns, many of these projects won’t be initiated until between 2024 and 2041, which means very little respite for those of us who live in the present.
However, if you’re one of the tens of thousands of Seattle workers who regularly drive to commute to work, we have some suggestions for how to beat the traffic (instead of other drivers).
Jam along with your own traffic playlist
An oldie but a goodie. Remember, headspace matters: try to curate a list or grab a selection that will make you feel more relaxed and less stressed out. Upbeat, cheery vibes, maybe even something you can sing along to. Although if grindcore is what mellows you out, who are we to tell you otherwise…?
You can also listen to tunes of bands who are performing in Seattle this week and whose shows are available to Jukely members. Just follow the Spotify playlist, updated Monday mornings with sounds from the next seven days of shows.
Make sure you’re sitting pretty (comfortably)
Spending a lot of time in the car can be linked with back and neck pain, and even if it isn’t manifesting in outright pain, it can be downright uncomfortable.
Look, you don’t need heated leather seats to be comfortable (although it doesn’t hurt), but take the time to do a basic adjustment of your steering wheel, the height of your seat, how much leg room you have to the pedals, and so forth.
Get things done
You’re busy and time spent commuting is time you could spend being productive (or at least being happy). So take back this huge time suck by using the time to make phone calls, brainstorming or making an action list of what you intend to accomplish for the day by using voice notes, the most ubiquitous yet underutilized smartphone app.
Use gas price apps to save cash on fuel
There are a few popular websites and apps (like Gas Buddy) that will show you the cheapest gas prices in your area, and if you’re stomaching a commute five days a week then those savings can add up over time to a tidy little chunk of change.
Keep your space clean and clutter-free
Does your car floor looks like someone grabbed a trashcan and just dumped it out? Ew. You’re not alone, and those of us who spend a lot of time in their car always seem to feel rushed. Leaving an empty water bottle or loose parking ticket laying around “for a moment” might not seem like a big deal at the time, but eventually, you’re going to feel crowded in there with all that mess. Clean it out! Keep a small plastic bag for loose garbage and tie it off and dump it out when it gets full.
Listen to an audiobook, podcast or radio program
Apparently there’s audio content out there other than music (news to us), so incentivize your commute by listening to a book, a podcast, or a regularly scheduled radio hour and only listening to it when you’re driving. If you choose something you really enjoy then this should give you a little bit of something to look forward to, instead of dreading the entire ordeal.
Go out tonight, and any night. Jukely is a concert subscription that gives members guestlist access to hundreds of music events – for one price. Whenever you want to go out, you’ll always have something to do. Learn more and sign up at jukely.com.
