Banner image courtesy of Hey Bikes
Let’s be honest—commuting in the city can wear you down. Between crowded trains, endless red lights, and the constant rush to be somewhere on time, it’s no surprise most of us dread the daily grind. But the truth is, your commute doesn’t have to be the most stressful part of your day. With a few small changes, you can actually make it something you don’t hate. Some of these shifts might even give you back a little peace of mind.
Here are five simple, doable ways to make your city commute easier—starting today.
1. Choose Smarter, Not Slower: Rethink How You Move Around
If sitting in traffic or standing shoulder to shoulder on public transport feels like the worst way to start your day—you’re not alone. City commuting often feels like a waiting game, and most people don’t realize how many options they actually have.
One of the most practical and underrated solutions? Electric bikes.
These modern electric bikes have become a game-changer for urban travel. They’re fast, reliable, and ideal for navigating city streets without the stress of finding parking or dealing with transit delays. You don’t need to be super fit or cycle miles to feel the benefits, either. With pedal assist and full throttle options, you can go as hard or as easy as you want.
Many models now fold down, which means you can take them into your apartment, up elevators, or even store them in the corner of your office. E-bikes offer a reliable and stress-free way to cut down your commute without relying on unpredictable traffic or packed trains. And because they’re battery-powered, they’re also a greener choice. You’ll save time, save money, and make your commute feel like less of a hassle.
Newer e-bike models are also more user-friendly. Some include built-in GPS, integrated lights, and smart app controls that help you track your route or battery use. Whether you’re heading to work or just running errands, switching to an e-bike might be the most useful upgrade you make this year.
2. Cut the Clutter with a Minimalist Morning Routine
A messy start usually leads to a rushed and stressful commute. If your mornings feel like chaos, it’s time to simplify what happens before you walk out the door.
Start by picking your outfit the night before. Pack your bag, prep your lunch, and leave your essentials—like keys, wallet, ID, and earbuds—right by the door. That way, you won’t be scrambling to find things when you’re already running behind.
Even ten extra minutes in the morning can make a huge difference. You’ll have more time to get out the door calmly, which makes the commute feel easier before you even start moving. Less stress at home means less stress on the road.
Try to create a short, repeatable routine that fits your lifestyle. Once it becomes a habit, you’ll stop wasting time on last-minute decisions and feel more in control each morning.
3. Avoid the Rush: Time Your Travel Smarter
The middle of rush hour doesn’t just mean more people—it means more pressure. Crowded buses, long waits at traffic lights, and packed bike lanes can turn a short commute into a frustrating one.
If your schedule allows, try shifting your commute by even 15 to 30 minutes. Leaving just a bit earlier or later can help you skip the worst of the traffic. Use a transit or traffic app to track how busy your route usually gets and adjust when you leave accordingly.
Some apps will even suggest alternate routes or real-time updates if there’s a delay. You don’t always need a fancy solution—just better timing.
This small tweak can lead to a quieter, less chaotic trip. You might even find yourself enjoying the ride instead of counting down the minutes until it’s over. Consistency helps, too. Once you find a window that works, try sticking to it each day to keep things predictable.
4. Make Your Commute Work for You
Instead of seeing your commute as wasted time, turn it into something that adds value to your day. The ride itself doesn’t have to feel like a chore if you find ways to make it more enjoyable.
Plug into an audiobook, queue up your favorite podcast, or put together a playlist that helps you shift into the right mindset. If you’re walking or riding, noise-cancelling earbuds or helmet-compatible audio gear can help you stay in the zone. If you’re on an e-bike, make sure to stay alert and only listen at a low volume to stay safe.
It’s not about multitasking—it’s about using the time in a way that feels good to you. Whether that’s zoning out with music, learning something new, or just having quiet time, a small mental shift can turn your daily trip into a routine you actually look forward to.
You can even use this time to reflect, set your intentions for the day, or just breathe. A peaceful commute often sets the tone for the rest of your day.
5. Say No More Often: Keep Your Schedule Realistic
Sometimes, it’s not the commute that’s exhausting—it’s everything that comes before and after it. If your day is packed with back-to-back meetings, errands, or social plans, it’s no wonder the idea of commuting feels overwhelming.
Start by giving yourself some breathing room. If you don’t need to run that extra errand right after work, don’t. If a plan feels too rushed or too far, it’s okay to pass. Your time and energy matter.
Overbooking your day only makes the commute feel worse. Instead, space things out when possible and let yourself ease into or out of the workday. A little extra time between tasks can improve your mood and lower stress levels.
We all know city life can be intense, but your commute doesn’t have to be. With small adjustments like switching to an e-bike, setting up a calmer morning, or timing your travel differently, you can make daily life feel more manageable. The goal isn’t to overhaul your routine overnight—it’s to build habits that make sense for your lifestyle.
The more you simplify your commute, the more space you create in your day—for calm, for focus, and for the things that matter. Try one or two of these ideas this week and see how they work for you. You might be surprised at how big a difference a small change can make.