4 ways to be productive in traffic

Those of us who are unfortunate enough to live in Lagos – or any other metropolitan city for that matter – can understand how learning to maneuver traffic can become a very essential part of our life.

Sometimes we are successful in finding ways around it, leaving home a bit earlier, avoiding certain routes and so on. But traffic is often very unpredictable and as such sometimes we end up stuck on the road, and staring at the sea of vehicles in front of you.

Fight the urge to cry, here are some things to do while in a jam…

(you see what I did there?)

 Read: Personally, this is my all time favorite  means of dealing with traffic and passing time generally, especially when I am in an uncomfortable spot – like a danfo, ugh! I just whip out my current read and disappear into another reality.

This is also a great time for me to catch up on the latest posts from my favorite bloggers. Right now Kachi  and Grace are giving me life and keep me occupied when I don’t feel like reading a book.

Listen: My next favorite thing to do is listen to my favorite podcast or spiritually uplifting audio messages. This comes in handy when there’s a bit of noise or I am too distracted to focus on the reading.

I never have to look past TED Talks intriguing and inspiring messages are never in short supply.

Call home: or any other place/person I have been putting off for a while. We know that time tends to go a bit faster when you live in a fast paced city like Lagos. Then suddenly traffic grinds everything to a halt, now you can make all the phone calls you have been putting off forever. This works best when I’m a in a private car or atleast at liberty to talk freely.

Meditate/reflect: There’s something about being stuck at a spot against my will that both humbles and infuriates me at the same time. I try to channel all that mixed energy and vibe into mediating or reflecting, depending on the time of day. It usually helps me with my perspective and leaves me charged and prepared for events to come.

My Abide Christian Mediation app always comes in very handy and helps me get into it really quickly.

These are my very useful tips to staying productive while stuck in a traffic. Because time is really of the essence.

Now if all else fails, there’s social media, thanks to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, passing time has never been easier.

This is my last resort “go-to” for those days when I am totally unmotivated and exhausted.

And when all else’s else fails? I just sleep. I am one of those people that have mastered the art of sleeping through the ride and waking up just before their stop.

LooL

Lagos does that to you.

How do you stay productive in traffic? Do you use the same tips or have something different to add? Let me know in the comment session.