I spend too much time in my car

I was dozing off in my chair near the end of last year, and I realized how little I'd accomplished that day. Many of the chores and random computer work I have to get done was always being pushed to the side because I couldn't get the MUST DO's done with all the in-vehicle time. I'm all about letting shit slide, but it's not fun when you're completely out of clean spoons.

I'm a family taxi driver at the moment, due to our one-vehicle household situation. There are quite a few things I can't do on the road. Laundry, dishes, computer work, cooking, etc. Which means I need to knock out as many things as I can to make time for the never ending struggles of being productive at home.

Here are five things I started doing in the car...

1. Phone Calls
When I know I have phone calls to make, I dial my phone before I start a long car trip. Whenever I'm going to be driving during rush hour, I'll always plan to return calls then. I have a set of generic wireless earbuds constantly plugged into my ears, so I can avoid looking down at my phone as much as possible. I don't tend to have phone calls that necessitate note-taking, so I can chat, touch base, and if anything needs followed up, I ask the other person to email me. I can always use voice command to text myself anything vital after I hang up. I rarely answer my phone at home. Sorry, folks. You get car time.

2. Reading
I talked a couple blogs ago about my love affair with Audible. My time in the car was a huge reason I splurged for the monthly Audible subscription. I've been able to read at least one book a week by listening as I'm getting prepped in the morning, and, of course, car time. I'm happier when I'm reading, and this gives me a fix when it's not safe for me to bring out my kindle.

3. Eating
Okay. This might have quite a few of you shaking your head at me. I do try to take the time to sit down and eat meals at a table. But when you're spending a few hours a day in the car, you're probably going to need to multi-task somewhere. I keep meal bars on hand for breakfasts, and that's what I usually eat on the go, but I have gone through a drive-thru or two and purchased foods with serious one-handed eatability. (Tacobell's crunchwrap is probably my fav.) 

4. Brainstorming
My voice recorder gets a workout during my time alone in the car. If I'm stuck on a project, I'll often run some errands and keep the recorder handy. An idea always comes up when I do this. And I get to check shit off my To Do list at the same time.

5. Charge my devices
I've made a habit of always plugging in my computer and tablet in my house before I leave, but I travel with my phone, kindle, and two battery packs. I have an old ass phone, and it dies after only a few hours. If by some miracle, my phone is at full charge, I plug in a battery pack or my kindle when I hop in the car. It's a good way to make sure I don't run out of juice.

Now...there are times where I'm waiting to pick someone up. In that case, I'll respond to emails, check social media, download more books or podcasts, and even mediate. I don't afford myself a lot of luxury items, but my phone is one thing I've splurged on because I truly have to use it like a computer. 

Do you have a long commute? Or a lot of time spent in your vehicle? What are some things you've found yourself having to do when you run short on time? I'd love to hear about it.

​~Roxy