How I learned to love the long commute

You imagined entering the subway train with your girlfriend, while talking about your future prospects. It was your final week in the university, and you liked your (career) options. You couldn't help but show your girl a few dance moves. She was amused. The next scene showed the rest of the passengers dancing to the tune of "Love Train". You wished this could be the scenario while you were commuting to the office, but the music of The O'Jays wouldn't greet you every morning.

You must wake up before six in the morning, and you would suspect that you were the only one in the neighborhood who was up at dawn. You must catch up the first train ride, as you don't want to avoid the rush hour. It took you two hours before you reached the office. And you were quite tired. You would repeat it after the end of your work shift. You would spend a few hours on the road, every weekday, which would sadden you at times. You even thought of moving away from the capital (and look for another job), but you've been around (in your current job) for a year. It wouldn't look good in your resume.

Here are five ways to make it bearable:

Read the papers. You don't need to buy a newspaper, as technology has make things more convenient for everyone. You must ask for WiFi password, but there's an e-book. This will be a good distraction from the hustle and bustle, which will keep you from losing your cool. A newspaper can be an option, though. You might want to check the comic strip first.

Let the music put you in a good mood. It won't remind you of the verdant field in Salzburg, but anything that won't put you in a bad mood is good enough. If you haven't seen "The Sound of Music", then think about the outdoors. And play your favorite tunes again (and again). You won't fail on this one.

Social media can find a way. You might be in a mood to do a selfie and upload it to your Instagram account. And you might be tempted to describe your state of affairs. Don't be melodramatic, as anyone can appreciate a little humor.

Get in touch with a friend. You promised your old mate, your best housemate, a call many moons ago. And you were ashamed about how you dealt with time management. Maybe you were busy. And there were days when you rather not do anything. This might be a good time, but make sure you won't annoy your fellow passengers.

Deal with it. When all else fails, then there's nothing you can do about it. You'll end up in the losing end if you get upset. And the day hasn't started yet.

It would be a different scenario when you're going home. You're likely to be dead tired, so you might fall asleep along the way. It would be natural. Make sure you hit the sack early.