Forget rush hour, try hush hour! How can you turn your commute into the most peaceful part of your day?

From the desk of Miles Everson:

Hooray, it’s Friday!

I am pretty sure many of you are already excited for the weekend. I am, too!

However, before we fully get into that weekend mode, let’s first talk about a topic that’s highly beneficial for all of us. Each Friday in my  “Mindfulness by Miles”  articles, I talk about health, wealth, well-being, happiness, future of work, book reviews, marketing, tips, etc. with hopes to help you thrive, not just survive.

Any idea on what we’re featuring today?

Read the article below to find out!

Forget rush hour, try hush hour! How can you turn your commute into the most peaceful part of your day?

Ever notice how we romanticize peace as something that lives  “out there” ? 

We envision tranquil beaches, off-the-grid cabins, maybe a month-long sabbatical. 

We treat stillness like it’s some faraway luxury when in reality, it’s something we can access in the middle of a busy day. 

Even in a car. Even in traffic. Even when the guy in the pickup just cut you off… again.

Here’s the truth:  Life isn’t waiting for you at the end of your to-do list . It’s happening in the in-between moments—the ones you usually overlook, complain about, or try to escape from.

One of those moments is the  commute.

What is a mindful commute?

A mindful commute is the simple (but powerful) act of being present, aware, and intentional while you travel—whether you’re driving, taking the train, riding a bike, or walking. 

It means approaching this routine not as a chore, but as a daily ritual to recalibrate your mind, emotions, and energy.

What’s more? 

It’s not about perfection; it’s about  presence.

So, instead of white-knuckling your way through red lights and slow drivers, you breathe. You observe. You release. You reset.

However, let’s face it: The average commute can feel like a frustrating blur. Yet, turning it into a moment of mindfulness has surprising benefits that ripple into every area of your life!

Here are some of them:

• Mental Clarity

  A mindful commute helps clear mental clutter. Instead of letting your brain spiral with to-do lists, email drafts, and yesterday’s regrets, you’re creating space.

  This mental decluttering reduces overwhelm and improves focus, something every professional can benefit from before a big meeting or deadline.

• Career Resilience

  Burnout doesn’t just happen in the office; it happens in the transitions, too—those rushed, chaotic in-between moments where stress brews.

  A mindful commute acts as a buffer. It helps you shift gears, literally and emotionally, so you show up to work grounded, not frazzled.

  … and when the workday ends?

  You return home more present, less reactive, and far more centered.

• Emotional Well-Being

  You can’t control traffic but you can control how you see it. Practicing mindfulness behind the wheel cultivates patience, compassion, and emotional regulation.

  These skills don’t just make you a calmer driver; they also make you a better partner, parent, friend, and colleague.

So, what can you do to turn your commute into a zen journey?

• Begin Before You Leave

  What to do : Before starting the car or walking out the door, pause for 30 seconds. Close your eyes. Breathe in deeply. Set an intention for your journey.

  Why it works : This tiny moment of stillness acts like an energetic reboot. It signals to your nervous system,  “We’re doing this differently today.”

  Sample mantra:  “I release the rush. I invite calm. I drive with awareness.”

• Treat Silence as a Superpower

  What to do : Instead of blasting music or the latest true crime podcast, experiment with driving in silence—even if just for the first few minutes.

  Why it works : Silence allows your mind to settle. It makes space for new ideas, intuitive nudges, or simply deeper breaths.

  Bonus : When you choose audio, opt for calm playlists, mindfulness podcasts, or audiobooks that uplift rather than agitate.

• Use the Senses as Anchors

  What to do : Instead of zoning out or griping about traffic, tune into your surroundings with curiosity. What do you see out the window? Can you feel the texture of the steering wheel? How does your breath feel in your chest?

  Why it works : The senses ground you in the present, pulling you out of anxiety about the future or irritation about the past.

• Transform Triggers into Teachers

  What to do : Notice your reactions, especially the irritated ones. Late signalers, slow drivers, stop-and-go traffic—ugh!

  Why it works : Every frustration is an invitation. Rather than spiraling into road rage, use these moments to practice compassion. Remind yourself,  “Maybe that driver is just having a hard day. I’ve had those too.”  This doesn’t mean tolerating dangerous behavior. It simply means choosing not to internalize stress that isn’t yours.

• Reflect Before You Arrive

  What to do : As your commute wraps up, take 30 seconds to check in.  “How do I feel now compared to when I started?” “What am I proud of or grateful for today?” “How do I want to show up for the next part of my day?”

  Why it works : Reflection turns routine into ritual. It creates a conscious bridge between where you’ve been and where you’re going—emotionally and mentally.

Sometimes, the Road Isn’t the Problem—Our Mindset Is

You don’t always need a yoga mat, an app, or a meditation retreat to experience presence.

Sometimes, all it takes is a steering wheel, a red light, and a  willingness to try.

So, the next time you start your commute, ask yourself:

“What if this was the most important 30 minutes of my day? What am I going to do about it?”

Your answer to that question will determine what’s actually inside of you, as well as what you should do for a better shift in mindset.

Hope you find this article insightful! Have a restful weekend!

For a daily version of this newsletter, please subscribe  here.