![[Practical] A roundup of ways to kill time on the train [for commuting to work or school]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/fkiGxpcYMlA/maxresdefault.webp)
[Practical] A roundup of ways to kill time on the train [for commuting to work or school]
When it comes to transportation closely tied to our daily lives—like commuting to work or school—trains are the first that come to mind.
Sitting or standing, just waiting to arrive at your stop…
Many of you probably find that boring or feel it’s a waste of time.
If you ever think, “I have nothing to do,” or “This time is going to waste,” this article is for you.
We’re about to share a whole bunch of ideas for passing the time on the train.
We’ll cover ones that use your smartphone and ones that don’t require it at all.
Find the time-killers that suit you best!
[Practical] Ways to Kill Time on the Train [For Commuting to Work/School] (1–10)
Making a to-do list
A to-do list is a memo where you write down what needs to be done that day.
By organizing items in advance according to importance and urgency, you can avoid leaving things undone or misjudging priorities, and work or study more efficiently.
Many methods have been proposed, but the best one is the way that’s easiest for you to write and read.
To handle the day’s tasks smoothly, it’s also a good idea to use your train commute before arriving at school or the office to make your to-do list.
point-saving activities
Poi-katsu means point-collecting activities.
It refers to collecting and using points through point cards or apps that can be converted into money.
If you do poi-katsu during your boring commute on the train, you can rack up points economically and make that time more fulfilling! There are many different apps—some give you points just for logging in, watching ads, or simply walking or riding the train—so be sure to look around.
Believe it or not, there are even apps that let you earn points just by sleeping! Of course, the best approach is to keep it up without overdoing it, so why not find an app you like and dive into poi-katsu?
Composing music on a smartphone
If you’re interested in making music, I especially recommend composing with your smartphone! As long as you have a phone, there are plenty of apps that let even complete beginners create music like a game.
It’s perfect for making the most of those spare moments on the train.
Try finding an app that feels easy to use and makes composing fun.
Composing can unlock your potential and bring various benefits—like refreshment and a rewarding hobby—so why not give it a try?
Stretch
Use your time on the train to loosen up fingers that get overworked by computer tasks or attending lectures.
Interlace your fingers and squeeze to apply gentle pressure, rotate your wrists in large circles while keeping your hands clasped, and press into your palm with the thumb of your other hand.
Hand stretches involve small movements, so they won’t bother the people around you.
If strain on your hands continues, the risk of trigger finger and tenosynovitis increases.
Since hands are constantly in motion, once they’re injured they can be slow to heal and prone to recurring issues.
Make the most of your commute by fitting in some hand stretches.
Retrieval practice
Retrieval practice is a learning method in which you strengthen memory by repeatedly recalling information.
By cycling through tasks like saying a word while looking at it, recalling it without looking, recalling it again after a few seconds, and recalling it again 30 seconds later without looking, you transfer the information from short-term memory—which is quickly forgotten—to long-term memory, which you can retain for a longer period.
It’s challenging to sharpen your focus on a noisy train, but if you practice retrieval in that environment, your memory should improve significantly.
Start by trying it with simple words.
muscle training
Why not make the most of your commute with some “while-you-go” training? You can’t do big gym-style movements on the train, but even simple actions—like holding the strap, stepping one foot slightly forward and engaging your core while standing, or sitting with your legs together while focusing on your inner thighs—can target your abs and leg muscles.
If a little awareness turns your ride into strength training, you don’t want to miss out! Try adding these easy, on-the-go exercises during your next train or bus ride.
Rhythm training
A sense of rhythm is essential for playing musical instruments.
By training your rhythm, you might be able to play the guitar even better! This is a must-read for anyone taking guitar lessons or learning on their own.
Since it only involves keeping time with your body, it’s perfect for squeezing into spare moments during your commute to work or school.
While listening to music, practice building your sense of rhythm—try quarter notes, eighth notes, just the off-beats, and so on! Practicing for just five minutes a day is the quickest path to improvement.
It’s also great as a daily routine on the train.
English learning podcast
Studying English during your commute while swaying on the train sounds ideal, doesn’t it? That’s why I recommend focusing on learning through podcasts.
Since podcasts are tailored for spoken language, they make it easy to concentrate on listening—highly recommended! You can hear English in a natural, real-life way, including native pronunciation, speed, and casual expressions, which is a shortcut to improvement.
Best of all, podcasts are free to listen to.
Why not find your favorite channels and study while having fun?
Play with ChatGPT
ChatGPT has been in the spotlight with people asking, “Is it going to threaten human jobs?” When you hear “AI,” you might think it’s hard to use, but it’s actually very handy for clearing up small questions or getting advice when you’re not sure what to do on your day off.
You can just type as if you’re talking to a friend—for example, “I’m going to Shinjuku this Saturday—any café recommendations?”—and the AI will pick out relevant information gathered from the internet and share it with you.
It’s surprisingly fun, so why not give it a try during your commute or when you have a bit of time on your hands?
Programming learning on a smartphone
Programming may seem like a high hurdle, but you can actually do it on your smartphone even without a computer! It’s especially recommended for people who are interested in programming but haven’t found the right opportunity to start.
Since you use an app, you can even practice while riding the train, which is a big plus.
If your commute or school trip is boring, it’s perfectly fine to try it as a way to pass the time! Creating your own web pages or games gives you a real sense of accomplishment.
It’s also useful for building your skills before you start full-fledged programming on a computer, so if you’re interested, be sure to give it a try.