We live in a highly interconnected and mobile world where telecom and tech media companies are pushing into the era of 5G. This technology breakthrough enables businesses to expand their digital reach and consumers to better utilize their smartphone and mobile devices in any given location. Access to 5G provides a number of capabilities including more access to data, faster speeds and connections to live stream media, quicker downloads and improved latency times — all of which has led to significant behavioral shifts for working professionals and everyday commuters. 

Today Americans spend more than 100 hours a year commuting and each day, they spend a nationwide average of 25.5 minutes of drive time one way. For many, the commute time can be upwards of one to two hours and sometimes even three — that’s a lot of time at the wheel or the back of the bus. Research shows commuters are spending more and more time on their smartphones for activities like video (45%), music and podcast (47%) and social media (used daily by 66% of commuters). However much time you spend commuting, here are five ways you can use your smartphone to become more productive and take some time to invest in yourself. 

Wake up to a new episode of your favorite podcast. Whether you’re staying up-to-date with the latest technology trends, picking up interesting facts or tidbits, or preparing for an interview, consuming bite-sized content in the form of a podcast is a free and easy way to gain access to loads of information and fill your mind with knowledge when you need it most. Today, more than 51% of the US population listens to podcasts and about 22% listen to podcasts in the car. Listening to podcasts stimulates the mind and expands your range of thinking during your commute. More importantly, it provides mental sanity and sets your day up for success by feeding you knowledge nuggets to share with your co-workers and peers. 

Listen to stories. Tell stories. Storytime doesn’t always need to be around a campfire or on a comfy couch. In fact, you don’t even need to lift a finger to flip the page. For those who drive to work or get a little woozy on the bus, you can download audiobooks from Audibles or borrow them free from the public library. Listening to stories stretches your imagination, expands your creativity and sparks new ideas. It gives you the ability to think more broadly and creatively. More importantly, it encourages you to tell your own story. About one in five Americans listen to audiobooks. Listening to audiobooks is a great mental detour from your everyday commute, and it can take you on a trip around the world and back without ever having to leave your seat.

Gain practical skills through online learning. Maybe you’ve started a new job, want to learn a new skill or need to dive a little deeper in your current profession. Maybe you’re just bored with your commute and want to make better use of that time. Online learning is a practical and convenient way to consume knowledge and partake in just-in-time learning to acquire the skills you need to grow in your current role or thrive in a new role. It’s a great option for those who have a few extra hours on their hands and can put it towards a certification that can help them achieve greater potential in their career. 

Live stream videos and virtual events. For those sitting in the back of the bus and not taking the steering wheel, live streaming virtual events, webinars and on-demand videos is a quick and easy way to deepen your domain knowledge. Companies small and large host virtual events to reach customers across all stages of the buyer’s journey as a means to generate awareness, consideration and purchase. It’s a way for them to position themselves as subject matter experts and thought leaders, and make meaningful connections with customers and prospects. Staying at the heels of your industry and marketplace trends is a key driver for individual growth and maintaining your business acumen. 

Learn a second or a third language. Having done quite a bit of traveling through Europe, it came as no surprise to learn that many people in Europe speak an average three to four different languages. It helps that Europeans can cross from one country to the next pretty easily by train or by car. But even more so, speaking multiple languages has become a way of life. Many of the people I spoke with grew up bilingual adopting the native tongue of their mother and father. Others chose to learn a new language during primary and secondary school because they thought it would be useful to them in the future. And a handful of others picked up a new language either on the job or during their leisure because it was essential to their role — especially those in tourism. 

In the US, 75 percent of Americans speak only their mother tongue, with no second language. With the great big melting pot that we pride ourselves on along with the idea of organizations promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, learning a second or even a third language can make you more culturally sensitive and aware of your surroundings. You might be able to give directions to someone on the street, start a conversation with a stranger, help a migrant worker and show a lot of compassion. Take the time to develop your language skills and be a part of a movement that celebrates diversity in our cultural upbringing. 

The power of mobile unleashes great potential for consumers today — especially those who have leisurely time on their hands because of their daily commute. No longer do we need to be confined by a radio’s Top 40 playlist or an earful of commercials vying for your attention. With smartphones in hand and high speed connections, working professionals on the go can make more effective use of their time and even learn a thing or two on the way.