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Travelling to and from work can be one of the most mundane and stressful experiences in the working day. After all, the packed tubes and slow-moving buses aren't exactly something that we look forward to. But what if we told you that there was a way to make your daily commute that little bit more enjoyable?
Thanks to the advancement of underground WiFi, we can now use our phones more freely whilst travelling to work (and about time, too). All of this means one very important thing: we can finally be entertained during our commutes - just download these must-have apps before you leave the house.
Colour by Numbers
Last year we saw adult colouring books really take off as a way to combat stress, but you can't exactly whip out a colouring book and crayons on the bus, can you? Instead, download the Colour by Numbers app and let your fingers act as felt tip pens. Here's a word of warning: this game is very addictive.
Headspace
A few minutes of daily meditation and mindfulness have proven to reduce stress. So, if you're feeling the pressure of the working day or a busy commute, look no further than the Headspace app. It offers free guided meditation sessions that will help to reduce your stress levels, pronto.
Podcasts
The Podcasts app - which comes automatically downloaded on Apple devices - will be your saving grace when it comes to boring commutes. Pre-download some podcast series (like Serial, My Dad Wrote A Porno and The Debrief Podcast) so that when it comes to sitting on a packed bus or train, you're fully prepared for the long journey ahead.
Netflix
Obviously, we couldn't leave the beloved Netflix app off of our list. If you're a member of Netflix, you'll get the option to download certain TV shows and movies so that you can watch them even when you don't have WiFi, which is perfect for passing time during a long commute. Maybe just avoid shows with heavy sex content (Orange Is The New Black, we're looking at you) to prevent getting weird looks on the tube.
Apple Music
Got an advanced plan with Three mobile? You may want to consider streaming some music (which you can do indefinitely without using up your data*) on your journey home. Why? Because listening to upbeat music on your way into work can help set you up for the day ahead, while switching to calmer, classic tunes on your way home will help you relax, de-stress and unwind. Just what one needs after a long day's work.
Citymapper
For ease of travelling through the city, download the Citymapper app. This is a must-have for frequent commuters, because it can make your journey into work so much less stressful. Is your train delayed? Tube line down? Bus been diverted? Whip out the app and you can rest assured that you'll be able to find an alternative route in.
BBC iPlayer
If you don't have Netflix, don't fret: you can still download TV shows and documentaries to watch offline on the BBC iPlayer app. We recommend downloading the entire series of McMafia and Planet Earth II before you leave the house, so you have a week's commute worth of entertainment. Because what's not to love about David Attenborough?
*Terms apply.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.