So, this is video number three in the SNAP series about travel hacks. Previously I’ve talked about how I get nutrition on the go, and I’ve also written about the importance of slowing down and sometimes taking the scenic route (both literally and metaphorically).
This time I’m talking about ambience. I mean a few things by this, which I’ll explain.
An opportunity to listen
So whether you walk, whether you cycle (perhaps less so with that one), whether you take the train or whether you drive – when you’re travelling you’ve got an opportunity. Yes, of course, this is also a chance to be in silence and have your own thoughts going through your head, and sometimes you might prefer it that way.
But it’s also an opportunity to put on some headphones or put something on the radio, and listen. That could mean taking in some information or doing some personal development. Or it could be to listen to something that’s entertaining, or perhaps topical. It’s a great opportunity to leverage the journey with something that’s interesting and expands your mind. Personally, I’m a great fan of podcasts and listen to them a lot. (I do also watch YouTube videos, but it’s a different vibe and you can’t particularly do that whilst travelling – and definitely not whilst driving!).
Whatever type of media you prefer, you’ve still got that opportunity when you travel to consume something.
Set yourself up for success – create your ambience
But it isn’t just about that. You can take this further and rather than just listen to your usual playlist or whatever comes on, you can choose what you listen to more carefully and use it to create a particular ambience that has an effect on you.
For example, if you’re on your way to a big meeting, then what you’re listening to could really set you up for success. It could get you energised, boost your mood, lift your motivation and really focus you in on what you’re doing. You’ve got that wonderful opportunity to use the travel time to create an ambience of your own design, that will put you in the best possible frame of mind for the task ahead.
Then after that meeting or event, you’ve got the opportunity to put something on that’s a bit more relaxing and restorative, and just lighter.
Mood music
Whilst educational or self-development programmes and podcasts have a clear role in terms of enriching our lives with information, music has incredible power to benefit our lives and our health, and we could use this to our advantage if we start to incorporate it into our travel routine to create the right ambience.
Music has a mathematical structure, which means it’s actually giving our brains a workout as we listen, making us more alert whilst creating and strengthening our neural pathways. The right kind of music can also lower blood pressure, improve sleep and ease anxiety, which is perfect ahead of a big event or meeting. When you combine music and movement, you will start to release “feel-good” hormones, such as dopamine, and serotonin.
Equally, because of the great power music has, it’s worth taking care not to play the kind of music that sets us on edge or makes us feel sad, when we want to be feeling the opposite. It’s about using music to influence your mood, energy and perspective and get you into the right ’emotional soundtrack’ for the situation you are in.
How do you create your ambience?
So that’s something to have a think about. What do you or could you listen to, that creates a particular ambience for you? It could give you energy and motivation, or perhaps there are certain sounds or voices that make you feel calm.
If you don’t have anything in mind, most streaming platforms allow you to search for content by mood, if you haven’t already explored this feature.
Nature’s soundtrack
Now, having said all of the above, quite often I take the dog over to Dulwich Woods in the morning and I won’t put anything in my ears. Instead, I’ll just enjoy listening to birdsong, the crunch of twigs underfoot and the sounds of nature.
You don’t have to fill your ears and your mind with something like self-improvement content all the time, but there are occasions when it could be a good use of your time to do so.
What’s your travel hack?
If you have any great tips for when you’re travelling, do share them. Stay tuned for the next part of this SNAP series on travel hacks next week (there are two more to come).
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