Some might say I am a creature of habit. I love a plan and getting into a routine and this is most noticeable for me in the mornings.
Commuting to work means that my morning routine is pretty set. My alarm goes off at 6.51 and I snooze until 7 am. I then get ready and have my usual breakfast and then watch King of Queen’s with my partner. At 7.35 I brush my teeth and pack my bag. I then attempt to get a few minutes on the sofa before heading off at 8 am to catch the train.
If the train is running, everything is fine. I can sit back and relax, read my kindle or listen to music, only slightly worried that the train will always arrive late. Although I have learnt that train signals are most definitely outside of my control.
I choose to take the longer direct train which is why I can feel anxious when it is cancelled. I really do not like to take the shorter train into central London to then battle with the busy Jubilee Line. I treasure those relaxing moments when I can switch off before a busy day at work. Don’t get me wrong, I am more than happy to battle with commuters at home time to get a shorter route back home but find it very difficult to face in the morning.
To help me deal with this, I check the trusty National Rail app at about 7.30 so in case my usual train is cancelled I can leave a little bit earlier, rather than being hit with this news when I arrive at the station. This will then give me a little more time to walk over the bridge to a quieter tube station to get to the office. Not ideal but I am all about finding things to make my life less stressful.
How I calm my anxious mind 