Commuting to work can be stressful and daunting, especially when you’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. There is nothing like three lanes of Miami traffic merging into two because someone texting-while-driving caused a fender-bender.
However, I have discovered a secret to make it more bearable. After years of trial and error, I found that listening to movie scores can be a game-changer.
I created a playlist on Spotify based on my favorite movie, Gladiator. The movie’s score was composed by Hans Zimmer, and the app recommended other songs I might like based on my listening preferences. As a result, I discovered other dramatic movie scores that helped me relax and focus while driving.
One day, after a 10-hour workday, I was stuck at a traffic light feeling frustrated and anxious. Suddenly, the sky turned eerie, and the violins and chorus began to gradually crescendo. At that moment, I felt an inexplicable sense of peace come over me.
The music made me feel like I was in a movie, ready for battle against the traffic. One minute I was sitting in my car waiting for the light to turn, the next I was in a sci-fi war machine, armed and ready to take on an alien invasion.
It was strangely soothing, and I couldn’t help but smile at how silly it sounded. The song that got me home that evening was Requiem For a Tower, performed by London Music Works.
If you haven’t tried listening to movie scores on your commute, you’re missing out. It’s a simple yet effective way to make your drive less stressful and more enjoyable.