When you think of stressful situations, being stuck on a subway that is delayed "momentarily" on the way to an audition is no doubt one of them. Don't let transit get you down! Not only is the subway an excellent resource for getting from Point A to Point B, but it is also an incredible opportunity to do some self reflection, audition pump-up, and meditation – even with the person next to you is taking up two seats and the newest dance crew doing their routine on the platform. Here are several subway hacks to reduce stress and make your commute easier:

1. Maps

When mapping out your route to your audition, don't use Apple Maps. Instead, use Google Maps, Transit, or HopStop. Everyone has their favorite GPS/map planner, but these are the most accurate ETAs and subway routes. Try KickMap for a quick NYC subway map reference.

2. Plan Your Route

Plan out which direction you will need to walk once you're out of the subway. This is really important and can shave a couple minutes off of your commute! Plan accordingly and sit either at the front or the back of the subway, depending on which direction you are coming from.

3. Input the Exact Amount

When it comes to buying your MetroCard, inputting the exact amount each ride will cost will you a few pennies. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority averages about $50 million dollars per year alone on unredeemed balances on your MetroCard! When you buy your MetroCard at the kiosks you are given a few quick-pay options. If you select one of these quick pay options, you will have a unavoidable remaining balance that the MTA gets to pocket. Instead of using these shortcuts, select “Other Amounts” and type in the exact amount your rides will cost. If you find yourself getting through MetroCards quickly, consider buying a weekly or monthly unlimited card. Do the math by averaging how many times you swipe per day and see if it is cost effective for you to do unlimited. Also, never throw out an empty balance card: keep the same one to refill so you can avoid the $1.00 new card fee.

4. Bring Headphones

Your headphones will be your most important accessory! Listening to music is great, but we'd like to introduce you to binaural beats. Binaural beats, sometimes called Isochronic Tones, are two slightly different beats pumping through each ear of your headphones. These beats are then processed and reconfigured by the brain as one beat. For example, if your right ear is receiving a beat of 300Hz and your left 310Hz, your brain will perceive the binaural frequency at 10Hz. All the science stuff aside, when you induce certain frequencies into your brain, it likes to match it. With beautifully minimal visuals and an added rain sound function, our favorite app is appropriately and simply called Binaural. If you want to induce a focused and calm brainwave, you might select the Theta setting at 4-7Hz. Any lower and you might fall asleep, so be careful! Likewise, if you are trying to catch some z’s, make sure you don't set your beats to a Beta or Gamma setting, which promotes high functionality and activity! If you're not so into the beats, try a white noise app or even Chakra tones.

5. Set Your Intentions

Once you have your beats or tunes going, either let yourself close your eyes or do some reading. It is also a great time to reflect and set a goal for your audition. Try not to focus too much on technicalities – “I want my high C to soar" or "I want to nail that coloratura passage " could instead be "I am grounded and expansive" and “I have abundant energy and precision." It is much more effective to set an intention while in a Theta state rather than right before entering the audition room or waiting in the holding area.

6. Scent

Bring something that smells good along for the ride. Scent is one of our strongest senses and yet we rarely use it for triggering relaxation or invigoration. It can be anything from essential oils, your favorite perfume, or maybe even your significant other's sweater. Whatever it is, something that will mask the myriad of subway smells bombarding you will make your commute a little more enjoyable.

7. Snacks

Having a snack handy can be very helpful for subway commutes. We all know what it's like to be hangry and let me tell you, there is no worse place to be hangry than on the NYC subway!

8. Sanitize!

For the love of all things holy, have hand sanitizer! You don't need to be told how many people have touched that subway rail or how long those germs can last on any given surface. Take an extra step to keeping yourself healthy this audition season. Try “First Class” by Kiehl’s. Besides its potent sanitizing properties, it smells heavenly. You'll never travel without it!

These eight subway hacks will help you reduce stress, save money, and enjoy the commute to your audition. So plan ahead, pack your bag, and nail that audition!