- Get some exercise by taking a walk, hitting the gym, or practicing yoga at home.
- Read a book or a newspaper, or listen to a podcast to brighten your mind in your free time.
- Flex your creative muscles by sketching, practicing an instrument, or visiting a museum.
- Get ahead of the curve and finish extra home or workplace tasks, like catching up on emails or doing laundry.
Take a walk.
Give your brain a break with a quick stroll. Taking small breaks might seem counter-productive, but it’s a great way to improve your productivity when you get back to your desk. A little time away from responsibilities helps you rest and recoup, reorienting your mind on what matters. Get some sunshine, if you can, or head to a local park for some fresh air. If you’re cooped up inside, take a few laps around your home or office.
Catch up on your emails.
Clear out your inbox. If you’re anything like us, you’ve got a whole backlog of unopened emails. Are they urgent? Are they spam? Who knows! The best time to find out was yesterday. The next best time is now. Also be sure to unsubscribe to those promotional emails you forgot you signed up for.
Practice mindfulness.
Do a few mindfulness meditations to focus on the world around you. In some studies, people who did regular mindfulness exercises reported reduced stress and greater productivity. Take 5 minutes to observe the things around you using your 5 senses. Take note of how things feel, sound, and even taste. Do a body scan meditation by focusing your attention on each individual part of your body, starting with your toes and working your way up to the crown of your head. Find a piece of paper and jot down your emotions: how do you feel right now? How did you feel a little while ago? How do you want to feel in the future?
Make a to-do list.
Plan out the rest of your day or week. Take 10 minutes to make a to-do list of the things you need or want to accomplish this week. Then, organize them according to their importance. Once it’s all on paper, you’ll have a better idea of what you need to get done, and more motivation to do it. In addition, make a schedule of when you plan to do each item on the list, which will help you stay on-track.
Work out.
Hit the gym to boost your physical fitness. Working your body while giving your mind a rest is a 2-birds, 1-stone situation. A quick run or even just a handful of jumping jacks every so often helps both your body and mind feel its best. Do yoga at home or sign for a class to connect with new people. Drop and pump out some pushups for an effective and quick muscle-building exercise.
Change your job description.
Talk to your boss about adjusting your responsibilities. If you’re bored at work, it could be because you don’t have enough to do. On the other hand, you might have too much to do, which results in procrastination. In either case, have a casual chat with your boss about your schedule and responsibilities, and work together to balance your workload. Don’t be afraid to express your concern to your supervisor. It’s likely that they’ll be impressed by your concern and communication.
Put in some overtime.
Complete some extra tasks at work. Is there a report that nobody’s stepped up to do? Or maybe the water cooler just needs replacing. Look around and find something that’s been neglected, then roll up your sleeves and get it done yourself. It’s a sure way to impress your boss. If you’re at home, do a chore for someone else—vacuum for your roommate or do dishes for your partner.
Start a journal.
Write down your thoughts and daily activities. Get an old notebook and start journaling. If you’re feeling creative, scratch out a few lines of poetry. Otherwise, just record your stream of consciousness. It may seem silly at first, but coming back to a journal some years down the line is a great way to keep in touch with your past self.
Listen to an audiobook or podcast.
Learn something new or listen to a story in the background. Browse podcasts related to your industry, or go the totally opposite direction and listen to a podcast on a subject you don't know much about. Or, if you’re after something more imaginative, check out a novel from your local library’s digital catalog and dive into a new world. If you’re procrastinating, throw on an audiobook or podcast and dive back into your work. The background stimulation may improve your productivity and focus.
Take a digital tour of the world.
Browse Google Earth to experience new places from your home. You don’t need a passport to do some sightseeing. Clicking around the street view camera on Google Earth is a fabulous way to see some sights and do some casual people-watching from the comfort of your desk. Play a few rounds of GeoGuessr to gamify your geographic knowledge and learn some landmarks in the process. If you see something you like, start planning a trip to visit that place in person.
Meditate.
Find a quiet spot and practice deep breathing. Learning to meditate clears your mind, preparing you for the tasks ahead. Think of it like taking out your mental trash or decluttering the bedroom in your brain. Make it a regular habit so that you always have a positive activity to fall back on when you’ve got extra time on your hands. Focus on taking deep breaths in and out through your nose. If you feel your mind wander, center it again on your breathing.
Organize your desk.
Tidy up your workspace. If you’ve got a few minutes, now’s the perfect time to trash those old coffee cups and wipe down a dusty keyboard. Also, remember to get your knick-knacks in a row and water any desktop plants. Alternatively, print some photos of your friends and family, or some nice illustrations to hang around your space.
Brush up on industry news.
Catch up with recent happenings in your field. Everyone needs a refresher every now and then. Read recent research papers, pick up an industry magazine, or chat with an office expert about what’s been happening in your area of expertise. If you have extra free time, sign up for some proper courses at a college or a public learning center.
Pickle vegetables.
Make some low-effort preserves. Got some garlic about to go bad? Or some onions that are taking up fridge real estate? Pickle ‘em! All you need is a jar, some veggies, and some vinegar and you’ll be on your way to delicious sandwich toppings or salad sides. Alternatively, ferment some fruit to add to cocktails or desserts. For a slightly more involves fermentation project, brew some kombucha to have a healthy pick-me-up during your busier days.
Start a book club.
Stay social and well-read in your free time. Starting a book club is an excellent way to network, relax, and enjoy some literature (and snacks) all at once. Send an email to your coworkers and friends to gauge interest and establish a meeting time. Make a poll to decide on your first book, and formulate some reading questions to ask when you meet.
Volunteer at a charity.
Do some good with your free time by helping others. Charities and volunteer organizations like food banks or community thrift shops are the perfect way to give back in your downtime. Reach out to a local coordinator and ask if they need any extra hands. Also, send them your schedule and availability. Also look into volunteering at your local museum or library to do some good while learning something new in the process. Alternatively, learn to knit and make some hats to donate to homeless people.
Update your resume.
Add some extra skills and experience to your CV. If you’ve been at your job for a while, your resume is probably a little dusty. Yes, you’ve got job security in spades, but it never hurts to be upward-thinking. Take a few minutes to plug in any new skills or accomplishments. Or start from scratch and make a new resume. Also take a moment to do a little research on your position and average salary. You may be falling behind your pay grade. Time to chat with your boss—or find a new gig. Even if you don’t have much new experience, go ahead and update the wording or design.
Let yourself daydream.
Allow your mind to wander to blow off some steam. There’s a reason humans are prone to daydreaming. It’s an important mental function that gives our mind a break while also revealing our wants and needs. Set a timer for 10 minutes, sit back, and let that noggin roam. Afterward, write down any pertinent thoughts you remember, like things you want to accomplish or anxieties. A mental inventory like this is a good way to organize your thoughts.
Thrift shop.
Hit up the local Goodwill and find something chic. Fast fashion is out, thrifting is in. And you won’t find deals like these at a regular retailer. Update your wardrobe while saving a buck. It’s not called “retail therapy” for no reason. Bring some goodies to donate, as well, to make some space in your home for your new finds.
Join a special interest group.
Get involved with a local hobby group or club. Ever wanted to get into birdwatching? Or maybe you miss the nostalgic pull of a kite string in your hands. Hit up your town or city’s events calendar and browse upcoming club meetings. If you see one that catches your eye, get in touch with a coordinator for more info. Alternatively, start your own club around an activity you’re passionate about.
Visit a museum.
Get cultured while taking a nice stroll. Many museums have dedicated days for free entry. Or, a season pass lets you experience a range of exhibits at a discounted price. And let’s not forget that all that walking and stair-stepping around exhibits helps keep you in shape, too! If you’re an artistic type, bring a sketchbook to draw what you see. Or, simply tote a journal to jot down your thoughts. Take full advantage of museum workers and curators—they’re there to answer questions and educate!
Read a book or a magazine.
Pick up a novel or a lifestyle magazine. It’s a sad fact that many adults don’t get enough reading time in their busy lives. Hit your bookshelf or a library and crack the spine of anything that looks interesting. It doesn’t have to be high-brow; even reading something purely for fun stimulates your brain. Challenge yourself to read faster in order to foster a simple but useful skill.
Call a friend.
Have a chat with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. With the advent of texting and email, a good old-fashioned phone call can be a nice change of pace. Ring up an old friend and catch up on each other’s lives. Also check your voicemail and make sure your missed-call message is up-to-date.
Clean out your closet.
Sort through your clothes and find old items to donate. As the season changes, so does the fashion. And chances are your closet needs tidying and clothes need folding, anyway. Give it the old Marie Kondo and decide which clothes give you joy, and which clothes will give someone at Goodwill some joy. While you’re at it, plan out your outfits for the week, which will save you time in the morning. Also make a note of what sorts of clothing you might need to buy. Spring soon? You’ll need shorts!
Sleep.
Take a nap. No, really. Sleep is a catch-all cure for so many things, from crankiness to brain fog to straight-up fatigue. Set a timer for half an hour and hit the hay, then wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your tasks. If you don’t want to nap, at least sit back and rest your eyes for a few minutes. All that screen time can start to wear.
Make a playlist.
Put together a mixtape for the digital age. Planning a fun night out? Or maybe you’re just feeling a bit sick for spring after a long winter. Make a playlist for it! There’s nothing like organizing a seamless stream of songs to put your mind at ease. Also make a productivity playlist, with upbeat and blood-pumping songs to blast the next time your get to work.
Talk to the people around you.
Start up a conversation with a coworker or a friend. We sometimes forget that we can connect and socialize with nothing more than a “Hey, how’s it going?” Even starting a conversation with a stranger can be a valuable opportunity to broaden your horizons. Ask them about something they enjoyed recently, like a movie or an outing. Talk to them about their job or interests—you might find a new interest for yourself!
Pick up a simple skill.
Learn something you can master in just a few hours. There are plenty of things you can learn in a short amount of time that’ll make you handier and more capable. For example, learn to fix a flat car tire, flip an omelet, or tie a tie.
Start a blog.
Take advantage of your writing skills and start a dispatch. Got a little extra know-how you’re itching to share? Or maybe you just want to connect with other hobby enthusiasts. Start a blog to release your thoughts into the world wide web. Alternatively, browse other online blogs related to your work or interests to learn something new.
Meal prep or make a meal plan.
Plan and make your meals for the upcoming week. Save yourself some time later by cooking your meals now. Or, if you don’t have enough time to cook, simply plan meals on your calendar. Having an idea of what you intend to eat throughout your week streamlines your schedule and reduces dinnertime stress.
Write a bucket list.
Write down everything you want to do before you kick it. Parachuting, floating the Venetian canals, bull riding. Make your list: dream big, jot it down, then hang the list somewhere you can see it every day to motivate you toward your goals. Better yet, make a move to accomplish the first thing on your list. Book that plane ticket or email that college advisor. Life is short!
Clean up your phone.
Delete any unused apps on your home screen. Cheap mobile games that waste your time. An ad-ridden calculator. And why do you even have that flight tracker for a defunct airline? Long press to make those icons dance, then into the trash they go. While you’re at it, clear the notifications of the apps you do use. All those little numbers in their little red bubbles can cause undue stress.
Play a brain game.
Do a crossword or sudoku to enrich your mind. It’s true what they say about all work and no play. Games are a vital part of leisure time, and maintaining a balance of work and leisure is key to being successful in both. Find a brain-teasing game to play, like a book of crosswords. You might also play a word game on your phone—just be sure to set a timer for 10-20 minutes to remind you to put your phone down after a while.
Write a letter.
Send mail to a friend or make a new pen pal. Sure, it’s a communication method of yesteryear, but that makes it all the more charming. Break out some fancy stationery and a smooth fountain pen, or wing it on a bit of scratch paper. If you want to talk to someone new, get a penpal and connect with someone across the globe. Include some polaroids or film photos to double down on the retro feel.
Sketch something.
Practice your artistic ability with a pen or pencil. Did you know that drawing works out areas of your brain you might be neglecting? Don’t worry about your skill level or making the prettiest picture ever. Just uncap that pen, grab a napkin, and draw what’s in front of you. Flex those creative muscles. Your brain will thank you. Make this the start of an artistic journey. Get a sketchpad and draw something every day, and watch how quickly you improve.
Do your laundry.
Take care of that pile of dirty clothes. We hate to say it, but they’re not going to wash themselves. Believe us, we wish they would. Into the hamper with them! If you use a laundromat, take the opportunity to get other errands done while you’re out and about.
Read a newspaper.
Catch up on local and world news. These days, it’s easy for our worlds to shrink to the size of our homes. But there’s so much more going on out there. Pick up a newspaper or open your browser to an online rag and let the outside in. Or, just flip to the crossword, sudoku, or funnies. These, too, are worthy uses of your time.
Practice an instrument.
Pick up that guitar you’ve always been meaning to play. It’s never too late to learn a new instrument. Try a service like Yousician to learn at home. If you’re at work or can’t make much noise, throw on some headphones and boot up some YouTube tutorials to learn the basics, even without the instrument in-hand. Alternatively, learn to sight-read sheet music to give yourself a headstart in performing the hits.
Drink water.
Hydrate to stay healthy. Chances are you’re not getting enough water, which can impact your health in numerous ways. Consider this: most people need at least 11.5 c (2.7 L) of water every day. Now ask yourself when you last had a glass of plain old water. Time to take a quick walk to the water cooler. Make an effort to drink more water every day by toting a water bottle or infusing your water with fruit.
Have a meal or a snack.
Replenish your body’s fuel with a quick bite. If you’re feeling lethargic, bored, or just generally like you want to bash your head against a wall, you might just be hungry. Grab an apple, nutrition bar, or another healthy option from the fridge or a vending machine. Alternatively, take a minute to cook something quick and easy. Cooking itself is a creative outlet that can revitalize your brain.
Learn a language.
Use your downtime to practice a second language. These days, apps like DuoLingo or Rosetta Stone enable you to learn a new language in just minutes a day. Spend a little time completing small exercises or reviewing vocab, and do a little every day. In addition, watch television or stream movies in a foreign language to help you get an ear for it.
Tend some plants.
Prune and water some household plants. Take a look around your office or home for any plants in need of some TLC. Go ahead and prune them back, then give them some much-needed hydration. If you don’t have houseplants, now’s a perfect time to visit a nursery and start your collection.
Make a budget.
Create a plan for how you spend your money. Is money tight? Use this time to wrangle your wallet by making a budget. Tally up your paycheck and bills to find how much you can spend on takeout this week. In addition, start a savings account with your bank, and get a headstart on your retirement.
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