Have you ever had one of those days where you’ve watched everything there is to watch on Netflix and seen all there is to see on your socials, but you just keep scrolling anyway, hoping for something new? Maybe you’re stuck in a waiting room, staring at the clock, or have a lull in your workday and would love to get something done. Well, you have come to the right place! Turns out there are plenty of productive things to do to make the most of your time—whether you’re at home, at work, or out and about.
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It Only Takes Five Minutes
If you’re struggling to pull yourself out of a rut but want to do something productive, start with just five minutes. Pick an activity, set a timer, and tell yourself that when the five minutes are up, you can go back to relaxing guilt-free. Chances are, once you get started, you’ll want to keep going. But even if you don’t, those little bursts of productivity add up over time.
The 80/20 Principle
Remember, you don’t have to be productive all the time. The 80/20 Principle (or Pareto’s Principle) suggests that 80% of your results come from just 20% of your actions. That means it’s totally okay to take a break and recharge! But when you do feel like getting something done, this list of 75 productive things to do will help you use your time wisely.
Productive Things to Do at Home
Your home is full of opportunities to get things done. Whether you’re in the mood to organize, clean, or cook, here are some productive activities to tackle at home:
- Declutter your home. Some great places to start include your pantry, fridge, freezer, wardrobe, beauty products, junk drawer, toys, or books.
- Deep clean your home by focusing on often-overlooked areas like the oven, fans, baseboards, and windows.
- Rearrange furniture or décor to create a fresh layout that makes your space feel brand new without spending any money.
- Upcycle or refinish a piece of furniture or décor to give old items a new life.
- Start a garden or plant some seeds, even if it’s just herbs on a windowsill.
- Create a meal plan to organize your meals for the week and save time and money.
- Cook a new meal by trying out a recipe you’ve been meaning to make.
- Bake something homemade and consider sharing it with friends or neighbors.
- Create a list of birthdays to ensure you never forget another important date.
- Make a “when did I last” list to track recurring but infrequent tasks like oil changes or deep cleaning.
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Productive Things to Do at Work
If you have downtime at work, use it to get ahead on projects, organize your workspace, or develop your skills.
- Organize your workspace by decluttering your desk and improving efficiency.
- Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to stay prepared for new opportunities.
- Set professional goals or intentions by thinking about where you want to be in a year.
- Plan out your workweek by prioritizing tasks for maximum efficiency.
- Take an online course to learn new skills and advance your career.
- Clean out your inbox by deleting or unsubscribing from unnecessary emails.
- Schedule meetings or follow-ups to stay proactive in networking.
- Review past projects to identify ways to improve your workflow.
- Create a new workflow or process to streamline your tasks.
- Make a list of industry-related books to read to keep learning and growing.
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Productive Things to Do on Your Phone
Instead of endless scrolling, turn your phone time into productive time.
- Delete unused apps to free up storage space.
- Organize your photo gallery by deleting duplicates and backing up favorites.
- Set up app limits or screen time restrictions to reduce distractions.
- Create playlists by organizing music for workouts, relaxation, or motivation.
- Listen to an educational podcast to learn something new on the go.
- Update your contacts by deleting duplicates and organizing them.
- Set up autopay and automatic savings transfers to make money management effortless.
- Research investment opportunities to explore stocks, index funds, or retirement accounts.
- Make a “to buy” list to reduce impulse spending.
- Brainstorm side hustle ideas by considering ways to earn extra income.
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Productive Things to Do Online
The internet is full of ways to be productive—here are a few!
- Unsubscribe from spam emails to keep your inbox clutter-free.
- Sell unused items online to declutter and make some extra cash.
- Take a free online course on websites like Coursera, Khan Academy, and Udemy.
- Research charities or causes to donate to to support something meaningful.
- Take an online personality or career test to learn more about yourself.
- Plan your next grocery order to save time by ordering online.
- Find and download free printables for budgeting, meal planning, and productivity. (hint: Look back through previous Taking Time newsletters for some great ones! 😉 )
- Set up banking alerts to stay on top of your finances.
- Join an online community to connect with like-minded people.
- Compare prices before making a purchase to ensure you get the best deal.
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Productive Things to Do in the Morning
Start your day with intention and productivity!
- Create a to-do list to prioritize your day’s tasks.
- Meditate or do deep breathing exercises to set a calm tone for the day.
- Journal about your goals and intentions to write down your thoughts.
- Read a book or listen to an audiobook to learn something new.
- Exercise or stretch to get your body moving.
- Make a healthy breakfast to fuel your day properly.
- Review your schedule to plan your time wisely.
- Do a quick home reset by making your bed and tidying up.
- Listen to motivational content such as a podcast, TED Talk, or inspiring music.
- Do something creative by writing, drawing, or brainstorming ideas.
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Productive Things to Do at Night
Wind down while still getting things done.
- Reflect on the day by considering what went well and what can be improved.
- Unplug from screens to give your eyes and mind a break.
- Do a relaxing self-care activity such as a mani/pedi, face mask, or bath.
- Write in a gratitude journal to focus on the positives.
- Prep for the next day by laying out clothes, packing lunches, and setting the coffee timer.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, there’s always something productive you can do—even if it’s just for five minutes! Productivity doesn’t mean doing everything all the time, but rather making the most of the moments when you do want to get something done.
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