It’s 2 pm on a Tuesday, and you’re sitting at your desk scrolling through Instagram for the hundredth time today. Maybe you’re stuck in a boring Zoom meeting or waiting for a project to load. To kill some time, your first instinct was to grab your phone and start swiping through social media. But now an hour has passed and you’ve accomplished nothing. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there – but what if I told you that there are more productive and engaging things you can do during these moments of downtime?
As someone who’s worked a variety of jobs, from bartending to cheesemaking, I know how easy it can be to stay fully engaged when your work demands your attention. But what about those 9-5 office jobs where downtime is all too common?
In this post, I’ll be sharing 10 productive and engaging things you can do during your workday downtime, from organizing your workspace to cleaning out the office fridge. If you’re ready to kick the social media habit, put down your phone and let’s get to it! Your brain (and your boss) will thank you.
What Is Downtime at Work?
Downtime at work is the magical moment when the stars align and you find yourself with some extra time on your hands. Whether it’s because the computer system is down, or you’ve finished everything on your to-do list, it’s the perfect excuse to give yourself a well-deserved break. Maybe you’ll use this time to grab a coffee, chat with a colleague, or simply stare off into space. Whatever your downtime style, one thing is for sure – if you want to stay present and mindful throughout your workday, there are certain things you should avoid doing.
Here are 10 of those things.
10 Things to Avoid Doing During Work Downtime
It can be tempting to use your downtime to do a little online shopping or plan your weekend. But beware – one minute you’re taking a quick break, and the next thing you know, hours have passed and you’ve accomplished nothing.
To help you stay on track, here are 10 things to avoid doing.
Don’t…
- Scroll through social media.
- Shop online. Shopping out of boredom will lead to impulsive purchases and cause serious financial stress in the long run. Resist the urge to buy things you don’t need simply because you have some extra time on your hands.
- Plan your weekend. If you want to be more present during the workday, avoid activities that will make you wish you were anywhere else.
- Look for a new job. Avoid looking for a new job during downtime. It will seriously impact your current job performance.
- Distract your coworkers. Just because you have some downtime, doesn’t mean your coworkers do. Instead, of distracting them, offer your help. If they’ve hit a lull in their work too, pull out those nerf guns!
- Watch videos or movies. Nothing screams ‘I’m not being productive’, like hearing a YouTube video playing from your coworker’s office. Don’t be that person!
- Eat excessive snacks or junk food. Overindulging in snacks during downtime will drain your energy. Opt for energizing activities instead.
- Plan or attend personal appointments. Stay present by leaving your personal obligations out of the office.
- Work on personal projects or freelance work. Working on personal projects at the office is a slippery slope. It’s easy to get lost in your work and not notice how much time has passed.
- Complain or gossip about coworkers, clients or the company.
10 Things to Do Instead of Scrolling on Your Phone
Of the 10 things to avoid doing during work downtime, scrolling through social media is one of the most common. According to recent studies, one in five employees believe that using social media hurts their overall work performance. If you’re one of those five people, you’ve come to the right place.
Mindlessly reaching for your phone may seem like an impossible habit to break, but it’s not! The key to keeping yourself from refreshing your Instagram feed for the hundredth time is having other things to do instead. It’s easier to resist the temptation when you have more productive and rewarding things to direct your attention to. Luckily, I’ve got some ideas for you!
Here are 10 things to do during work downtime instead of scrolling on your phone.
1. Organize Your Workspace
It’s no secret that the state of your workspace has a huge effect on your productivity. When papers are piled high on your desk and things are scattered about, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in a sea of chaos. But by taking the time to organize your workspace, you can regain a sense of control. Tidying up your physical space will also create space for your mind to think and work more efficiently.
So, the next time you find yourself with a few minutes of downtime, resist the urge to mindlessly scroll through social media. Instead, take a few minutes to tidy up your desk, file away papers, and put things back in their proper place. You’ll be amazed at how much more productive you’ll be for the rest of the day.
2. Do Some Stretches
So you’ve been hunched over your computer for hours and your back is starting to ache. You could reach for your phone and mindlessly scroll through social media, but why not take a few minutes to stretch instead?
Stretching not only helps alleviate tension in your muscles but can also increase your energy levels and productivity. By taking a break from your work and doing some stretches, you can give your mind and body a much-needed break and return to your work with renewed focus.
Plus, you don’t need to be a yoga expert or contortionist to do some effective stretches at your desk! There are plenty of simple stretches that you can do while sitting in your chair or standing up next to your desk.
3. Meditate
When you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed out at work, it can be tempting to reach for your phone and mindlessly scroll through social media as a way to escape. But, taking a few minutes to meditate instead can be a much more effective way to reduce stress and improve your focus.
Find a quiet place to sit or even just close your eyes at your desk. Focus on your breath and try to let go of any distracting thoughts or worries. If you’re new to meditation, don’t worry – it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Even just a few minutes of deep breathing and mindfulness can go a long way. If you need more guidance, there are plenty of apps and resources available to help you through your meditation practice. My go to is this FREE 8 Minute Meditation You Can Do Anywhere by Yoga with Adriene.
So next time you find yourself with some downtime at work, put down your phone and meditate instead.
4. Clean Out the Fridge
Cleaning out the office fridge may not sound like the most thrilling activity, but it’s actually a great use of your work downtime. I know I know, the office fridge can be a scary place. You never know what you’re going to find lurking in there – expired yogurts, moldy sandwiches, and who knows what else. But if you can muster the courage, cleaning out the office fridge can be a surprisingly satisfying experience.
Plus, it’s great way to score some serious points with your coworkers! Whether you’re the boss or an entry-level employee, taking the initiative to keep the communal fridge tidy and organized shows that you care about the little things. And when it comes to office culture, the little things can make a big difference.
5. Brew a Cup of Tea
It’s easy to fall into the trap of mindless scrolling when you simply have nothing better to do. But you know what’s better than blasting your eyes with more pesky blue light? Brewing a cup of tea.
Not only will it give you a moment to step away from your work, but the ritual of brewing and sipping on a warm cup of tea can also provide mental clarity and relaxation. It’s a chance to step away from the chaos of the workday and take a moment for yourself. Plus, many teas, such as chamomile and lavender, have calming properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety. And let’s be honest, we all need a little help in that department every once in a while.
Even the simple act of brewing a cup of tea can be a mini meditation in itself. As you carefully pour the water over the leaves, you’re forced to slow down and focus on the task at hand. And as the tea steeps, you have a few precious moments to step away from the hustle and bustle of your workday and take a deep breath.
So next time there’s a lull at work, take a few moments to focus on something as simple as steeping a cup of tea.
6. Solve a Puzzle
Let’s face it, scrolling through social media is a tempting (and admittedly easy) way to kill time. But what if you could use that time to sharpen your problem-solving skills and give your brain a workout instead?
As someone who is completely addicted to Sudoku, I can tell you that there’s nothing quite like the feeling of completing a challenging puzzle. For me, solving puzzles is a chance to completely disconnect from work and immerse myself in something completely different. It’s a fun and satisfying break from the day-to-day grind.
Plus, solving puzzles can actually translate into better work performance. Now, this may sound like I’m just trying to rationalize my Sudoku addiction but hear me out! Learning how to focus on a task and problem-solve is an essential skill to have for many jobs. Solving puzzles is an easy way to train your brain to do just that. Think of it as a form of mental training – every time you solve a puzzle, you’re strengthening your ability to concentrate and focus on the task at hand.
So, put down the phone and pick up a pencil!
7. Organize Your Email Inbox
Is your email inbox overflowing with unread messages and spam? It’s a common problem, but one you can easily tackle during your office downtime.
The first step is to delete any unnecessary emails. Then, unsubscribe from newsletters and promotions that you no longer want to receive. You’ll be surprised by how much junk mail you’ve accumulated over time! Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, it’s time to organize the remaining emails.
Creating folders is a great way to categorize your emails and make them easier to find later on. For example, you might create folders for work-related emails, personal emails, and bills and invoices. And if you’re feeling really ambitious, you could even create subfolders within those folders for even more specific categorization.
But beyond the satisfaction of having a clean inbox, organizing your emails can actually improve your productivity. When your inbox is organized and streamlined, it’s easier to find the emails you need and respond to them in a timely manner. Plus, you’ll be less likely to miss important messages or forget about important deadlines.
8. Plan Your Schedule
Next time you find yourself with a spare moment at work, resist the urge to scroll through social media. Instead, take some time to plan your schedule.
Planning your schedule might not seem like the most thrilling activity, but trust me, it can be a game-changer. By taking the time to review your calendar and make a plan for the coming days and weeks, you’ll feel more in control and less stressed. Plus, you’ll be less likely to forget about important appointments or deadlines.
So what does planning your schedule entail? It could be as simple as reviewing your calendar for the next week and making a to-do list for each day. Or, if you’re feeling really ambitious, you could create a detailed schedule that breaks down each hour of your workday. Whatever method you choose, the key is to be intentional about how you use your time.
9. Tidy Up Your Files
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably got files, folders, and screenshots strewn about your desktop like confetti. If so, tidying up your files during your office downtime can be a satisfying and productive way to kill time.
Think of it like decluttering your physical space – when your digital workspace is clean and organized, your mind feels clearer too. Plus, once you have a logical structure in place, it’s easier to keep things organized moving forward.
So, next time you have a bit of extra time on your hands, do a bit of a digital spring cleaning!
10. Get Certified
Do you find yourself scrolling through social media during your downtime, feeling like you’re not really accomplishing anything? Well, why not use that time to get certified in something that can help you grow your career? Whether you choose to get certified in Smartsheet, Google, or any other software or tool, the benefits are endless. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge and expertise, but you’ll also have something impressive to add to your resume and LinkedIn profile.
And the best part? Many employers are willing to foot the bill for your certification if you ask them! So not only will you be improving your skills, you may not even have to spend any money out of your own pocket.
So why waste your downtime scrolling through social media when you could be investing in your future?
In Conclusion
It’s no secret that the lure of social media can be hard to resist, especially during moments of downtime at work. But, breaking the habit is not impossible! The key is to have a backlog of more productive and engaging things you can do instead.
From learning a new skill to taking a quick walk outside, these ideas will help you turn your moments of downtime into opportunities for growth, relaxation or productivity. So next time you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, remember that there are better ways to use your time.
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