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What do you do on you free time? I enjoy listening to music while eating or drinking something at the same time.

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What do you do on you free time? I enjoy listening to music while eating or drinking something at the same time.

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Leo Babauta
Founder of Zen Habits and expert in habits building and goals achieving. Read full profile

If you've got a big block of free time, the best way to put that to use is to relax, have fun, decompress from a stressful day, or spend time with a loved one. But if you've just got a little chunk - say 5 or 10 minutes - there's no time to do any of the fun stuff.

So, what to do in free time?

Put those little chunks of time to their most productive use.

Everyone works differently, so the best use of your free time really depends on you, your working style, and what's on your to-do list. But it's handy to have a list like this in order to quickly find a way to put that little spare time to work instantly, without any thought. Use the following list as a way to spark ideas for what you can do in a short amount of time.

1. Reading Files

Clip magazine articles or print out good articles or reports for reading later, and keep them in a folder marked "Reading File". Take this wherever you go, and any time you have a little chunk of time, you can knock off items in your Reading File.

Keep a reading file on your computer (or in your bookmarks), for quick reading while at your desk (or on the road if you've got a laptop).

2. Clear out Inbox

Got a meeting in 5 minutes? Use it to get your physical or email inbox to empty.

If you've got a lot in your inbox, you'll have to work quickly, and you may not get everything done; but reducing your pile can be a big help. And having an empty inbox is a wonderful feeling.

3. Phone Calls

Keep a list of phone calls you need to make, with phone numbers, and carry it everywhere.

Whether you're at your desk or on the road, you can knock a few calls off your list in a short amount of time.

4. Make Money

This is my favorite productive use of free time. I have a list of articles I need to write, and when I get some spare minutes, I'll knock off half an article real quick.

If you get 5 to 10 chunks of free time a day, you can make a decent side income. Figure out how you can freelance your skills, and have work lined up that you can knock out quickly - break it up into little chunks, so those chunks can be done in short bursts.

Try these 17 Types of Online Work at Home Jobs that Really Pay Off.

5. File

No one likes to do this. If you're on top of your game, you're filing stuff immediately, so it doesn't pile up.

But if you've just come off a really busy spurt, you may have a bunch of documents or files laying around.

Or maybe you have a big stack of stuff to file. Cut into that stack with every little bit of spare time you get, and soon you'll be in filing Nirvana.

6. Network

Only have 2 minutes? Shoot off a quick email to a colleague. Even just a "touching bases" or follow-up email can do wonders for your working relationship. Or shoot off a quick question, and put it on your follow-up list for later.

7. Clear out Feeds

If my email inbox is empty, and I have some spare time, I like to go to my Google Reader and clear out my feed inbox.

8. Goal Time

Take 10 minutes to think about your goals - personal and professional.

If you don't have a list of goals, start on one. If you've got a list of goals, review them.

Write down a list of action steps you can take over the next couple of weeks to make these goals a reality. What action step can you do today? The more you focus on these goals, and review them, the more likely they will come true.

9. Update Finances

Many people fall behind with their finances, either in paying bills (they don't have time), or entering transactions in their financial software, or clearing their checkbook, or reviewing their budget.

Take a few minutes to update these things. It just takes 10 to 15 minutes every now and then.

10. Brainstorm Ideas

Another favorite of mine if I just have 5 minutes - I'll break out my pocket notebook, and start a brainstorming list for a project or article. Whatever you've got coming up in your work or personal life, it can benefit from a brainstorm. And that doesn't take long.

11. Clear off Desk

Similar to the filing tip above, but this applies to whatever junk you've got cluttering up your desk. Or on the floor around your desk.

Trash stuff, file stuff, put it in its place. A clear desk makes for a more productive you. And it's oddly satisfying.

12. Exercise

Never have time to exercise? 10 minutes is enough to get off some pushups and crunches. Do that 2 to 3 times a day, and you've got a fit new you.

13. Take a Walk

This is another form of exercise that doesn't take long, and you can do it anywhere. Even more important, it's a good way to stretch your legs from sitting at your desk too long.

It also gets your creative juices flowing. If you're ever stuck for ideas, taking a walk is a good way to get unstuck.

14. Follow up

Keep a follow-up list for everything you're waiting on. Return calls, emails, memos - anything that someone owes you, put on the list.

When you've got a spare 10 minutes, do some follow-up calls or emails.

15. Meditate

You don't need a yoga mat to do this. Just do it at your desk. Focus on your breathing. A quick 5 to 10 minutes of meditation (or even a nap) can be tremendously refreshing.

Take a look at this 5-Minute Guide to Meditation: Anywhere, Anytime

16. Research

This is a daunting task for me. So I do it in little spurts.

If I've only got a few minutes, I'll do some quick research and take some notes. Do this a few times, and I'm done!

17. Outline

Similar to brainstorming, but more formal. I like to do an outline of a complicated article, report or project, and it helps speed things along when I get to the actual writing. And it only takes a few minutes.

18. Get Prepped

Outlining is one way to prep for longer work, but there's a lot of other ways you can prep for the next task on your list.

You may not have time to actually start on the task right now, but when you come back from your meeting or lunch, you'll be all prepped and ready to go.

19. Be Early

Got some spare time before a meeting? Show up for the meeting early.

Sure, you might feel like a chump sitting there alone, but actually people respect those who show up early. It's better than being late (unless you're trying to play a power trip or something, but that's not appreciated in many circles).

20. Log

If you keep a log of anything, a few spare minutes is the perfect time to update the log.

Actually, the perfect time to update the log is right after you do the activity (exercise, eat, crank a widget), but if you didn't have time to do it before, your 5-minute break is as good a time as any.

More Productive Things To Do During Free Time

Featured photo credit: Lauren Mancke via unsplash.com

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What to Do in Free Time? 20 Productive Ways to Use the Time

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Leo Babauta Founder of Zen Habits and expert in habits building and goals achieving. Read full profile If you've got a big block of free time, the best way to put that to use is to relax, have fun, decompress from a stressful day, or spend time with a loved one.

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Share some of your positive quotes here. Attached you'll see some of mine.  

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Share some of your positive quotes here. Attached you'll see some of mine.  

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What's your favorite yoga website or app? Do you think that yoga is a productive way to spend downtime? I find yoga extremely productive for both mental and physical health.

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What's your favorite yoga website or app? Do you think that yoga is a productive way to spend downtime? I find yoga extremely productive for both mental and physical health.

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Gentle Yoga Flow - 30-Minute All Levels Yoga Class

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Do you take charge of your wellbeing during the day productively? In what ways? I personally make sure to eat healthy and exercise regularly.

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Do you take charge of your wellbeing during the day productively? In what ways? I personally make sure to eat healthy and exercise regularly.

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Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing

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The advice in this section could boil down to this: take care of yourself-mentally and physically-as you would a friend or relative.

Practice self-compassion

A crucial ingredient in emotional health is self-compassion, which we think of as the basic practice of treating yourself with acceptance, kindness, and gentleness-much as you would treat another person you care deeply about.

But kindness is only part of it: researcher and psychologist Kristin Neff says that mindfulness (the practice of paying attention to what happens inside and around you with a nonjudgmental attitude) and being aware of the shared suffering of others are both important components of self-compassion. These practices appear to:

1. Help decrease self-criticism

2. Increase a sense of connection with others

3. Promote better emotional responses in the face of the stress of everyday living.

It makes sense: when you're paying attention, you become more aware of where you tend to judge or criticize yourself or others harshly, and when you take the time to contemplate the experiences of others, you may find that your perspective on your own situation feels less claustrophobic.

Some psychologists now recommend building self-compassion rather than self-esteem. While self-esteem does strive to cultivate a positive view of oneself, it can lead to self-deception and refusal to acknowledge personal limitations or opportunities to improve. Self-compassion, on the other hand, is about recognizing and accepting the imperfections as well.

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Be Good to Yourself | Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing

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The advice in this section could boil down to this: take care of yourself-mentally and physically-as you would a friend or relative. A crucial ingredient in emotional health is self-compassion, which we think of as the basic practice of treating yourself with acceptance, kindness, and gentleness-much as you would treat another person you care deeply about.

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How I Set Up My Semester for Success | plan + schedule

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How did you manage your downtime at work during the pandemic? I made sure to take small breaks and not spend too much time in front of devices. 

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How did you manage your downtime at work during the pandemic? I made sure to take small breaks and not spend too much time in front of devices. 

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Ways to be Productive during your Downtime at Work

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Do you manage your daily schedule effectively so you find some free time for yourself? I find the use planners very useful and helpful, planning saves me a lot of free time.

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Do you manage your daily schedule effectively so you find some free time for yourself? I find the use planners very useful and helpful, planning saves me a lot of free time.

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20 Ways to be productive in your down time!

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What are some ways that help you manage your anxiety? I like exercising and meditating.

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What are some ways that help you manage your anxiety? I like exercising and meditating.

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5 Tips to Protect Your Mental Health During Coronavirus Crisis | UC San Diego Health

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Have you been helping your elder neighbors or people in need during pandemic on your free time? I personally found it extremely rewarding emotionally and physically.

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Have you been helping your elder neighbors or people in need during pandemic on your free time? I personally found it extremely rewarding emotionally and physically.

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Key Takeaways

It's tough to know how to help during this coronavirus pandemic. You may find that you have more time on your hands right now than ever. You might even be out of work with nothing to do and nowhere to go.

At the same time, the news is currently full of stories about people who are struggling all over in many ways. It's easy to find yourself feeling overwhelmed and confused about how you can help.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do right now to help during this crisis without leaving your home. And most of these won't even cost you any money.

Although you might feel as though you're sitting around doing nothing, staying home is the best thing you can do right now. Not only will it keep you safer, but it'll also protect those in your community (including healthcare workers).﻿﻿

So when you're sitting around thinking about all the things you wish you could be doing to help, remind yourself that staying home is an important job in itself right now.

If you feel compelled to do something while you're at home, then get some items ready to donate. Clean out your closets, and see if you have any clothes you can give away. Or go through your household goods, and see if any of these are available to be donated to people in need. Then, when it's safe to be in the community again, donate your items to a local charity.

Check on Other People

Call your friends and neighbors to check on them. You might find an elderly neighbor isn't aware that they can have their groceries delivered. Or you may discover your friend needs some emotional support.

Video chat, call, or message people just to say you're thinking of them. Let them know you're available if they want to talk (if you are willing to do so).

Make Some Deliveries

You probably know quite a few folks who are more vulnerable to the infection than you are. You should obviously stay home as much as possible, but it can be really dangerous for people over 65 and those with compromised immune systems to even make a trip to the store.

If you have the extra time or hands, consider doing a grocery run for someone who would benefit. Just leave it on their step and wear gloves when handling their bags. Although the risk of getting infected from grocery bags is low, prior research on coronaviruses suggests it would take a full 24 hours for most (90%) of the virus particles on a bag to die off.

Spread Good News and Kindness

There's a lot of bad news circulating on social media these days about "death tolls" and the economic downturn. There are a lot of heated discussions about politics as well.

So commit to sharing a little kindness and good news. Compliment your friends, send a kind note to someone you appreciate, or share some feel-good positive news. Sharing such things could brighten someone else's day.

Become a Volunteer Listener

If you'd like to offer more emotional support, sign up to become a volunteer listener at 7 Cups. It's a website where anyone can chat with a trained listener about any subject they wish.

7 Cups provides free training to anyone who wishes to be a volunteer listener. Once you complete their online course, you can volunteer to chat with people who are looking for support. You choose when to make yourself available, so it's up to you to decide how much time you want to spend volunteering as a listener.

Become a Volunteer Crisis Counselor Via Text

Crisis Text Line is a free text line available to anyone in the United States who needs help. Crisis counselors are volunteers who answer text messages. They may provide active listening, collaborative problem solving, and safety planning for anyone in need.

Volunteers must undergo a screening process and complete a lengthy self-paced training. Then, they can take a 4-hour shift once a week.

Make a Donation

If you have extra money right now, consider donating to a charity. There's a good chance many charities in your community are looking for help dealing with coronavirus-food banks, homeless shelters, etc.

Or you might look for a national charity too. Just make sure you do some homework on them so you're clear on how your money will be used.

Buy a Gift Card to a Local Establishment

Whether you want to support your local restaurant who had to temporarily shut their doors or you want to support an independent bookstore, buying a gift card right now could help them immensely.

A gift card will give the establishment funds right away. This could help support them now if business is slow or help them to re-open later if they've had to close down.

Check their website to see if you can buy a gift card online so you don't have to leave home. Even if they aren't open to the public at the moment, they may still be able to process gift cards.

Become a Mentor at CareerVillage

If you have some extra time on your hands, consider signing up to be a mentor at CareerVillage. Sign up and explain what types of career questions you're able to answer.

Then, when someone has a question that is related to your topic, you'll get notified. You can respond online and share information with individuals who are interested in your career.

It's a great way to mentor someone who is just starting out or to help guide a student who is thinking about their future career options.

Volunteer at Be My Eyes

Individuals who are blind or have low vision may need help with many things, such as reading expiration dates or distinguishing between colors.

When you volunteer for Be My Eyes, you can help with those things by video chatting and communicating what you see. You can accept calls between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in your local time zone by opening the app, and you may be asked to assist with a variety of tasks.

What This Means For You

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page.

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10 Ways to Help Other People During the Coronavirus Pandemic

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It's tough to know how to help during this coronavirus pandemic. You may find that you have more time on your hands right now than ever. You might even be out of work with nothing to do and nowhere to go.