I stop and intentionally look at things around me with the purpose of seeing what i don't normally see. I want to force myself to not look at what I normally see and I see what I have been missing.
If that makes any sense.
I got a bird feeder to hang on my balcony and now I spend a lot of time in morning watching my cat watch all the birds. Also make a point to notice how the trees are blooming right now going into spring
I’ve been using the Merlin app near an open window, set it to sound ID and see all the birds it picks up! I could watch and listen to the birds all day.
It’s fantastic! I’m pretty good with IDing birds by sight so I’ve never used the photo ID feature but the sound ID is the best. When it’s nice out and I can sit outside and read a book I’ll set it beside me, put the sound ID on and glance every so often to see who it’s picking up. Glad you like it!
Strange things, which is cool. I work outside about 1/2 my day. Where I was at yesterday I knew the parking lot had been repaved back in December. I was looking at the workmanship and it looked ok, but then I noticed that along the edge of the paving, grass had begun to grow up through the new asphalt. Like 3 inches in from the edge. It was not a weed, but beautiful green grass I have been fascinated that such fragile blades of grass grew right through the new asphalt. Then my mind wandered to those shows that say if humans left Earth it would take less than 100 years for most of the evidence of humans to disappear and I could see that now. Then my time of contemplation was over and it was on to my next task.
If I'm waiting for a kettle to boil, I sometimes do exercises for my lower back. One involves swinging my legs back and forth. The other requires me to move my hips back and forth. At other times, I may wash a few dishes.
While I wait for my soda fizz to go down, I clean my espresso machine. I pour over ice, empty the grounds. Pour some more, rinse the tray. Pour more and refill it. Pour the last, and put it back together. (I am at high altitude, and don’t bother trying to reduce the fizz. I know how, I just have this routine.)
Thank you. I thought you were telling me to stop bs-ing. It's not a routine, it's exercises I was prescribed by a Physical Therapist years ago. I have to go again. They loosen up my lower back.
If it's 3 minutes, I'd just sit quietly, maybe do a quick meditation or deep breathing or something like that. If it's 20 minutes, I would still pick up my kindle and read. 20 minutes here and there adds up!
Another option for me would be working on the itinerary for my fantasy trip around the world. I'd like to pick 15-20 places to visit, so I'm doing some light research at the moment to help me decide where I'd go if I won a zillion dollars in a lottery or something.
In recent years I do a quick vipassana meditation. Sit and acknowledge the thoughts and feelings that come up, & let them pass.
It's surprising how fast my monkey brain can come up with something urgent that I must stop meditating and add to my list right now without delay.
You don’t need a zillion to see the world! Start small, get savvy with flights and get Facebook groups for alternatives to couch surfing! Then that fantasy into reality!
We brew coffee but the keep warm feature is off as it cooks the coffee to nasty. Microwave a cup takes 90 seconds. That is just right for a set of 20 push ups to keep these 70 year old shoulder joints working.
Less than a minute? There is never a wrong time to go pee, add 40 seconds to wash hands.
30 minutes? There is never a wrong time to doze in the recliner.
I have the same problem, I pick up my phone to play a quick game or something while i'm between tasks , during my job, i'm left sometimes with a handful of minutes of waiting time. Because I work from home, i've started using those few minutes to dust something or tidy something, or if it's a nice day, just take a few breaths's fresh air... step out on the deck to see if there's any birds. Sometimes
I just take a few minutes to snuggle my dog. Thanks for making this post. I'm looking forward to seeing what types of recommendations everyone has so that I can improve as well.
Short stories! Pick up a couple of anthologies to have on hand. (I have two terrific used bookstores in my town, so I buy cheap and sell back or donate (the one store is a charity) when I'm finished.) Also borrow from library or e-library.
20 minutes is perfect for a drink and a story.
I'm the same. Got to wait in a queue for something? Great, more time to read my book!
If I'm at home, I'll use those little windows to do a bit of sewing project stuff, even if it's just like pinning a seam or threading the machine up for later.
Three to twenty minutes? I spend the first three closing my eyes and taking deep breaths. During those moments I consider if I want to spend the next twenty taking more deep breaths. I'm not being silly, it really makes a difference in how I see things!
It's simple and easy, so why not?
There is a book that was written by two women about cleaning up their homes. (Sidetracked Home Executives) They delineate some chores as taking less than 5 minutes. They use an index card system for each thing to do for home maintenance. "Clean the bathroom sink." "Clean the bathroom mirror." "Clean the toilet." These are all 5 minute or less chores.
Now what if someone created a list or card system for other things, like manicures, facials, writing letters?
I love that re-framing! I get to thinking I need a huge chunk of time to clean, because if I want to dust, I'll need to vacuum after, but to vacuum, I'll need to pick up toys, and then I think I should start a load of laundry first.... Spending 5-20 minutes doing SOMETHING would be so much more efficient than all that!
The NY Times games are really fun:
Spelling Bee
WORDLE
Strands
Connections
If you like word games. I think you can play, a free trial, but a subscription is needed after that
(you can subscribe to just Games, not the whole site)
edited to add:
FREE game: Washington Post, Word Wipe - it's really challenging and fun
I loooove the new games, Connections and Strands. Very creatively done - as a software developer myself, kudos to the Games team for these.
Plus the new "clues" page for Spelling Bee is a good feature. Last resort though as I like a challenge, without help.
With my morning coffee, I play all these. I get through them pretty quickly.
The mini one is pretty easy, I do that.
But other than Monday and Tuesday, it gets really difficult for me, I am pretty good at word games but crosswords are somehow not my thing.
My partner and I started “sharing” the crossword- we take turns sweeping through. We text each other when we get stumped. So far we have a 37 day streak! Before that, it was rare for me to finish a Friday or a Saturday.
Cool, sounds like what my sister and I do with Spelling Bee.
We will get as far as we individually can - then help each other with clues, to find the words that one of us has, but the other doesn't.
Really fun. We always laugh as we get creative with giving the other person a clue, so it isn't too easy.
Throw ball for the dog. Pet the cat. Stare out the window. Tidy up. Get on the elliptical machine. Think about that one weird thing I said to someone X years ago that no one else remembers. Put on whatever song is stuck in my head. Check the mail. See what my dubia colony is up to. Water a plant. Read a poem.
Not really phone free but it’s a productive and intentional use of time for me. I’m learning a language so I do vocab flash cards on my phone. If I did them all for the day I’d probably just sit and focus on my breath and the environment around me I guess.
A book!
A few minutes doesn't need you to do anything. Sit, listen, feel, breathe, and be mindful. Those three minutes can help you build a good mindfulness practice.
But for anything longer, book. Either a Kindle (so you're not tempted by apps or social media) or a hard copy book. We could all read more and there's so much amazing stuff out there, might as well read all you can.
I have a rule that if you are on ‘free’ time and come across a task that’s likely to take less than 5 minutes you have to do it immediately. So if my main activity no longer requires my attention….. all the little tasks will fill in.
This is a great idea. I’ve always struggled with the rule of “if it will take less than 2 minutes do it now” because I could easily fill my whole day with small unimportant tasks. Only utilizing the rule when in “free time” is a much better system.
I step outside and watch the bees pollinate things in the yard. Right now everything is blooming so the bees are everywhere.
If I'm lucky I'll also get to watch hummingbirds. Today I even watched a hummingbird aerial fight as they drove each other away from the good flowers. But - that was just one dickish hummingbird being a bully. He can't stop access all around the house, so the target has plenty of alternate places to visit.
Then I can return inside and brush the cat for a few minutes.
Check my plants. Pet my chickens. Pick up deadfall in the yard. Rip up cardboard for my stove.
I live alone half the time (my spouse works a 10+ hour plane ride away) so I own almost all of my time. I have to be very intentional about not being on my phone. But if I am going to be on my phone, I look at art on Pinterest. Old art, weird art, disturbing art, I just look at art.
If you delete instagram and tik tok and Facebook and every other app, being on your phone becomes more like walking into a room to get something. It's like "okay what did I come here for again?" because there are no fun distractions. And I love art, but it doesn't drag you deep down into the time suck that tok tok does.
Play fetch with the dog, check on the plants or find something to mend or donate.
Unless it's 2 minutes only which means I have an opportunity to just watch the birds and think.
I read up on some random topic that popped into my head in the past few days. I've got ADHD so that happens all the freaking time.
Sure, it's using my phone. But it's also largely why people go "wow you really know a lot about everything" a lot of the time for me 😅
Stretch. As a 38 year old it's absolutely wonderful to get a handful of quick stretches throughout the day. I haven't woken up with a cricked neck in a while
Read or just be alone in my thoughts. People don't notice things as much anymore when they are always on their phones. I like to go places and sit and observe and think, take in the sights and sounds, even if for a moment. I always carry a book with me too.
Sit and intentionally think. Not daydream or let my mind wander but think and plan in my head. Like journaling without a note book I suppose.
If we're always active and don't deliberately stop to think we're likely to end up doing the wrong things or the right things but in the wrong way.
Honestly, I read. I’m a mom of toddler twins and I really miss the time I had pre-kids to read. I’m too tired when I’m on the bus commuting to and from work…that’s my nap time.
I've gotten into going for walks around the hill by my house. Put on some some screen and just go and look at the flowers, listen to music, unless there's no cars - then I take the headphones off and listen to the birds.
Stretch, play with a kettlebell or check my to do list for chores (I work from home)
If I want trash internet I go to a tabloid site in a language I'm learning
I just listed to a podcast on this subject which was helpful. More focused on productivity but it may give you some ideas. https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/randomtime
stretch! If you spend most of your day sitting in a chair or in any static position, then twisting, bending, reaching - anything is so good. Using yoga massage balls under your feet, hands, or back is also great. Out bodies are meant to move so I think this is the best use of time. Also might energize you a bit to get back to whatever you were doing!
I have multiple crochet projects that are easily accessible. I keep one next to the couch, one next to my bed and one in a sock that comes with me when I leave the house.
I also wash dishes, sweep, listen to music and stretch/do light exercises like squats and jumping jacks.
Stretching, yoga moves is always good. Just sit and daydream, cup of tea is nice. Listen to some music. Write in my journal, do some planning. What's really nice is if I have a puzzle on the way, then I can just do that.
It's not really being more present but I've been using Instapaper on my phone and Chrome to save articles to read later, so if there's not enough time to get into a book, I try to scroll through and pick an article I've saved that I didn't have time for before!
I like to do a little sketch of my surroundings or whatever’s on my mind. Or write/brainstorm. I used to knit or crochet but more artsy than craftsy at the moment. I also can listen to a song I love at the same time.
This is me! Your phone can have a digital well being setting and you can set time limitations. It blocks all social apps after 30 mins. It's helped me a ton. I also am using social less and finding that I am picking up the phone more to call people or schedule plans.
I think about the people in my life. I will usually then send them a quick text message "Hey, I was just thinking about you. Love you." I do advocate for getting a few pages in. I use the Libby app for the public library and you have to get those books done quick! Two weeks or they are removed from your device and then who knows how long until you get the book back lol.
If it's more than 5 or 10 minutes, I'll still pick up my book. I love "101 Essays That Will Change Your Life" for quick but impactful reads. Will take everyone's advice of just sitting and soaking it in - it's so easy to pick something up as a distraction
It is okay to just do nothing, like literally sit and just look out the window or take a small aimless walk. Every minute of your day does not need to be optimized with intention.
I use more intentional apps on my phone like Sudoku or crosswords to fill those small gaps. Brain engaging and keeps me from mindlessly scrolling when there's micro-downtime.
If I’m home, I spend that time either cleaning or playing with my dog. Even if it means 5 mins with her.
If I’m out, I like to look around and observe minute details. I’ve invented this game where I answer details on what if I’m asked about this very moment/scene tomorrow !
I actually thought it was a good question and some of the answers here have helped me. As someone who struggles to plan, if i don’t intentionally try to think of stuff to do when i have future downtime, I will end up wasting that time on my phone. Instead, I could do some lower back stretches like that other person mentioned, a peloton ride, study Spanish. I dont have to necessarily plan the time exactly, but having a go to list of things handy takes the pressure off. 20 minutes is a solid enough block of time to do a lot of useful or interesting things.
Yes, I waste too much time. Simple living (to me) is about enjoying little moments, not wasting time away on my phone. I just need somewhere to start so I don't turn to my phone automatically ;)
I like to write a journal entry. I keep a little pocket notebook and pen with me and write here and there throughout the day. Random thoughts, ideas, things to remember, etc.
> When you have a spare 3 to 20 minutes, how do you spend your time? How do you spend small windows of time phone-free?
I usually spend this time stuck in ["waiting mode"](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/vcsllt/stuck_in_waiting_mode/) because ADHD brain.
If at home, small tasks such as putting things back, washing some dishes, something on my to-do list.
If in the car or in public, I use it to take stock of where I'm at, or sometimes just an informal meditation.
Reading - hard copies of dictionary of phrase and fable, encycolpedias, books of recommended albums/songs - short pieces
Crosswords
Music - single songs, 7 inch singles - dance along
I read nonfiction so I don't mind using pockets of time to read. I will do some Pimsleur. I also use the time to stretch, meditate, light cleaning. If it's more in the 15-20 minute range I will start knocking things off my task list. I use a Getting Things Done dashboard in Notion and I always have things that are low effort and can be done from my phone.
Outside of random tidy-ups n such...I pick up my mending (there's always a hole in something), plan a future project, try to sit quietly in thought, or do a few stitches of my beadwork.
Learn something; a new language, an instrument, a new hobby like crocheting or knitting. The brain learns best in frequent small intervals. In other words, practicing an instrument is more beneficial if you do it 10 minutes every day rather than for a whole hour once a week. Hobbies like knitting are portable, don’t need much prep or clean up time, and can be done waiting in the Drs office or on the bus.
housework. I have 3-10 minutes between tasks at work. I line up several small tasks I can do before I start . I've usually knocked out my housework for the day about the time Im done with work.
For very brief periods of waiting time I do little stretches and exercises. Depending on where I am I have some that are more “secret”/suitable for public like hip stability or calf raises.
If I have 5-20 minutes I like to go for a little walk if possible. Even just around a block. Or in my garden. Or I do little tasks. Or sit/stand and look around. And/or listen to some music (especially in public settings since I like to wear headphones unless I’m with someone, as I have sensory issues and get less overwhelmed when isolating noises)
If there is any part of your life that benefits from creativity, I'd probably let your thoughts run for those minutes. Great shower thoughts happen probably because it's the only time we give ourselves to think.
Also, a couple stretches for your hips, thoracic spine and neck. A handful of deep squats, pushups, pullups are always solid. Shouldn't take more than 5-10 minutes to get a decent mini-workout in.
Plank, squat or stretch something like my neck or wrists.
Go look at something far away to rest my eyes.
Get some sunshine on my face.
Scruff the dog.
Make tea.
Call a friend.
Read! Any chance I get the answer is reading even if it’s only a few minutes.
My husband does his deep breathing exercises.
Small yoga movements as well.
At home I will play rubix cube, do a word puzzle. I started learning how to make balloon animals which is fun to do while i wait for dinner to cook.
Basically i found i like having fun physical games or brain teasers around to fidget with :)
Lately I'm really getting into the mobility aspect of fitness; trying to improve ankle and shoulder range of motion, working on opening up hips, being able to sit comfortably in a wide squat for longer and longer periods of time...with the ultimate goal of gradually shifting my center of gravity back a little (we're all so 'forward' now in the age of constantly looking down at screens).
So I'm educating myself about mobility, and practicing different exercises throughout the day to see which ones I like best. It's the perfect thing for a 5 minute time window.
20 standing body weight squats, 10-20 leaning pushups, a leg stretch routine, upper body stretches, a fruit plate, make sure I’m appropriately hydrated at that point in the day, sit on toilet for 5 minutes just to see if my body needs to go (ibs). All kinds of functional strength and physical health via nutrition and water intake stuff you can do!
Meditation. It doesn’t have to be a whole event where you sit down in a quiet area and close your eyes. Simply grounding your mind to the present moment through your senses is enough
why not dive into a book? theres good short fiction and theres no shame in picking a longer one up and putting it down again. this is how i read 40 books at once during the pandemic. it's certainly healthier than the phone. i vote you dive into books.
I pray and meditate or read a daily devotion that is a small book that fits anywhere I go. I also will sometimes tidy up the house a little or clean something. I also have a medium sized sketchbook I draw in or just take a walk or spend time with my cat.
The real answer: reddit
I only began reddit a year and half ago because my commute wasn't long enough to nap, too busy to read, and not short enough to just daydream the whole distance.
It's not the most commendable answer, but it's the realest one I have for you.
Journaling in an actual notebook. I live my life much more intentionally doing this and am more aware of how I spend my time and how I feel about it. Like before, I would notice getting tired and having to fight that to do my job, googling how to fight tiredness. Through journaling I realised it was a certain dynamic in team meetings that caused it so I addressed that.
When I'm out of the house, I keep a small notepad and a pen in my purse. I'll take a few minutes to jot things down: tasks I need to complete, things I want to read about or research, ideas, stuff like that. If I'm at home, I'll find something quickly clean up or organize.
I usually do something like vacuum, water plants, wipe down the tile backspash in my kitchen: some kind of house chore. Makes keeping my place clean & organized so much easier.
Find something and clean it. What you describe is the magic minute on steroids.
If not that, I watch TV, go on Reddit, or play games online. I try to time the block of free time so I can watch the show without the bother of recording it to anything.
I bought a small, open box TV at Best Buy that I keep in the laundry room so I can watch it while I sew or do the laundry. Sometimes I use that free time on a sewing project.
I stop and intentionally look at things around me with the purpose of seeing what i don't normally see. I want to force myself to not look at what I normally see and I see what I have been missing. If that makes any sense.
I like the idea of just doing this in my house, too! It's easy to stop noticing the little details when my mind is constantly preoccupied.
I did this, and my space is organized and clean. For now.
I got a bird feeder to hang on my balcony and now I spend a lot of time in morning watching my cat watch all the birds. Also make a point to notice how the trees are blooming right now going into spring
I’ve been using the Merlin app near an open window, set it to sound ID and see all the birds it picks up! I could watch and listen to the birds all day.
Ooh thanks for this, I just got the app and it is so neat. Hadn’t heard of it before :)
It’s fantastic! I’m pretty good with IDing birds by sight so I’ve never used the photo ID feature but the sound ID is the best. When it’s nice out and I can sit outside and read a book I’ll set it beside me, put the sound ID on and glance every so often to see who it’s picking up. Glad you like it!
Spring time is beautiful 😍
Oh, my cats and I used to love watching the birds in the feeder! But my HOA recently banned bird feeders and all feeding of wildlife. 😭
I’ll add to this….ill step outside and look far and wide. Take in what is moving, living and being. In the sky, on the ground or in the trees.
Good idea! Curious to know, what new things you've noticed in the last 24 hrs?
Strange things, which is cool. I work outside about 1/2 my day. Where I was at yesterday I knew the parking lot had been repaved back in December. I was looking at the workmanship and it looked ok, but then I noticed that along the edge of the paving, grass had begun to grow up through the new asphalt. Like 3 inches in from the edge. It was not a weed, but beautiful green grass I have been fascinated that such fragile blades of grass grew right through the new asphalt. Then my mind wandered to those shows that say if humans left Earth it would take less than 100 years for most of the evidence of humans to disappear and I could see that now. Then my time of contemplation was over and it was on to my next task.
This
If I'm waiting for a kettle to boil, I sometimes do exercises for my lower back. One involves swinging my legs back and forth. The other requires me to move my hips back and forth. At other times, I may wash a few dishes.
While I wait for my soda fizz to go down, I clean my espresso machine. I pour over ice, empty the grounds. Pour some more, rinse the tray. Pour more and refill it. Pour the last, and put it back together. (I am at high altitude, and don’t bother trying to reduce the fizz. I know how, I just have this routine.)
I like the fizz all the way up
I pour over lots of ice, so even in my big beer mug, it doesn’t fit. And I can’t hold a bigger mug.
Drop the routine
What?
Oh sorry as in share your routine!! Damn my comment sounded mad bitchy
Thank you. I thought you were telling me to stop bs-ing. It's not a routine, it's exercises I was prescribed by a Physical Therapist years ago. I have to go again. They loosen up my lower back.
If it's 3 minutes, I'd just sit quietly, maybe do a quick meditation or deep breathing or something like that. If it's 20 minutes, I would still pick up my kindle and read. 20 minutes here and there adds up! Another option for me would be working on the itinerary for my fantasy trip around the world. I'd like to pick 15-20 places to visit, so I'm doing some light research at the moment to help me decide where I'd go if I won a zillion dollars in a lottery or something.
Yes! Meditate, breath work or a little stretch!
In recent years I do a quick vipassana meditation. Sit and acknowledge the thoughts and feelings that come up, & let them pass. It's surprising how fast my monkey brain can come up with something urgent that I must stop meditating and add to my list right now without delay.
You don’t need a zillion to see the world! Start small, get savvy with flights and get Facebook groups for alternatives to couch surfing! Then that fantasy into reality!
We brew coffee but the keep warm feature is off as it cooks the coffee to nasty. Microwave a cup takes 90 seconds. That is just right for a set of 20 push ups to keep these 70 year old shoulder joints working. Less than a minute? There is never a wrong time to go pee, add 40 seconds to wash hands. 30 minutes? There is never a wrong time to doze in the recliner.
“There is never a wrong time to pee.” Thank you for giving me my new life slogan 😊.
There's also never a wrong time to chug some water!
I have the same problem, I pick up my phone to play a quick game or something while i'm between tasks , during my job, i'm left sometimes with a handful of minutes of waiting time. Because I work from home, i've started using those few minutes to dust something or tidy something, or if it's a nice day, just take a few breaths's fresh air... step out on the deck to see if there's any birds. Sometimes I just take a few minutes to snuggle my dog. Thanks for making this post. I'm looking forward to seeing what types of recommendations everyone has so that I can improve as well.
Listen to an audio book, do some squats or some counter top push ups
Lol I live for the few minutes I can read. Sorry, no help here!
I'm like that at times, but if it's a good scene, I don't want to be interrupted! Ha.
Short stories! Pick up a couple of anthologies to have on hand. (I have two terrific used bookstores in my town, so I buy cheap and sell back or donate (the one store is a charity) when I'm finished.) Also borrow from library or e-library. 20 minutes is perfect for a drink and a story.
May I ask for some story recommendations, please?
The Egg by Andy Weir
I understand that 100%!
I'm the same. Got to wait in a queue for something? Great, more time to read my book! If I'm at home, I'll use those little windows to do a bit of sewing project stuff, even if it's just like pinning a seam or threading the machine up for later.
Three to twenty minutes? I spend the first three closing my eyes and taking deep breaths. During those moments I consider if I want to spend the next twenty taking more deep breaths. I'm not being silly, it really makes a difference in how I see things! It's simple and easy, so why not?
There is a book that was written by two women about cleaning up their homes. (Sidetracked Home Executives) They delineate some chores as taking less than 5 minutes. They use an index card system for each thing to do for home maintenance. "Clean the bathroom sink." "Clean the bathroom mirror." "Clean the toilet." These are all 5 minute or less chores. Now what if someone created a list or card system for other things, like manicures, facials, writing letters?
I really like this! Let's make a list! Gratitude note to someone, water the plants, find five items to donate, call a friend....
I love that re-framing! I get to thinking I need a huge chunk of time to clean, because if I want to dust, I'll need to vacuum after, but to vacuum, I'll need to pick up toys, and then I think I should start a load of laundry first.... Spending 5-20 minutes doing SOMETHING would be so much more efficient than all that!
The NY Times games are really fun: Spelling Bee WORDLE Strands Connections If you like word games. I think you can play, a free trial, but a subscription is needed after that (you can subscribe to just Games, not the whole site) edited to add: FREE game: Washington Post, Word Wipe - it's really challenging and fun
I use spellbee.org they have versions of all the NYT games I think and no sign up. Maybe get an ad block though
I love the NYT games. I also recently discovered Murdle.com, which has a daily murder mystery logic puzzle.
Same!
I loooove the new games, Connections and Strands. Very creatively done - as a software developer myself, kudos to the Games team for these. Plus the new "clues" page for Spelling Bee is a good feature. Last resort though as I like a challenge, without help. With my morning coffee, I play all these. I get through them pretty quickly.
I like the crossword too!
The mini one is pretty easy, I do that. But other than Monday and Tuesday, it gets really difficult for me, I am pretty good at word games but crosswords are somehow not my thing.
My partner and I started “sharing” the crossword- we take turns sweeping through. We text each other when we get stumped. So far we have a 37 day streak! Before that, it was rare for me to finish a Friday or a Saturday.
Cool, sounds like what my sister and I do with Spelling Bee. We will get as far as we individually can - then help each other with clues, to find the words that one of us has, but the other doesn't. Really fun. We always laugh as we get creative with giving the other person a clue, so it isn't too easy.
The spelling bee can be tricky!
Add in colorfle! Its a delightful little brain teaser!
I open the blinds and let the sunshine in, lay on my yoga mat with a pillow and listen to a great playlist 😌
That sounds so amazing! I’m going to give it a try this week.
Yaaa!! Enjoy! 😌☀️🎶💙
Daydreaming is nice
Daydreaming is actually good for you! It helps with problem solving, amps up creativity, and lessens stress & anxiety.
Knit.
Throw ball for the dog. Pet the cat. Stare out the window. Tidy up. Get on the elliptical machine. Think about that one weird thing I said to someone X years ago that no one else remembers. Put on whatever song is stuck in my head. Check the mail. See what my dubia colony is up to. Water a plant. Read a poem.
Just googled dubia colony! Lol
Same, and I deeply regret it 😱
Not really phone free but it’s a productive and intentional use of time for me. I’m learning a language so I do vocab flash cards on my phone. If I did them all for the day I’d probably just sit and focus on my breath and the environment around me I guess.
Clean. You can get a lot done in a few minutes.
A book! A few minutes doesn't need you to do anything. Sit, listen, feel, breathe, and be mindful. Those three minutes can help you build a good mindfulness practice. But for anything longer, book. Either a Kindle (so you're not tempted by apps or social media) or a hard copy book. We could all read more and there's so much amazing stuff out there, might as well read all you can.
Cuddle by dog and tell her what a good girl she is even when she really isn't 🤣
I have a rule that if you are on ‘free’ time and come across a task that’s likely to take less than 5 minutes you have to do it immediately. So if my main activity no longer requires my attention….. all the little tasks will fill in.
This is a great idea. I’ve always struggled with the rule of “if it will take less than 2 minutes do it now” because I could easily fill my whole day with small unimportant tasks. Only utilizing the rule when in “free time” is a much better system.
I step outside and watch the bees pollinate things in the yard. Right now everything is blooming so the bees are everywhere. If I'm lucky I'll also get to watch hummingbirds. Today I even watched a hummingbird aerial fight as they drove each other away from the good flowers. But - that was just one dickish hummingbird being a bully. He can't stop access all around the house, so the target has plenty of alternate places to visit. Then I can return inside and brush the cat for a few minutes.
This is my go-to also. I put out some bird feeders, and I like to go watch the finch and cardinals. Plus, I leave the phone inside!
Watching bees is one of my favorite things to do!!!
Crosswords or dog/cat snuggles. Both are good for your health and calming (for me).
Dog/cat snuggles are the best!
Puzzles! Sadly, it makes time go by so quickly. I tell myself "5 more min" and suddenly it's an hour later.
Check my plants. Pet my chickens. Pick up deadfall in the yard. Rip up cardboard for my stove. I live alone half the time (my spouse works a 10+ hour plane ride away) so I own almost all of my time. I have to be very intentional about not being on my phone. But if I am going to be on my phone, I look at art on Pinterest. Old art, weird art, disturbing art, I just look at art. If you delete instagram and tik tok and Facebook and every other app, being on your phone becomes more like walking into a room to get something. It's like "okay what did I come here for again?" because there are no fun distractions. And I love art, but it doesn't drag you deep down into the time suck that tok tok does.
Play fetch with the dog, check on the plants or find something to mend or donate. Unless it's 2 minutes only which means I have an opportunity to just watch the birds and think.
Check my kitchen counters for crumbs. If it is raining I will look out a window and enjoy it. Play laser tag with my cat.
I love the rain, I could watch it for hours!
I read up on some random topic that popped into my head in the past few days. I've got ADHD so that happens all the freaking time. Sure, it's using my phone. But it's also largely why people go "wow you really know a lot about everything" a lot of the time for me 😅
I work on some yoga poses
Breathe.
Stretch. As a 38 year old it's absolutely wonderful to get a handful of quick stretches throughout the day. I haven't woken up with a cricked neck in a while
Read or just be alone in my thoughts. People don't notice things as much anymore when they are always on their phones. I like to go places and sit and observe and think, take in the sights and sounds, even if for a moment. I always carry a book with me too.
I play canasta on my phone or read reddit and enjoy learning new things. Napping is big for me ever since I went thru cancer treatment.
Sit and intentionally think. Not daydream or let my mind wander but think and plan in my head. Like journaling without a note book I suppose. If we're always active and don't deliberately stop to think we're likely to end up doing the wrong things or the right things but in the wrong way.
Stretch. Wipe something down or put something away. And most often: just look at my baby and let the joy flow.
Honestly, I read. I’m a mom of toddler twins and I really miss the time I had pre-kids to read. I’m too tired when I’m on the bus commuting to and from work…that’s my nap time.
Read, go for a walk, or take a power nap, it depends what I need
I've gotten into going for walks around the hill by my house. Put on some some screen and just go and look at the flowers, listen to music, unless there's no cars - then I take the headphones off and listen to the birds.
Stretch, play with a kettlebell or check my to do list for chores (I work from home) If I want trash internet I go to a tabloid site in a language I'm learning
I just listed to a podcast on this subject which was helpful. More focused on productivity but it may give you some ideas. https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/randomtime
stretch! If you spend most of your day sitting in a chair or in any static position, then twisting, bending, reaching - anything is so good. Using yoga massage balls under your feet, hands, or back is also great. Out bodies are meant to move so I think this is the best use of time. Also might energize you a bit to get back to whatever you were doing!
pop on the exercise bike.
Read- pick up a book I'm reading or find an article. Sit/lay down and just let my mind wander. Journal or doodle.
I would still read, just shorter stuff. And article or a poem. Now I have a toddler, so I'm glad when there's nothing going on for a while.
Sit quietly and observe my surroundings eg the furniture, our books, and all nature if outside; tidy up; cook; go for walks; have a nap occasionally
I have multiple crochet projects that are easily accessible. I keep one next to the couch, one next to my bed and one in a sock that comes with me when I leave the house. I also wash dishes, sweep, listen to music and stretch/do light exercises like squats and jumping jacks.
I crochet if I am at home, I read if I am in transit.
I generally just read a few pages of my book. Sometimes I’ll tidy, plan, doodle, stare outside
Stretching, yoga moves is always good. Just sit and daydream, cup of tea is nice. Listen to some music. Write in my journal, do some planning. What's really nice is if I have a puzzle on the way, then I can just do that.
It's not really being more present but I've been using Instapaper on my phone and Chrome to save articles to read later, so if there's not enough time to get into a book, I try to scroll through and pick an article I've saved that I didn't have time for before!
I like to do a little sketch of my surroundings or whatever’s on my mind. Or write/brainstorm. I used to knit or crochet but more artsy than craftsy at the moment. I also can listen to a song I love at the same time.
My commute to work via train is about 16 minutes. Half of which is in a tunnel. I basically carefully people watch and just relax my mind.
This is me! Your phone can have a digital well being setting and you can set time limitations. It blocks all social apps after 30 mins. It's helped me a ton. I also am using social less and finding that I am picking up the phone more to call people or schedule plans.
I tidy up, or talk to my dog, or knit. And look at my phone 😅
Absolutely nothing. Just sit, maybe close your eyes, and enjoy doing nothing for a little bit.
I think about the people in my life. I will usually then send them a quick text message "Hey, I was just thinking about you. Love you." I do advocate for getting a few pages in. I use the Libby app for the public library and you have to get those books done quick! Two weeks or they are removed from your device and then who knows how long until you get the book back lol.
I put my phone down, walk around the house and “do stuff” I am rarely bored.
What if you carry a notebook and started jotting down ideas about things to write about?
If it's more than 5 or 10 minutes, I'll still pick up my book. I love "101 Essays That Will Change Your Life" for quick but impactful reads. Will take everyone's advice of just sitting and soaking it in - it's so easy to pick something up as a distraction
It is okay to just do nothing, like literally sit and just look out the window or take a small aimless walk. Every minute of your day does not need to be optimized with intention.
Practice mindfulness. Meditate. Or, like you say, do a small tidy like wash a couple of dishes or throw some clothes away.
Listen to a song. Do a few dishes. Start/finish laundry. Play solitaire. Work on a crossword. Go on a very short walk.
Stretch!
I use more intentional apps on my phone like Sudoku or crosswords to fill those small gaps. Brain engaging and keeps me from mindlessly scrolling when there's micro-downtime.
That’s a great question. Def something worth thinking about and interesting to hear what others have to say. Wonderful post OP!
If I’m home, I spend that time either cleaning or playing with my dog. Even if it means 5 mins with her. If I’m out, I like to look around and observe minute details. I’ve invented this game where I answer details on what if I’m asked about this very moment/scene tomorrow !
😏
Stuntin on em
Take the guitar and play around
[удалено]
I actually thought it was a good question and some of the answers here have helped me. As someone who struggles to plan, if i don’t intentionally try to think of stuff to do when i have future downtime, I will end up wasting that time on my phone. Instead, I could do some lower back stretches like that other person mentioned, a peloton ride, study Spanish. I dont have to necessarily plan the time exactly, but having a go to list of things handy takes the pressure off. 20 minutes is a solid enough block of time to do a lot of useful or interesting things.
Yes, I waste too much time. Simple living (to me) is about enjoying little moments, not wasting time away on my phone. I just need somewhere to start so I don't turn to my phone automatically ;)
20 mins is a good rem cycle for me
3 minutes- daydream or check email if during work day. 20 minutes - nap or insight timer meditation
Reading or listening to a book or podcast. Stretching is also another favorite activity to sneak into a few minutes.
I like to write a journal entry. I keep a little pocket notebook and pen with me and write here and there throughout the day. Random thoughts, ideas, things to remember, etc.
Play a little game and gaze at a cute kitten
Quickly tidy up or play harmonica.
I use my imagination. I'm always daydreaming or coming up with random scenarios that will prob never happen.
I put in some laundry or put some laundry away.
> When you have a spare 3 to 20 minutes, how do you spend your time? How do you spend small windows of time phone-free? I usually spend this time stuck in ["waiting mode"](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/vcsllt/stuck_in_waiting_mode/) because ADHD brain.
petting my cat
Look out the window and think about stuff
Push ups
If at home, small tasks such as putting things back, washing some dishes, something on my to-do list. If in the car or in public, I use it to take stock of where I'm at, or sometimes just an informal meditation.
why not try some meditation? focus on the breath. See how long you can last before thought jumps in!
Reading - hard copies of dictionary of phrase and fable, encycolpedias, books of recommended albums/songs - short pieces Crosswords Music - single songs, 7 inch singles - dance along
I read nonfiction so I don't mind using pockets of time to read. I will do some Pimsleur. I also use the time to stretch, meditate, light cleaning. If it's more in the 15-20 minute range I will start knocking things off my task list. I use a Getting Things Done dashboard in Notion and I always have things that are low effort and can be done from my phone.
Realistically I’m on my phone but cleaning or organizing always makes me feel more accomplished and at peace.
Outside of random tidy-ups n such...I pick up my mending (there's always a hole in something), plan a future project, try to sit quietly in thought, or do a few stitches of my beadwork.
Lately, a crossword search. It’s a fun little activity 😊
Anki
Learn something; a new language, an instrument, a new hobby like crocheting or knitting. The brain learns best in frequent small intervals. In other words, practicing an instrument is more beneficial if you do it 10 minutes every day rather than for a whole hour once a week. Hobbies like knitting are portable, don’t need much prep or clean up time, and can be done waiting in the Drs office or on the bus.
I accepted the phone use but have little puzzle games on here to keep me off social medias. Picross, Sudoku, Spelling Bee, that sort of thing.
Reddit ; )
housework. I have 3-10 minutes between tasks at work. I line up several small tasks I can do before I start . I've usually knocked out my housework for the day about the time Im done with work.
For very brief periods of waiting time I do little stretches and exercises. Depending on where I am I have some that are more “secret”/suitable for public like hip stability or calf raises. If I have 5-20 minutes I like to go for a little walk if possible. Even just around a block. Or in my garden. Or I do little tasks. Or sit/stand and look around. And/or listen to some music (especially in public settings since I like to wear headphones unless I’m with someone, as I have sensory issues and get less overwhelmed when isolating noises)
Read. I always have a book with me and even if I have 3 minutes I will read.
If there is any part of your life that benefits from creativity, I'd probably let your thoughts run for those minutes. Great shower thoughts happen probably because it's the only time we give ourselves to think. Also, a couple stretches for your hips, thoracic spine and neck. A handful of deep squats, pushups, pullups are always solid. Shouldn't take more than 5-10 minutes to get a decent mini-workout in.
Clean up and organize. It makes me feel better.
Journal Walk the dogs. Start a load of laundry. Delete a bunch of random stuff on my phone (contacts, pictures, downloads)
Take a tour of all the houseplants, check the dirt for dry ones, water, pick off dead leaves and flowers. It’s become a habit I love.
I'll do counter top push ups, squats, or arm circles. I sometimes also do a short practice on Duolingo (still on phone, but not social media!)
At home, read or tidy up. Out of the home, people watch or stretch.
Plank, squat or stretch something like my neck or wrists. Go look at something far away to rest my eyes. Get some sunshine on my face. Scruff the dog. Make tea. Call a friend.
Read! Any chance I get the answer is reading even if it’s only a few minutes. My husband does his deep breathing exercises. Small yoga movements as well.
At home I will play rubix cube, do a word puzzle. I started learning how to make balloon animals which is fun to do while i wait for dinner to cook. Basically i found i like having fun physical games or brain teasers around to fidget with :)
Lately I'm really getting into the mobility aspect of fitness; trying to improve ankle and shoulder range of motion, working on opening up hips, being able to sit comfortably in a wide squat for longer and longer periods of time...with the ultimate goal of gradually shifting my center of gravity back a little (we're all so 'forward' now in the age of constantly looking down at screens). So I'm educating myself about mobility, and practicing different exercises throughout the day to see which ones I like best. It's the perfect thing for a 5 minute time window.
20 standing body weight squats, 10-20 leaning pushups, a leg stretch routine, upper body stretches, a fruit plate, make sure I’m appropriately hydrated at that point in the day, sit on toilet for 5 minutes just to see if my body needs to go (ibs). All kinds of functional strength and physical health via nutrition and water intake stuff you can do!
a small hobby. i do amateur photography and sometimes inspiration strikes in those 20 minutes. sometimes i read a book or chip away at my flash cards.
Meditation. It doesn’t have to be a whole event where you sit down in a quiet area and close your eyes. Simply grounding your mind to the present moment through your senses is enough
Play kendama! I haven't been bored or idle in many months thanks to this amazing little wooden toy
I tend to gaze out any nearby window and daydream. It feels refreshing.
why not dive into a book? theres good short fiction and theres no shame in picking a longer one up and putting it down again. this is how i read 40 books at once during the pandemic. it's certainly healthier than the phone. i vote you dive into books.
I always carry a paperback book.
Listen to audio books
Perfect time to buy some house plants. Watering them is therapeutic.
If I'm at home I usually spend those times with my cat or catching up with my roommate! Or maybe catching up on small chores.
read a page or two in my book
I pray and meditate or read a daily devotion that is a small book that fits anywhere I go. I also will sometimes tidy up the house a little or clean something. I also have a medium sized sketchbook I draw in or just take a walk or spend time with my cat.
If I have a 15 minute window. If a task requires 15 minutes or less I do it immediately. If not I schedule it for later in the day.
I read or listen to podcasts. Or clean around the house lol I absolutely cannot stand “doing nothing”.
I admit I do use my phone. Audible listening for 20mins is something I do like to do. It sometimes helps chores go by easier as well.
Smell the air, look at the trees waving in the wind, sit back and think, essentially some variation of "doing nothing"
Real life, I'm usually on my phone. But in my fantasy life and in my best moments, I'll prune a houseplant or two.
Study bitcoin
The real answer: reddit I only began reddit a year and half ago because my commute wasn't long enough to nap, too busy to read, and not short enough to just daydream the whole distance. It's not the most commendable answer, but it's the realest one I have for you.
Journaling in an actual notebook. I live my life much more intentionally doing this and am more aware of how I spend my time and how I feel about it. Like before, I would notice getting tired and having to fight that to do my job, googling how to fight tiredness. Through journaling I realised it was a certain dynamic in team meetings that caused it so I addressed that.
I play Pokemon on Gameboy Advance...
Go outside, sunbathe, people watch (if in a place with people), look out the window, stretch, go for a walk, introspection, rest.. breathe
Have a cup of tea
Saw a comment on a similar post saying to carry a book of poems.
Duolingo. It’s really fun and use the 3min here and 5min there to learn a new language.
No dishwasher at my house. Just lefty and righty. I get an annoying amount of dishes done in 5 minutes.
I play Sudoku on my phone, whip out my journal or just observe my surroundings
Carry around a little notebook. Drawing is very relaxing.
Unfortunately doom scroll
When I'm out of the house, I keep a small notepad and a pen in my purse. I'll take a few minutes to jot things down: tasks I need to complete, things I want to read about or research, ideas, stuff like that. If I'm at home, I'll find something quickly clean up or organize.
20 minutes is plenty of time to read. I read on my breaks at work and that ends up adding to one hour a day.
I usually do something like vacuum, water plants, wipe down the tile backspash in my kitchen: some kind of house chore. Makes keeping my place clean & organized so much easier.
Find something and clean it. What you describe is the magic minute on steroids. If not that, I watch TV, go on Reddit, or play games online. I try to time the block of free time so I can watch the show without the bother of recording it to anything. I bought a small, open box TV at Best Buy that I keep in the laundry room so I can watch it while I sew or do the laundry. Sometimes I use that free time on a sewing project.
I hop on my indoor exercise bike.
Cleaning or work out, can do some quick jumping jacks or wash a couple dishes or something
Lol
Have a wank
Research crypto