This post is all about productive things to do when you have nothing to do.
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If you have some free time on your hand and no tasks on your list, here are 40+ productive things to do when you have nothing to do.
I know your first instinct when you’re bored is to scroll through Instagram, and honestly, that sounds appealing as well, but we both know it’s not a good idea. It’ll only waste your time & make you feel sh*tty.
It’s better to use this time to complete tasks that you have been putting off for a long time,
Or the ‘would be nice’ tasks that are never a priority but would help you stay organized and save time in the future.
And if you’re a busybody, you should definitely use this time to relax and unwind to improve your productivity in the future. If you don’t let yourself fully relax in these moments, you will only get exhausted in your busy days.
So, whether you want to have some fun, get organized, or simply relax (for real), there’s something for you in here!
This post is all about productive things to do when you have nothing to do.
productive things to do when you have nothing to do
1. fold laundry
I know it’s so simple but one of those tasks that you always procrastinate. Because let’s be honest, it’s so boring!
But now that you have time, fold your laundry. Maybe even put your comfort show in the background and iron your clothes.
2. plan your outfits
Especially your workout outfits.
If you are someone like me who hates working out in the morning, try this. Plan your workout outfits for the week and keep them in your changing room the night before.
So, that you get up and change into your workout clothes straightaway. And you have one less decision to make in the morning.
3. do a quick clean
Use this time to just do a quick cleanup around the house. Just put everything in place, do the dishes, maybe a quick vacuum. And light this aromatherapy candle to get the cozy vibes going.
4. fill a water bottle to keep by your side
This is literally the best hydration hack I use. Fill up a water bottle and carry it around with you everywhere.
It serves as your perfect visual reminder to drink more water throughout the day.
5. write gift wishes for your friends in advance
I saw a girl on Instagram do this and I thought this was such a genius idea. Basically, keep a running list in your phone notes of everything your friends keep asking for.
This way when you have to gift them something, you already know what they want. And it’d make such a thoughtful gift.
6. make a master todo list
There are so many tasks that you have been procrastinating, or that you’ve been wanting to do but weren’t able to because you were so busy. Make a list of all these tasks.
Don’t get too overwhelmed with this list. Just pick out 1-2 tasks from the list whenever you feel like it.
7. create a recipe binder
If you love cooking, this is the ideal idea of productive things to do when you have nothing to do. Make a recipe binder of all your favorite recipes.
Go even wild and categorize them into your go-tos, festive dishes, and dessert recipes. This’ll be the holy grail that you’ll come back to over and over again.
8. create an email templates
I don’t know about you but writing emails is such a headache for me! So to save your future self energy, just create some email templates for you most common queries.
It’s honestly such a boss babe smart a*s thing to do.
9. Prepare a healthy dessert
My biggest flaw is that I always forget to stock up on healthy snacks and then end up munching sweets and junk during my work days.
Prepare a simple healthy snack like fox nuts, or a healthy dessert like an oatmeal cookie, so you don’t fall into the same trap during the week.
10. Check your important appointments
Save yourself from the last minute meeting notifications! Check up if you have any upcoming meetings and appointments, and prepare for them.
11. organize your pantry
Take some inspiration from the dreamy Khloe Kardashian pantry, haha! Categorize everything into snacks, spices, everyday use sauces etc. Use this label maker from amazon to make your life easyy.
12. throw expired makeup products
If you’re a skincare or makeup hoarder you definitely need to do this. Check expiry dates and throw away the bland products.
While you’re at it, create an everyday makeup bag that you can easily grab and go while travelling.
13. set some weekly goals
I’m a huge goal setter, and it’s my favorite productive thing to do when I have nothing to do. Setting weekly goals will give you a direction on what is it that you need to work on.
If you’re someone who’s always busy you definitely need to use this time to take a step back and look at your goals.
14. your ‘monthly budgeting’ date
Tell me honestly, how many time do you look at your bank statements throughout the month. Most of us don’t!
Let’s take this scary step together. Log all your monthly income and expenses. Even better, create a budget for next month.
15. just check yesterday’s emails
Emails can be a waste of time especially when you’re on a tight schedule. Deal with them now, instead of leaving them up for later.
If this seems like a daunting task, just respond to yesterday’s email for now.
16. start a self care challenge
Self care always takes a toll when you’re going through a busy phase of your life. But now that you’re looking for productive things to do when you have nothing to do, focus on self care.
Whether you wanna start with a simple self care activity, like applying a face mask, or want to take this 7 day self care challenge, the choice is up to you.
Related Post : 7 Day Self Care Challenge
17. go to a Pilates class
If you’re looking for a form of workout that you actually enjoy, try a Pilates class. It’s important to exercise but doing something that don’t work for you won’t help either.
Switch up your routine. Try yoga, or even go for a swim.
18. take backups
So you free up your phone’s memory and do some digital decluttering. Also taking backups takes a lot of time, so now’s the perfect time to do it.
19. desktop organizer
It’s kinda gross to have a desktop that’s filled with random 2 yr old documents. And yet, most of us (including me) have it.
Take some Pinterest inspo and organize your desktop.
20. catch up on your reading list
Reading is THE best and most productive form of entertainment for sure. Catch up on your TBR and get lost in the book world. Here are some of my current reads I’m obsessing over!
21. puzzle
Another fun idea on the productive things to do when you have nothing to do list!
Sit down with a puzzle. Pro tip – Get this puzzle roll up so you can keep your half made puzzles intact and don’t have to start from scratch everytime.
22. come up with ideas for a side hustle
Sit down with a notebook, turn off all the distractions and let your brain run wild. Write down all the ideas that come to you. Stop consuming information for a change and step into your creation zone.
23. set reminders to pay bills
Your future self will thank you for this! Set your reminders for the upcoming bills.
24. scrapbooking
It’s such a fun and productive things to do when you have nothing to do. Especially if you want to capture a special event in your life, say, your summer trip.
25. plan your meals for the week
Make a meal plan for the week and stick it to the fridge. And order your groceries as well. This will save you from the unexpected mid week grocery runs.
And if you’re still left with time to kill, start preparing your meals as well.
26. paint by numbers
This might not look like the most productive thing to do when you have nothing to do. But sometimes picking up a mindful activity like paint by numbers, really helps you relax and come back more productive.
27. social media cleanse
This one’s long time coming! I know scrolling through tiktok is your guilty pleasure. But if you’re following people that don’t inspire you to do better, it’s time to unfollow them.
The social media can be a really positive space if you let it. Depends on who you’re letting in.
Related Post : 10 Digital Detox Day Ideas
28. cancel subscriptions you don’t use
Do you seriously need 3 workout app subscriptions, when you hardly use one of those properly? Take a look at your subscriptions and cancel the ones you don’t use.
29. have a movie night
Order your favorite pasta. Put on your comfort movie. Maybe even call your friends for a sleepover and have fun.
But I’d really encourage you to be more intentional with the kind of movie you pick.
30. Card games with partner
If you and your partner have a competitive bone, sh*t’s about to get real, haha!
But seriously, playing board games and card games with your partner in free time can be more fun than you expect it to be!
31. order important stuff that you need
Walk around the house and note down all the utility stuff that needs to be taken care of. Make a list of supplies that need to be ordered and get them delivered.
32. make a vision board
This is equal parts fun and productive (well, in the long run!) Create a vision board and keep it somewhere you can see it everyday. It’ll end up motivating you to be more productive.
33. bullet journaling
Want to organize your life on paper? Bullet journaling is the way to go.
Just don’t pressurize yourself to make every page insta worthy. Enjoy the process. Here’s exactly how to start a bullet journal (even if you’re not so artsy)
34. go on a walk
You can never go wrong with walks! It helps you release all your thoughts, and relax in the moment. Plug in your favorite podcast, put on your shoes and just stroll around. Here are all the hot girl walk essentials you need :
HOT GIRL WALK ESSENTIALS
They’re literally so comfy!
35. plan your next trip
For real this time.
Look at the flights, the places you’d wanna visit, hotels you’d wanna stay at. Actually make a budget for this trip.
And use it as your motivation to save money and reward yourself.
36. a hobby you’re fond of
Doing more things that fuel you creatively, inspires you to do better at work as well. So, what’s the one hobby you used to enjoy as a child? Maybe it was singing, playing guitar, or painting.
Whatever it is, it’s time to rekindle with that.
Related Post : 35 Hobbies To Pick Up In Your 20s You Can’t Miss Out On
37. clean phone gallery
I have 16k images on my phone, and I can guarantee that at least 15k of them are useless. Cleaning your gallery sounds like a small task but can end up taking a lot of time. So, maybe go one folder at a time.
38. update your morning routine
This is your permission slip to switch up your morning routine. Because it’s high time! Now that you have more time, you can include things like reading and meditating in your morning routine.
Related Post : Best Healthy Morning Routine Checklist You’ll Wanna Wake Up For
39. listen to a podcast
I usually listen to podcasts in the background while I’m doing other things, like cleaning, driving, or going on a walk. But you can learn so many genius productivity hack from business podcasts.
Here are some of my favorites :
- The Mindset Mentor
- The Goal Digger
- The Skinny Confidential
40. write down 20 things you’re proud of doing last week & 10 ways you can improve
Productivity is not just about doing more things. It’s actually about doing things in the most efficient way. One of the ways to be more efficient is to analyze how you did last week.
So, write down 20 things that you’re proud of doing last week. (Because hey, you need to be your biggest cheerleader) And 10 ways you can improve this week.
41. productivity hack list
Let’s be real, we’re all gonna have days when you just don’t feel like doing anything. Make a productivity hack list – a list of all those things that motivate you to get sh*t done.
This list will be your pick me up on those days!
Related Post : 18 Tips To Improve Your Productivity & Efficiency Today