Reclaim Your Time While Waiting In Line
No matter who you are or what you do, you’re going to end up waiting in line sometimes. These little pockets of time add up, especially if you go to the store often, take public transit, or just live in a crowded area. It may seem like waiting in line is a no-win situation when it comes to productivity. It’s too small of a window to start something new, yet it’s enough time that you feel the sting of losing it during your busy day.
However, there are a few things you can do in order to be productive while waiting in line. Here are a few ways to put that time to use.
Read a book
You might not be the type to always carry a paperback in your purse (though it can be well worth it), but if you have your phone, you can always read in line. Download the Kindle app and read a few pages of an ebook instead of scrolling through Twitter. Or, if you prefer to listen, plug in your headphones and start up an audiobook through Audible.
Center your breathing
If you don’t have your phone on you or don’t feel like pulling it out, taking a few minutes to clear your head can be as helpful as crossing a task off your to-do list. Take a moment to focus on your breathing and center yourself. Just make sure you’re paying attention as the line moves forward!
Check your calendar
Sometimes the line is moving just quickly enough that it isn’t worth starting anything. In this case, take a quick look at your calendar to see what’s coming up later in the day or the week. Even if you’re pretty sure how your day is going to go, it can’t hurt to refresh your memory a little. This is probably the quickest and easiest way to add a little productivity to your waiting time.
Download a podcast
It’s always nice to have a few podcasts downloaded and ready to go when you’re in the mood to listen to one. Take a few minutes while you’re in line to look through some recommendations or charts on your podcast app and download any interesting sounding podcasts. Then you’ll be ready to go when you’re back in the car or even to start listening to it immediately if you have your headphones on you.
Read saved articles
This one requires a little forethought, but it’s worth it. If you’re like many people, you constantly find interesting articles, but you don’t have time to actually read them. Throughout the week, save them in a specific place (browser reading list, RSS feed, Pinterest board, whatever works best for you). Then when you have these little pockets of downtime, pick a saved article and enjoy!
Notice that none of these tasks are particularly difficult. But they are a great opportunity to knock a little thing off your list, educate yourself, or just relax for a few minutes. So next time you’re in line, keep these in mind, and make it another productive part of your day!
However, there are a few things you can do in order to be productive while waiting in line. Here are a few ways to put that time to use.
Read a book
You might not be the type to always carry a paperback in your purse (though it can be well worth it), but if you have your phone, you can always read in line. Download the Kindle app and read a few pages of an ebook instead of scrolling through Twitter. Or, if you prefer to listen, plug in your headphones and start up an audiobook through Audible.
Center your breathing
If you don’t have your phone on you or don’t feel like pulling it out, taking a few minutes to clear your head can be as helpful as crossing a task off your to-do list. Take a moment to focus on your breathing and center yourself. Just make sure you’re paying attention as the line moves forward!
Check your calendar
Sometimes the line is moving just quickly enough that it isn’t worth starting anything. In this case, take a quick look at your calendar to see what’s coming up later in the day or the week. Even if you’re pretty sure how your day is going to go, it can’t hurt to refresh your memory a little. This is probably the quickest and easiest way to add a little productivity to your waiting time.
Download a podcast
It’s always nice to have a few podcasts downloaded and ready to go when you’re in the mood to listen to one. Take a few minutes while you’re in line to look through some recommendations or charts on your podcast app and download any interesting sounding podcasts. Then you’ll be ready to go when you’re back in the car or even to start listening to it immediately if you have your headphones on you.
Read saved articles
This one requires a little forethought, but it’s worth it. If you’re like many people, you constantly find interesting articles, but you don’t have time to actually read them. Throughout the week, save them in a specific place (browser reading list, RSS feed, Pinterest board, whatever works best for you). Then when you have these little pockets of downtime, pick a saved article and enjoy!
Notice that none of these tasks are particularly difficult. But they are a great opportunity to knock a little thing off your list, educate yourself, or just relax for a few minutes. So next time you’re in line, keep these in mind, and make it another productive part of your day!
reference url
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fcUvhv43v8ZlQxN4YLMBGYQjiZdqE-UcmESROj5TGBc/edit?usp=sharing
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