How to Make the Most of Dead Time

What is Dead Time? Dead time is when you’re waiting for your computer to reboot after a restart. It’s when you’re walking from one place to another. It’s when you’re on the can. It’s when you are doing something but not really and can’t use that time to do some of the more productive things in your life. Dead time is what tends to shorten days and make you feel like you have less time. Recently, I’ve been trying to make the most of my dead time and compiled a list of some of the ways to make the most of time drains.

  1. Listen to an audiobook. Since I’m a student I frequently have to walk from one end of campus to the other and I used to listen to music. When I’m not in the mood for some tunes I just turn on an audiobook and start listening away. It makes doing sometimes dull things like walking around a little more interesting.
  2. Get creative. Let your mind wander and think about your goals. Start thinking about new ways to accomplish your task. People always complain that they just don’t have enough time to creatively think about their projects but really they do. Just use dead time.
  3. Read a book. I personally use Stanza for my iPhone so whenever I find myself having nothing to do while I’m waiting in line I whip out my iPhone and start reading. If you’re not into eBooks, you should be. It’s the most convenient way to read and I always have my library with me. It’s amazing.
  4. Use your smartphone productively. If you don’t have a smartphone then you should get one. It really has improved how productive I am. Also, instead of playing all those games and other mindless apps try and doing something more useful. Maybe go over your to-do list and organize the rest of your day. Start researching something for a project you’re working on and save it for later.
  5. Call your loved ones. Call your family or close friends. Maybe even close friends you just haven’t talked to in a while. It’s hard to stay close to everyone in your life but you can give it your best shot by using your dead time better.

Can you think of any other useful ways to use your dead time?

productivity