PauselyThings to do between meetings
Smart things to do between meetings include a 5-minute stretch, a breathing exercise, a quick desk tidy, or clearing a few emails from your inbox.
The gap between meetings is the most wasted time in the modern workday. Ten minutes of stretching or walking does more for your next meeting than ten minutes of Slack ever could.
Between-meeting activities
28 activities
- creative
Write a 10-minute journal entry
10–15 minlow - productive
Declutter 50 photos on your phone
10–20 minmedium - learning
Learn a micro-lesson in a new skill
10–20 minmedium - fun
Call or voice note a friend
10–30 minmedium - fun
Play a 10-minute brain game
10–15 minlow - creative
Brain-dump 20 future ideas
10–20 minhigh - productive
Clear 20 emails from your inbox
5–10 minlow - productive
Review and tidy your to-do list
5–10 minlow - creative
Write a 5-item gratitude list
3–5 minlow - productive
Do a 5-minute desk tidy
4–7 minlow - learning
Read one long-form article
10–20 minlow - productive
Set your intention for the week
10–15 minlow - productive
Sort your browser bookmarks
10–20 minlow - productive
Reply to all pending messages
10–20 minmedium - productive
Delete unused apps from your phone
10–15 minmedium - wellness
Do a 5-minute full-body stretch
5–8 minlow - fun
Have a 10-minute solo dance session
10–15 minhigh - wellness
Do a 5-minute breathing exercise
4–7 minlow - wellness
Follow a 10-minute guided meditation
10–15 minlow - creative
Doodle freely for 10 minutes
10–15 minlow - wellness
Sit outside for 10 minutes without your phone
10–15 minlow - learning
Review a set of flashcards for 10 minutes
8–15 minlow - learning
Go on a Wikipedia deep-dive on something you're curious about
10–20 minlow - fun
Send a 'thinking of you' message to someone
3–5 minlow - fun
Send someone a recommendation they'll love
5–10 minlow - creative
Write an appreciation note to someone in your life
10–15 minlow - fun
Plan a catch-up with someone you miss
10–15 minmedium - learning
Learn one new word in a foreign language
3–5 minlow
Frequently asked questions
What's the best use of 10 minutes between meetings?
Stand up, stretch, drink water, and look out a window. If you need to be productive, clear 5 emails or tidy your desk. Avoid opening a new cognitive task — you won't finish it and you'll carry the residue into the next meeting.
More idea lists
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5-minute activities for when you're bored
- ⏱️
10-minute things to do with your free time
- 🕒
15-minute activities for free time