PauselyThings to do to kill time productively
Productive ways to kill time include playing a brain game, learning a new word in a foreign language, doodling, or reading an article you've been saving.
The phrase 'killing time' implies the time is worthless. It isn't. The small gaps — five minutes here, ten there — add up to hours every week. What you do with them compounds.
Time-killing activities worth doing
23 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 - productive
Do a 15-minute room reset
15–20 minmedium - 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
Organise your downloads folder
15–25 minmedium - productive
Reply to all pending messages
10–20 minmedium - productive
Delete unused apps from your phone
10–15 minmedium - creative
Sketch something in your room from life
15–25 minmedium - 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 - learning
Write a 1-page summary of something you know well
15–25 minlow - learning
Practice a language for 20 minutes
15–25 minmedium - fun
Plan a catch-up with someone you miss
10–15 minmedium - learning
Participate in an online community you're part of
15–25 minmedium - learning
Learn one new word in a foreign language
3–5 minlow
Frequently asked questions
What's a good way to kill time without a phone?
Doodle, people-watch with intention, do mental math, plan something, or write a list. Before phones, people killed time by observing the world — and it's still an option.
More idea lists
- ⚡
5-minute activities for when you're bored
- ⏱️
10-minute things to do with your free time
- 🕒
15-minute activities for free time