Recently updated on: September 18, 2023
For many of us, it feels like we don't have enough time in a day. We wake up. We go to work. We go home before going to sleep and restart the routine the next day.
However, while complaining that we are too busy to do anything productive, we also spend most of our time watching a K-Drama episode or two or bingeing on YouTube. Worse, we mindlessly scroll through social media for 30 minutes at a time throughout the day.
But if we're honest with ourselves, most of us know that we can spare at least 30 minutes of our day for something more productive that will pay dividends in the future.
Related: 12 Powerful Principles to Improve in Almost Anything
Here are 10 more productive activities we can insert in 30-minute free time.
Table of Contents
1. Reading
Reading is one of the most productive activities you can do in less than an hour.
How often have we been in a situation when we read a Facebook post and dive deep into the comment section while stalking the original poster or a commenter's profile? I know many of us are guilty of it.
However, most of the time, what we read on Facebook or Twitter is mostly gossip, trivial, or superficial stories that can make us angry, amused, or judgy. A better alternative should be reading a book — any book, as long as it is informative.
When it comes to reading, an undistracted 30 minutes can give you enough time to read a chapter or two of a book, depending on your reading speed and book format.
It does not even need to be 30 minutes of reading, especially if you're starting to pick up the habit. You can incrementally build up your reading habit for 10 minutes a day until you can read for 30 minutes or more.
2. Journaling
Journaling is one of my ways of releasing stress. This blog, RatRaceRunning.com, initially started because I wanted to transfer my ideas and frustrations in paper or electronic form.
I know journaling may sound like a “diary,” but I can assure you that it is more than just that. It offers therapeutic benefits, which many of us need.
It can clear our minds of the things in our heads and trap them on paper. Well.. at least that is what I usually do.
3. Meditating
Meditation can have different applications or interpretations but almost always offer a way to reduce stress.
It may be as simple as staying still in a quiet place and contemplating many things, or it can also be a silent prayer and a way to commune with God in silence.
In a world that can no longer keep calm and quiet, may we find a few minutes of our day to be still?
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
4. Exercising
Believe it or not, exercising does not require a lot of time. Yes, it can be exhausting, but it is not always time-consuming. There are even exercise routines that are as short as two minutes.
I usually do the 7-minute workout routine, and if I am not feeling so tired, I can do two sets. It may not cause my body to achieve a perfect shape, but it can help my overall fitness level and maintain weight.
Thirty minutes of walking or biking are also great alternatives for those who think they don’t have enough time to exercise.
One of my previous managers loves walking meetings. We would discuss our meeting agenda while walking relaxed away from our cubicles or shared spaces. It is hitting two birds with one stone.
5. Studying
While still in my old IT job, I needed to continuously take Microsoft Certifications as part of my credentials. However, I didn't have enough time, or so I thought.
Then I stumbled upon a book called "Learn Windows Powershell in a Month of Lunches." This book was genius because it took away my alibi, that I don't have time since I still eat lunch.
Like how that book prepared me for my certification exam, our lunchtime study hour can also be applied to study different fields.
YouTube, for example, is one of the good places to learn many topics for free. The only problem is not to be distracted by the funny videos it may recommend.
Besides videos, you can also research the Internet on almost any subject you want to learn. I often read blogs and articles on Medium to find ways to improve my writing.
6. Doing Household Chores
Thirty minutes can be a lot, especially regarding household chores.
Since many people are now working from home, it is almost impossible to separate personal and professional life.
To decrease stress, doing 'mindless' chores like washing the dishes, cooking lunch, or folding the laundry can surprisingly be relaxing.
7. Listening To A Podcast
Listening to podcasts has become one of my favorite past-times since the pandemic began.
With Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or Apple Podcasts, there are many choices. You can choose from educational, humorous, relaxing, or inspirational podcasts.
Listening to a podcast can also be done while doing household chores or exercising.
Recently, some of my blog posts were read in the Optimal Living Daily Podcast, one of the podcasts I always followed.
8. Sorting Emails
Oh, emails… The one thing that has been taking away so much precious time. We usually don’t even notice it, but going through emails can take a lot of time for corporate employees.
Blocking your calendar for less than 30 minutes a day can be more productive than reading or replying as they go.
It is crucial to learn that not every email is a high priority, even if they tag it as such ;).
9. Catch up with a family member or a friend.
With a more connected world than ever, it is ironic that many of us feel disconnected.
So with at least thirty minutes, we can talk with a family member or a friend and discuss what they’re up to.
It can be as simple as saying “Hi!” or learning about their whatabouts. Connecting with others can even make someone’s day.
10. Taking a Nap
Funny as it sounds, taking a nap can be one of the most productive things you can do within 30 minutes. It can refresh your body and brain, make you more attentive, and have a sharper memory.
Don't think of napping as loafing or laziness. Instead, consider it a way to reset your body to do more challenging tasks.
Final Thought:
Thirty minutes may be short for a movie, or just right for an ML game or to complete a show episode — or it can also be a great way to build productive habits.
It may feel like we don't have enough time to insert any of the ten activities listed, but trust me, there are so many gaps in our day that we fill with mindless scrolling on social media.
We must slowly take good care of our time because it is the only resource we cannot take back once it's gone.