Ask HN: Productive Time Wasters?

5 points by zmatilsky 8y ago ↗ HN

I frequently have small intervals of time (less than 5 minutes) during the workday. I try to fill this time productively by doing things like Duolingo or a few minutes of deep breathing, but was wondering if others had useful suggestions. Thanks!

4 comments

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jrsmith1279 8y ago ↗

https://blog.trello.com/why-context-switching-ruins-producti... . This might not apply to your situation, but it's worth examining whether or not trying to fill the time would negatively impact your productivity.

pickitupsnake 8y ago ↗

Be kind to your shoulders and do some band pull-aparts or no-monies.

PaulHoule 8y ago ↗

Anything that doesn't involve the computer or deep thinking.

eindiran 8y ago ↗

As mentioned by jrsmith, I try to minimize the amount I am switching to a new context, so I generally avoid any 'time waster' which is mentally involved. I do like short breaks, however, so often I will walk around for a few minutes. During that period, I will get a drink if what I was drinking has been finished since my last break.