Got a Minute? - How to Make Every Moment Count

Have you ever found yourself with just a minute or two of down time, and not a clue as how to utilize it? Maybe you are sitting in the waiting room at the doctor's office. Maybe you are waiting at home for someone to come by. Those few minutes don't have to be a waste; there are plenty of tiny things you can do to make the most of every minute.

Scenario: A few minutes in the waiting room.
While all of the magazines may be inciting, there are better ways to spend your time in the waiting room. Have a cell phone? Empty out your text message inbox (and outbox) to allow for more room for incoming text messages. Have a newspaper? Catch up on the latest national and local headlines; they will serve as great conversation topics. Have a thank you note to write? Bring your stationary to the office; a few minutes is all that is needed to tell someone they are appreciated! Are you a student? Bring flashcards (or a textbook) to study from.

Scenario: A few minutes in the house before you need to leave.
So you're ready to leave, but your guest has not arrived yet. So what do you do? You need something that you can stop doing at the sound of a doorbell. Have any bills? Of course you do! Whip out that check book, and pay them off! Is your house a mess? Pick up; whether it is just making the bed, or putting some dishes in the dishwasher, your house will be more presentable when your guest arrives, and you will have less work to do when you get home. If you're going out, why don't you make sure all of your fans and computers are off; this will save electricity, thus lowering your bill. Are you on any medications? Now would be a great time to call up your local pharmacy to order refills. Have any receipts laying around the house? Shred them so that no one can steal your information.

Scenario: A few minutes sitting in the car.
Waiting to pick your kid up from school? The car might not seem like a place where anything productive can occur (while it is parked, that is). However, there are a few small things that can get done. You can always tidy up the car, throwing out the trash that your kids leave behind. If you're a busy mom (or dad), now might be a good time to have a quick snack. Have any voice messages on your phone? Now would be a good time to listen to, respond to, and delete them. And when you are ready to relax, blast your favorite song on the radio.

Every second counts! By utilizing some of our unplanned free time, you will be able to be productive, no matter your location.