Top 10 Things to Do in 20 Minutes

Twenty minutes is a very good chunk of time to accomplish many things. Here are some ideas on what you can get done in that time.

1) Walk the dog

Sometimes it can be easy to forget that even the dog needs a workout regularly. So take some time to go for a walk with the dog. If you've got the time go to a dog park and take a Frisbee, a tennis ball, or a tug toy with you. You'll both get some exercise and there is no way a dog enjoying himself can't make you feel better.

2) Stretch or do some yoga.

You can theoretically do stretching or yoga in less than twenty minutes, but if you want some quality stretching you really should take some time. Once again, this is a quick way to fit some fitness into your day and take some time for you. Focus on your breathing and try to clear your mind as you stretch.

3) Do a quickie cleaning job on the bathroom.

Spray the tub or shower down with a cleansing agent and let it sit for a few minutes while you do a quick wipe down of the sink, mirror and toilet. Then do a quick scrub of the tub or shower (nothing too intense, save that for later) and finish up with a quick sweep of the floor. Many people think that if you can't put a full hour into cleaning the bathroom it's not worth it, but it doesn't have to be all or nothing.

4) Wash the windows.

Depending on how many windows there are in your house this may take more than one twenty minute session. Start with twenty minutes and then move-on. If there's still more to do; you can do it tomorrow. Once again, window cleaning doesn't have to be all or nothing.

5) Find a new recipe to try and make sure you have all the right ingredients.

Add some variety to your normal meals by trying out a new recipe. Just thumb through a cook book and find something that looks good. It can be as complicated or as simple as you choose. Then, check the pantry and the fridge to make sure you have all the right ingredients. If you don't like to cook, find a new restaurant that delivers.

6) Get your filing together.

Take twenty minutes to work on your filing. Keeping your important papers in order makes life so much easier when you find you need those papers. If you don't have a filing system set up, take this time to do that and then spend a separate twenty minute block on actually filing. Try to file the most important papers first and then the minutiae a little bit later.

7) Learn how to say "hello, goodbye, how are you" and other common phrases in another language.

If you have the time, learn how to write them as well. Learning another language not only gives you a practical tool, it also exposes you to another culture you may never have had a chance to experience. Find a class or simply buy a tape, however you choose to learn, it will be well worth your time.

8) Clean the oven.

It's an icky job, but it has to be done. If your oven is really dirty, it may take more than twenty minutes, but only work twenty minutes at a time so you don't burn out or get too dizzy from the fumes that almost always accompany oven cleaning products.

9) Do some light gardening/ yard work.

Water the yard, move that soil, do some light weeding, or just plant those flowers or herbs that you've been meaning to get around to. Simply getting some fresh energy may help to energize you to get some other tasks done as well. You may even accidentally end up spending more time outside than you originally intended.

10) Light some candles and run a relaxing bath.

There's nothing like a nice bath after a long day. A hot bath can also get you ready for bed so take some time for yourself, light some candles, grab the bath salts and a good book and settle in for some relaxation.