It’s going to happen to all of us. No matter how great your intentions are (or how long your “to do” list is or how many time management apps you have installed on your phone) you will waste time throughout your day. Instead of living in denial that it is happening, you need to spend your time working to control your wasted time.
Evaluate
How do you currently waste time? I know that sounds funny to think about, but your time goes somewhere. When you aren’t working or studying what do you turn to? Where does your mind go? Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram are quick and easy to get to, so they can turn into huge time wasters. I’m not saying social media is horrible – on the contrary, I study social media as a part time job – but it might not be the best avenue to always turn to when you have a spare minute.
In addition to those common wasters, we have watching television, surfing the internet, or any other way you can dream up to waste your time. What we are worried about is passive activities. When your brain turns off and you cease to have worthwhile thoughts.
Retrain
Now retrain yourself to control your wasted time. To reach for challenging activities when you have a free moment to spare. Start by searching for things that will challenge you and grow you in new ways.
Here are a few ideas to get you started…
- Read a book
- Play a musical instrument (or learn to play one)
- Memorize Scripture
- Go for a run
- Play a mentally stimulating game (like chess or checkers)
- Draw/paint
- Write a letter to a friend or family member
- Cook or bake something
- Learn a new skill (changing your oil or sewing on a button)
And certainly, last but not least, sometimes just sitting and being quiet is good. Good thinking only occurs when we are quiet and still with no distractions. Sit on your front porch or hike somewhere. Leave your phone and find a quiet place. Think and pray.
There’s a reason God tells us to “be still and know He is God”. Find some time to be still and know God. That is never wasted.
Good post! One thing I would recommend students use is the Memrise app. It has courses in foreign languages that are as addicting as any little mobile device game, but challenge you with productive knowledge.