15 Productive Things To Do In 5 Minutes

[A collaboration post – all thoughts are my own.]

Do you have 5 minutes break in your schedule? There are so many productive things to do before your next task. Five minutes may not seem much but the truth is you can get things done in 5 minutes. What will determine your success is your mindset.

If you think you can put your mind to something, you can get it done! So the next time you’ve got 5 minutes or more to spare when working at home, be sure to check out this list of productive things to do and pick a task you’d like to work on.

Productive Things To Do In 5 Minutes

1. Change your email passwords: I have more than 3 email accounts that I need to check (almost) every day. I set a reminder to change their password every 6 months. When was the last time you changed your password to your email account(s)? Take a moment to check at least one of your email accounts and change the password (probably the one that you use the most). Be sure to take note of your new password so you don’t forget it.
2. Review your tasks for the next day: I like to plan out weekly and monthly schedules. It really helps to track my translation service and blogging routine. If you have 5 minutes break before going to bed, review your tomorrow’s schedule. Open up your calendar, digital or paper planner, and take a moment to review the to-do list of your day.
3. Empty your computer’s trash bin: Check your computer’s trash bin and make sure there are no files or items that need to be saved. If there are, drag the items into the appropriate folder on your computer. If everything looks good, use your mouse to select “empty recycle bin.” And you’ve cleaned up your computer!
4. Unsubscribe from the newsletter: Without realizing it, I subscribe to many things related to blogging and free stuff. Open up your email and do a quick review of your emails, then regularly unsubscribe from the newsletter or something similar that filled up your account. Next, complete any further steps as necessary to remove yourself from the list.
5. Clean your internet browser’s cache: Iused to ignore to clean up my internet browser’s history and cache. I’m afraid that I’ll delete important links or information. So, instead of cleaning the history, I prefer to clean the cache. If you’re on a computer, laptop, or tablet, open up your preferred internet browser’s cache and clear the cache. Using a smartphone? Open up your phone’s settings and navigate to the internet browser area to delete the browser cache.
6. Clean a dirty mirror: Get yourself some glass cleaning tools and a soft cloth. Walk over to a dirty mirror in your home, spray on the solution, and start wiping down the surface. Other than the mirror, you can clean up your computer or phone screen. Repeat until the surface is clean and take a step back to admire your work!
7. Update an app or software on your phone or computer: Have an app that’s running slowly? Check the app and select “update app” from your device’s setting or play store. If you’ve got a lot of time on your hands, you can update apps on several of your devices.
8. Delete an unused app from your phone or computer: Have a smartphone or computer app you haven’t used in a while? You need to make a decision to either keep or delete the app. Should you decide to delete the app, take action!
9. Check your bank account balance: Well, you don’t necessarily need to check your balance every day. But I like to use my phone to check any frequently used personal or business accounts. You may also decide to check the balance of any other accounts you do not frequently use, such as a savings account (which I just create recently!).
10. Update your resume: Give your professional life a refresh by updating your resume and/or LinkedIn profile. You can start by adding any new positions, responsibilities, new skills, or certificates. I usually update it whenever I completed (and signed an agreement) with a new translation client or company. I also put my blogging skills in my resume.
11. Pitch to a client: It’s a dream come true when you hit a jackpot to work with your fave brand or nice client. I like to check websites such as TranslatorsCafé or Proz to find a new translation job, subtitling service, or transcription service. When I find a suitable project, it took me less than 5 minutes to send my resume to the potential client!
12. Paper declutter: If you have 5 minutes to spare, this may be the perfect time to declutter a stack of confidential or sensitive documents. Gather up some paper and head on over to your shredder. If you have a lot of paper clutter, schedule a time to shred all of them on the weekend.
13. Delete old texts: When’s the last time you delete old or unnecessary text messages? Pull out your smartphone, go through your messages and delete any you no longer need. My phone provider can send me 5-6 texts a day for any discount information and I don’t really like it. So, I set a reminder to delete messages in a few weeks’ time.
14. Brainstorm ideas: What blogging content you’re going to write for the next month? Where are you planning to go on the weekend? What are you going to get your family or best friend for their birthday? Grab your planner and a pen and start brainstorming some great ideas.
15. Make a grocery list: Have 5 minutes to spare? Feed your mind by creating a grocery list for the week. What groceries do you need to stock up on? Walk your way through your kitchen pantry and refrigerator. Consider any fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, condiments, or spices you need to restock. How about any other household items?

How about you? What other productive tasks can you think of that can be accomplished in five minutes? Leave a comment below!