I love being busy, and I hate dead time. With hundreds of TV shows and access to all social media at our fingertips, it is not surprising that we fill up precious minutes with mindless meandering. However, filling your days with these five activities will stop you from going into zombie-like trances on the bus, on the way to class, while waiting for a professor to arrive. These five activities will make you feel productive, without making you feel like you're thinking too hard.
1. Words with Friends
This little app has kept me occupied. It's better than Candy Crush, almost better than Tetris, and far more productive than Facebook or Snapchat. Words with Friends is an electronic scrabble game. At my fingertips, I have the power to destroy my friends, my boyfriend and my family with words - in the nicest way possible.
2. Podcasts
Check out "This American Life" and BBC's "Desert Island Disks" to keep your half-hour boredoms to a minimum. Podcasts teach you on the move. I like to listen to these on the train to work, when carrying a book feels too taxing or tiring. Podcasts both entertain and teach you facts about people and events that you would otherwise probably ignore in the news. They make you into a worldly person who has facts on the tip of the tongue.
3. Meditation
Whichever method you choose, meditation is a great way to reboot your day. Even 5 minutes can wipe your slate clean, turning a bad day, into a good one. It also enhances your ability to concentrate - something I really recommend for those evening lectures.
4. Go for a walk
Sometimes I like to unplug, dump my bag somewhere safe, and go for a breezy walk around campus. It's not very often that we take time for ourselves, to simply walk and think - or not think! Take in that campus air and clear your head, while releasing endorphins for extra points!
5. Write to your grandma
I live 5000 miles from home, so it's always nice to check in with the family. My grandma loves to hear from me, however boring my week has been, and appreciates that I think of her despite my busy schedule. Write to yours - explain a funny thing that happened last week, send her some pictures of the good or ghastly weather, and tell her how much you miss her.
