How to be Productive at Any Time

Do you spend a lot of time commuting, people watching behind your shades? Or waiting at doctor’s offices? Or simply doing nothing?

All of that time is time you could spend being productive. There are ways you can transform the moments you're wasting into time you're using to brainstorm, learn, create, or advance your career.

It all comes down to the objects you have on hand. Here’s a list of “productivity tools” we recommend you always have with you, or your bag of magic tricks:

A large enough bag, not one of those tiny purses that carries nothing. Though they may be stylish, they won't carry everything you need!
A sweater. Temperature can affect your mood, thoughts, and your ability to focus. So don't find yourself sad and shivering while waiting for a meeting in a freezing office. Always carry a sweater.
A notebook. Whether it’s with pen and paper or the Memo app on your phone, keep something on hand to take notes with. When an idea occurs to you, don’t save it for later. Write it down now. If you don't have any ideas, you can still be productive by planning. Organize your time with a to-do list or a set of goals.
Headphones. There will always be a moment when you wish you had them, so it’s better to carry a pair everywhere.
A white noise app: perhaps you’re one of those people who prefers background noise in their workspace. If you are, I envy you. But if you’re like me and get easily distracted by any noise whatsoever, install a white noise app on your phone to mute out even the rowdiest of high school kids on the bus.
A book. Being productive means doing something constructive and reading good books definitely falls into that category. Books can inspire you, teach you, and give you something to talk about.
Keep a journal. I know; it's easier said than done. But you don’t have to write every day to make it worthwhile. Simply having a designated space to reflect, brainstorm, and recall ideas can go a long way.
Download a podcast. There are some incredible stories out there that are entertaining and educational. Especially if you get motion sickness, podcasts can be a perfect alternative to books.

That being said, don't feel pressured to always do something. Yes, I know that may sound counterproductive, especially given the theme of the article, but it’s okay to space out once in a while. In fact, according to a study by the Georgia Institute of Technology, daydreaming correlates to greater intelligence and creativity in a person.

Basically, keep your mind empty (away from your Instagram feed) and wandering so that you can accomplish greater feats later.