Finding yourself stuck on a plane, or with a lot of time, just you and your laptop and wondering what are some productive things to do on the computer? Yeah, we feel that.
We cannot tell you how often we’re waiting with a laptop in hand, or as mentioned, on a plane and want to be as productive as possible in our spare time.
Well, depending on how much time you have, you can do several things. We’re going to share the best ways to spend that free time when all you have in front of you is your computer screen.
The Most Productive Things to Do on the Computer
We love all things productivity! If there is a new tool or software someone recommends to up our productivity game, we’re on it. It is rare to have extra time on our hands, but when we have it, and for some reason, it is not by choice, we want to make the most of that time.
Fortunately, if we have our laptops, we can make the time useful by doing something that we need to do or catch up on.
Read this list of productive things, and if you are like us and looking for a great time to handle sh*t, well, it just maybe when you have your computer and some extra time. Let’s talk about the best things to do without doom-scrolling through social media.
1. Start a Blog
Have you had the goal of starting a blog? With some extra time, you can start a new blog, or work on your new content. One of the things bloggers love is extra time to build up their content for scheduled or planned upcoming blog posts.
If you are looking for how to start a blog, head this way to our Ultimate Resource Guide for Starting Your Blog.
2. Start an Online Business
Feeling ambitious? Yes! We love that! You can start an online business as a side hustle. Go the e-commerce route and begin an online store, or set up a freelance account on Fiverr or Upwork and begin offering small tasks in an area of your expertise.
Maybe you can help people with their short story writing. You can do some consulting on professional development, or coach someone through public speaking. How about booking public speaking opportunities for yourself!?
3. Work on Your Budget
If you are like us, working on our budget isn’t something we love. We do have our money meeting each week, but really drilling down the ins and outs of our budget, fine-tuning it? Yeah, not our favorite way to spend a weekend at home.
Give us some time with nothing else to do and we can bust out a hella budget in no time. Make a list of any debt you owe on your credit card and make a plan to pay it off. It is one of the best ways to be productive on your computer.
Set yourself up on Quickbooks. You just may find where you can save some extra money by canceling subscriptions, or stop buying a coffee out every single morning.
We have a handy Financial Meeting Worksheet you can try out. We find it is a good thing to help us stay on track and hold ourselves accountable.
4. Learn a New Skill
Extra time with your laptop or tablet? Why don’t you dive into an online course or tutorial? Whether it’s photography skills, web design, or something else, keep expanding those horizons.
You can go onto YouTube and search for some DIYs of something you have been waiting to try. This is a great way to take on a new hobby right from your computer.
Whatever your interest is, there are about a million online courses you can choose from. Some are paid but there are also free courses on various online platforms. Personal growth is very productive.
Masterclass is a really great online library of experts teaching you their skills and there is something for everyone!
5. Business Building
If you are an entrepreneur or looking to expand your career, use the time to network on Linkedin. There are groups of like-minded people you can have conversations with, brainstorm and mind map ideas you may have.
You can also strategize ways to boost your business efficiency by doing some research online. Explore new opportunities or create workflows to make your time away from your computer more seamless.
Speaking of workflows, you can work on your email marketing strategy with platforms such as Flodesk and create nurture workflows and drip campaigns.
Another business builder is to work on a marketing or business plan for the following year. Take the time to review important documents, analytics, and anything else that moves the needle forward.
6. Digital Declutter
This one is WAY up our alley. We love all things decluttering! Every single time I (shannon) am on a flight, I use the time to clean my phone, deleting files, contacts, and photos I don’t want or need.
Use the time to clean up your computer files. It’s like tidying up your virtual space, and it can be surprisingly satisfying.
You won’t believe how fulfilling it is to organize your Google Drive. Sort through your documents, sheets, etc., and divide them into folders. You can start by simply separating items that belong in your personal life folder and your professional life folder.
You may also want to take the time to organize your project management tools. For example, you can read more about How to Delete a List in Trello.
Within those, you can divide items up even more. Trust us, you will breathe better when this is done.
Speaking of breathing better, run a virus scan. There are plenty of apps and trustworthy software to do this. Keeping the bad bugs away is always a good idea.
7. Learn More About Your Computer
Ok, so we’re not being judgy here, so don’t judge us, but, when you have the time, you can learn more about what your computer can do for you to make things even more productive.
Do you know all of the keyboard shortcuts that can speed tasks up for you? You probably know copy, cut, and paste, right? If you don’t, here you go: Copy: Ctrl + C, Cut: Ctrl + X, and Paste: Ctrl + V. You’re welcome!
While waiting at an appointment once, I learned how to make the em-dash symbol, aka the long hyphen. WHAT?! It has been a game-changer! Want to know how? Of course, you do! Fellow PC folks hold down the Alt key and type 0151 — and there it is!
Bonus points for you folks who learn new things about the computer when you don’t know how to use a computer. Good for you!
8. Learn a New Language
If you are planning a trip to a foreign country, or just want to open your horizons a bit, use your trusted tech friend to learn a second language. There are free tutorials online or you can use programs like Babbel, Rosetta Stone, or even hire an online teacher. Learning a second language is not only a great thing for cognitive health, but it is excellent professional development.
9. Use Productivity Chrome Extensions
Try out some extensions for your computer to make using your computer more productive, like Grammarly, or our favorite, our Pomodoro Timer.
We have a folder on our bookmarks bar that is labeled, “Productivity” and under it, there are bookmarks for Trello, Spotify Playlists to help us focus, and a link to our Google Calendar. Use the time to make your computer work better for you.
You can test out platforms for your digital to-do list, or even extensions that help you be more mindful of checking your bank account. The possibilities are endless.
10. Build Templates
Whether you are a big user of email and want a template for replying to the same type of inquiries in your Inbox, or maybe you want to create a template for a workflow, this is the time to do it.
Templates are a big productivity tool for those who don’t want to utilize the extra brain power for things like emails and checklists. Is there a template that can reduce a phone call? Make it.
The way we feel is that the less we have to use our brains on mundane things, the more productive we can be in other aspects of our lives.
11. Meal Plan
We have a template you can use on your computer to reduce the amount of food waste in your home. Make a list of things you always want/need as staples for your grocery shopping. Plan a healthy meal and add the ingredients to your list. Online shopping is an excellent way to streamline the process.
You can order items from the comfort of your own home, and have them delivered, or set up a time to pick your groceries up.
Online platforms like Instacart may be worth the time spent to save time in the long run. The next time you log into the app or platform you used, your list can be saved by just pushing a button.
We don’t encourage online shopping and ease of just willy-nilly buying things, but when it comes to groceries, and having a set time to do this once/week, this is the epitome of being productive.
12. Create a Will or Life Binder
We have often heard this called the “Drop Dead Book”. For example, what happens if you drop dead? Do your loved ones, a family member, or people who surround you know what to do with your things, your furry best friend, or with you?
No one wants to talk about it, but a productive way to deal with death is to handle it. Before it is too late is always the right time to handle this kind of thing!
13. Create a Digital Vision Board
You may be sitting there going, “Wait, I thought this was about the best productive thing I can do on my computer?” It is. When you create a vision board, you are working your way towards your goals, for what you want out of life.
A digital vision board is a great idea for those who don’t want additional things, even though we don’t want to call a vision board clutter, we’d much prefer the digital version. You can make it, and save it as your desktop wallpaper, or lock screen.
That way, it is always in sight, and as you work through your daily tasks in your home office, or work office, voila! You are envisioning what you want, and manifesting that sh*t! Your future self with thank you.
Learn more about things to put on a vision board to get started.
14. Virtual Therapy
If you are open to online therapy, then your computer is the best way to work on your mental health. In recent years, many therapists have begun conducting sessions virtually, so you can sit in front of your computer, in your home, and do the work for personal development and self-care.
If you are looking for a therapist, virtually or in-person, head to Mental Health Match to find one to fit your needs.
15. Plan a Trip
This may be one of the best ideas on the list for how to be productive on your computer. Whether you want to have the best road trip ever or a European vacation, you can do the research, map out the right places, and book it all. Heck, you can even travel the next day if you want.
We love researching new places, checking out the Google Street View, and getting a plan in tact for our travels.
When was the last time you just went to Google Maps and checked out a random place you’ve never visited? We highly encourage you to try this out.
16. Design Your Living Space
It’s the little things that are the best part of life folks! Especially when the small things garner big results. You can use online platforms like Havenly to connect with an interior designer to work with helping you make your space exactly what you want it to be.
Check out the designer’s professional profile after answering some questions about what your project is, and you’ll have a great place in your home before you know it. Talk about a breath of fresh air! It’s even more affordable than you’d think!
17. Workout or Exercise
Rain, snow, and/or sleet got you down? When all else fails, and the outdoors is not a possibility for some reason, use your computer to work on your physical health.
Not only can you work on a daily routine to curate a list of good habits to follow, but you can use your computer for actual physical activity. How?
Check out personal trainers who will make workout routines for you like we did with Lucija on Fiverr. She recorded a workout, so when it rains and we cannot get our movement in, we cue up the video of the personalized workout and move!
18. Start a YouTube Channel
Share your skills and expertise. The great thing about YouTube is that it is evergreen. Whether you want to start an online podcast, or just help others learn how to do something, YouTube content is searchable, unlike many social networking sites.
If you ever watch or listen to Ted Talks, then you know, that people love to learn from people who have experienced something. Go ahead, and share your talents!
19. Play Online Brain Games
Looking to sharpen your mind while having fun?
Engaging in online brain games is a great way to challenge yourself and stay mentally active. Puzzle games, strategy challenges, and logic-based activities help improve problem-solving skills and concentration.
One example is a modern version of Minesweeper, where players use logic to uncover safe tiles and avoid hidden mines. Try it online here and put your strategic thinking to the test!
Being Productive On Your Computer Is Possible
Productivity on your computer isn’t just about ticking off tasks. You have to look at the bigger picture. It’s about infusing each click and keystroke with the essence of what will make life easier for you.
Work smarter, not harder. When you put things into place that may take more time in the beginning, it most often saves you time in the long run. Use the time you have to allow yourself to be more productive by at least trying out some of the things from this list.
We think you will find that there are a plethora of other ways to do productive things on your computer, with or without the undivided time that forces you to find something.
Check out our blog post on Why Can’t I Stop Procrastinating? How to Manage Procrastination.
You may also enjoy reading more about how to remove your personal information from the internet.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Using a productivity tool like the Pomodoro Method helps us have focused work sessions. You can also use website blockers to steer clear of distractions and turn off all notifications on your phone and computer.
Schedule your work with the precision of planning a detailed trip. When it’s leisure time, disconnect like you’re leaving work behind in the dust and fully immerse yourself in the joy of the moment.
Prioritize tasks! Break down big tasks into smaller islands of accomplishment and conquer them one at a time. Use project management tools like Trello to break down the projects into smaller tasks.
