5 Surprisingly Productive Things to Do When You’re Bored

Sometimes I have some free time and I don't want to do anything work related, but I do want to do something productive and not scroll on my phone. So here are 5 small suggestions that you might like! Enjoy x

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By the way, you can watch this video in a few other languages by changing the audio settings xx

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WHO AM I?
If we haven’t met before - Hey 👋 I’m Ali, a doctor-turned-entrepreneur and I’ve somehow become the world’s most followed productivity expert. Through my videos here on this channel, my podcast Deep Dive and writing, I share evidence-based strategies and tools to help you be more productive and build a life you love.

PS: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links that I get a kickback from 😜

⌚️Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:47 - 1. Send a message to someone you love
2:45 - 2. Weekly reflection
7:14 - 3. A personal CRM
12:47 - 4. Record a podcast with a friend
16:24 - 5. Curate your space

[ryanenglish-peej]

I’m Japanese studying English by watching him, and through watching his videos, I learned the phrase “who are kindly sponsoring this video”.

[sniitzel]

I started my personal CRM in Notion and this is soooo helpful! It's so funny, because friends are so happy when I "remember" things they said because I wrote them down. Also what they mentioned they want for their birthday. My boyfriend is amazed by my skill to buy presents for friends. It doesn't matter how I remembered. In the end what really counts is the joy I get from people who feel like I really listened ❤

[YouThisReadWrong.]

The most productive thing you can do is to watch an Ali Abdaal video

[ariekoprasethio]

🎯 Key points for quick navigation:

00:00 *🌟 Productive Use of Spare Time*
- Productivity is about intentional, effective, and enjoyable use of time.
- Five needle-moving activities for spare time: gratitude messages, weekly reflections, meditation, personal CRM, recording podcasts.
02:47 *🙏 Gratitude Messages*
- Sending thank-you messages is a quick and impactful way to express gratitude.
- Easy to do, takes only a few minutes, and often yields positive responses.
- Boosts personal well-being and strengthens relationships.
05:30 *📅 Weekly Reflections*
- Weekly reflection is a transformative practice for personal and professional growth.
- Helps align with goals, celebrate achievements, address challenges, and plan for the upcoming week.
- Enhances productivity, work-life balance, and overall well-being.
06:00 *🧘 Meditation with Headspace*
- Meditation, facilitated by apps like Headspace, enhances mental well-being.
- Establishing a daily meditation practice fosters focus, clarity, and emotional resilience.
- The Feelgood productivity collection on Headspace offers resources for integrating mindfulness into productivity.
09:17 *📝 Personal CRM for Relationships*
- Personal CRM systems aid in maintaining and nurturing relationships.
- Helps in remembering important dates, tracking interactions, and staying thoughtful.
- Tools like Dex can streamline the process and offer reminders for staying in touch.
13:02 *🎙️ Recording Podcasts*
- Recording podcasts, even casually, fosters deeper connections and meaningful conversations.
- Encourages self-expression, reflection, and sharing of insights.
- Offers a creative outlet and strengthens interpersonal bonds.
16:21 *🏡 Productive Environment*
- The environment significantly influences productivity, mindset, and intentions.
- Tidying up physical spaces for a few minutes enhances focus and reduces mental clutter.
- A clean and organized environment fosters a calm and intentional approach to tasks.
18:01 *📓 Journaling Benefits*
- Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection, clarity, and personal growth.
- Even a few minutes spent journaling with prompts can have a profound impact on one's life.
- Whether using pen and paper or digital platforms, journaling facilitates introspection and mindfulness.

Made with HARPA AI

[abhiagrawal]

hey Ali, an old subscriber here, have been watching you since 2 years, and being honest and as a student, I still find you older videos more helpful easy as compared to the new ones, not totally and all of them, but yes, i feel some friction in the new ones and old ones help a bit better, i dont dislike the new ones obviously, I am sharing this considering that you read our comments

[ClawMisc]

Tidying up is EXACTLY what I am doing. Small stuff here and there reminds me of other things I need to do. Moving things around made a huge difference in mental clarity and focus at my desk.

[DrNanuli]

My favourite tool is the weekly reflection. Helps you stay on accountable and it’s so rewarding to notice your progress

[vmlkpwg]

Boredom is a luxury so many people can't afford.

[angie]

Seems to me these all have a "high tech/high touch" component in common. Connecting with people who are important to you, reflecting about your life, and reducing mental and physical clutter are all about reframing and reinforcing human experiences. They can all be quite separate from tech, or we can use tech to increase these touch opportunities. I think all five are about "keeping in touch" with yourself, your relationships, and your habitat.

[AndrewStremel]

Meditation is honestly one of the best things I have ever implemented into my routines and I recommend it to everyone who works with me. Completely takes you to a new level of focus and calm, love the tip!

[john-chung-hsuanwu]

When you WERE ACTUALLY mindlessly scrolling, somehow caught a glimpse of the title of this video and ended up here reading this comment.

[MikeThena-rj]

The environment is so powerful to shape the direction of people's life especially the people around you. I called it a Social Dynamic where each people have a dynamic for both positive and negative to each other. Thank you for Youtube to allow me to surrounded with a cool people around the world, and I'm appreciate your work to bring a good environment to people.
Appreciated!

[utkalikasahani]

Loved the tip about expressing withheld gratitudes… I will try that up Ali, thanks ❤

[lucassm]

This was so kindly useful, really thought out suggestions that actually brought value for me, simple things that I actually needed at the moment and will try to practice. Thanks for taking the time to bring these ideas.

[seowholesome]

personal crm is a GENIUS idea. as a former mentor from my state university mentoring first-year students, it is so important to have community map to keep track of the progress of individuals and always updating/following up with them about things they are experiencing. i def should do this for my friends as well since we do forget at times, but going the extra mile really does make a difference! thanks for that:)

[Soraya-nqno]

Am stuck at where you said you are 30 yrs old. You are so wise. May you continue to be blessed. Thank you for your videos.

[gyromechanics]

Meditation is the best. Weekly reflection is kind of a work which doesnt help to relax your brain while on break

[KaelynGraceApple]

Really enjoyed getting to film an impromptu podcast with you 😊 thanks for the conversation!

[healthfirstfreelancer]

The tidying up thing is so real. I always feel wayyyy better when my desk is clear and my kitchen table is clear (the two places I tend to drop random stuff).

[shashwatagrawal]

Great, great video, Ali! So Insightful. Was almost going to skip this one, but am so glad I didn't!