I have a confession. When I have a few free moments of time, do you know what I do? I check Facebook. Or Twitter. I scroll through my feed and use it as a way to kill time. I use to as a way to feel like I’m doing something and not just sitting there “doing nothing.”

Lately that got me thinking. What could I do, when I have a few minutes, instead of instantly reaching for my phone to scroll through social media sites? Now, don’t get me wrong. I like social media. I think it has a place and value. (Following these dogs on Facebook makes me smile). But this is about being intentional with my time. Not just scrolling through a feed to “kill five minutes” or because I’m putting something off.

So I started a list. My goal? Every time I reach for my phone with the sole intention of checking social media, I think about these things first. If I can do them instead, I do.

1. Drop & Give Me 20.

   

   Exercise and me are not always friends. I am lousy at finding 30 solid minutes to work out. But five minutes to do crunches? A couple minutes for jumping jacks or push ups? That I can do. It keeps me active and not feeling like a total failure in the exercise department.

2. The Dreaded Chores.
   You know the ones I’m talking about. The things we all put off but would only take five minutes if we really just did it? Take the dishes out of the dishwasher. Sweep the kitchen floor. Fold a load of laundry.
3. Pick Up a Book.
   I always like to have an easy and fun book going. This is a great time to take five minutes to pick up my book.
4. Write someone a handwritten note “just because.”
   Handwritten notes are a lost art. One of the main reason I don’t write more is because it feels like I just don’t have the time. Keep some notecards handy and send someone a little note and let them know they are loved – it will be sure to brighten their day!
5. Actually sit and do nothing.
   We all tend to pick up our phones because, in the moment, it feels productive. But in a culture that is built on sound bytes and instant gratification, when was the last time you stopped to just think? We need those moments of nothing. Those moments where your brain can take a minute to decompress. To think. To dream.
6. Snuggle a Kid.
   I have three little ones still at home. I am very aware of how fast time flies and that they are not always going to enjoy hugs and snuggles from their Mama. Thus I make it a goal to get an extra hug or snuggle in every chance I get.

So next time you sit down for a minute and reach for your phone, stop and think. Is there something else you’d like to do with your free minutes? Something that may bring extra joy, value, or happiness to yourself or someone else? Try it. It may be way better than checking your Facebook feed one. more. time.