The “while you’re at it” approach to productivity is all about handling small, additional tasks that naturally align with the main activity you’re already engaged in. These small actions, performed in moments of opportunity, can keep your spaces organized, your workload manageable, and your day running smoothly. Here are practical examples of “while you’re at it” situations you can incorporate into different aspects of daily life.

1. Home Organization

Kitchen Tasks:

• Cooking Dinner: While you’re at it, wash or rinse dishes and utensils as you finish using them. It prevents a pile-up of dirty dishes later.
• Waiting for Water to Boil: Use this brief moment to wipe down the counters, empty the dishwasher, or put away dried dishes.
• Unpacking Groceries: As you put things away, check for expired items in your pantry or fridge, and take a moment to reorganize a shelf or two.

Living Room Clean-Up:

• Watching TV or Listening to Music: While you’re relaxing, fold laundry, organize remote controls, or tidy up books and magazines on the coffee table.
• Vacuuming: While you’re at it, dust the surfaces or wipe down any furniture in the same area, giving the room a quick refresh.

Bedroom:

• Making the Bed: While you’re at it, give your pillows a fluff, straighten any clutter on your nightstand, or empty the trash can.
• Getting Dressed: While you’re choosing your clothes, consider picking out outfits for the next few days to make mornings easier.

2. Personal Care & Self-Care

In the Bathroom:

• Brushing Your Teeth: While you’re at it, wipe down the sink or countertop, or rinse out your toothbrush holder if it’s due for a clean.
• Showering: Take a minute to clean out any empty bottles, organize your products, or give the shower a quick rinse afterward.

Skin Care Routine:

• Waiting for a Mask to Set: While you’re at it, clean makeup brushes, organize your skincare products, or take inventory of any items you’re running low on.
• Applying Lotion or Moisturizer: While you’re at it, massage your hands, wrists, and shoulders to relieve any tension.

3. Digital Life

Working on a Computer:

• Waiting for a File to Download: While you’re at it, take a quick look at your desktop and delete any unnecessary files or organize them into folders.
• Clearing Out Emails: While you’re checking your inbox, go ahead and unsubscribe from newsletters you no longer read, or delete older emails to free up space.
• Virtual Meetings: If you’re in a low-engagement call, you might mute your mic and use this time to clean your keyboard, arrange your workspace, or update your calendar.

Smartphone Use:

• Waiting in Line or on Hold: While you’re at it, use the time to organize your phone apps, delete old photos or notes, or respond to messages.
• Browsing Social Media: Take a few minutes to unfollow accounts that no longer add value or reorganize your feed for a fresh, inspiring experience.

4. At Work

Desk Work:

• Waiting for a Print Job or File Transfer: While you’re at it, clear up your desk area, put away papers, or clean your computer screen.
• Replying to Emails: As you respond, take a few minutes to file away emails in folders or update any task lists related to the messages.

Meetings and Office Tasks:

• Waiting for a Meeting to Start: While you’re at it, organize your workspace, review your agenda, or take a few deep breaths to mentally prepare.
• Wrapping Up the Day: As you finish your tasks, tidy up your desk, organize notes from the day, and prep any files or documents you’ll need first thing in the morning.

5. In Transit

Driving or Commuting:

• At a Stoplight: While you’re at it, quickly tidy up the car interior by tossing any trash into a small bin or wiping the dashboard with a cloth kept in the glove compartment.
• Filling Up the Gas Tank: Use this time to throw away any trash, organize your center console, or clean your windshield.

Public Transit Commute:

• Waiting for a Train or Bus: While you’re at it, check your schedule for the day, clear notifications on your phone, or jot down quick notes or ideas.
• During the Ride: Take time to read or listen to a podcast, organize your to-do list, or meditate with a breathing app.

6. Grocery Shopping & Errands

At the Grocery Store:

• Waiting in Line: While you’re at it, review your shopping list to ensure you have everything or plan your meals for the week.
• Grabbing Ingredients: Use this time to check the prices of alternate brands or healthier options, or think about recipes you’d like to try with what you’re buying.

Running Errands:

• Dropping Off a Package: While you’re at it, recycle any receipts or packaging cluttering your car, or combine it with a trip to pick up groceries or other nearby stops.
• Banking or Pharmacy Visits: While you’re there, consider combining the trip with related errands—such as grabbing office supplies or toiletries.

7. Fitness & Exercise

At the Gym:

• Between Sets: While you’re at it, jot down a few fitness goals, catch up on a fitness podcast, or take a moment to stretch.
• Post-Workout Cooldown: Use this time to mentally run through the tasks you need to accomplish or unwind with a bit of mindful breathing.

Outdoor Walk or Run:

• Listening to a Podcast or Audiobook: While you’re getting exercise, also use the time for learning or inspiration with your favorite podcast or audiobook.
• Warming Up or Cooling Down: Use this time to brainstorm creative ideas, visualize your goals, or mentally rehearse an upcoming event or meeting.

Final Thoughts

The “while you’re at it” approach is a powerful tool for making the most of your time without feeling overwhelmed by extra tasks. By intentionally looking for small, related actions that naturally align with what you’re already doing, you’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish without it feeling like more work. Whether it’s home chores, digital organization, or fitness routines, these tiny, stacked actions add up and can make life flow a little easier every day.