Time is universal and as humans, we adhere to time every day. Every person gets 86,400 seconds or 24 hours every day, and everyone is in charge of their time and what they do with those seconds. Whether you use them or waste them, there will always be results or consequences.

Nobody controls your actions except you and no matter what the circumstances are, you can change them anytime you want as long as you believe in what you are doing.

Time goes by really fast and the older you get, the faster time seems to go! How you choose to spend your time and avoiding time-wasting activities can make some difference in your life.

25 Time Wasting Activities You’re Doing Everyday

Below are some time-wasting things that you need to stop doing. Let’s start:

1. Procrastinating

Procrastinating by making excuses, which in turn makes you dread the task you delay and then makes you feel guilty later on. It’s time to break this repetitive cycle.

2. Whining

You will not get what you want if you’re a whiner. Try asking and then do something about it.

3. Unnecessary Chat

Saying a quick hi to someone during a random run or walk is ok, but don’t stop to chat to anyone you don’t know.

4. Gossiping

Gossiping is not nice. If you’re doing it at work, you’re being unproductive. If you’re doing it in the school yard then it can lead to a vicious cycle where people tear each other down rather than build each other up.

5. Pointless Long Waits

Trying to eat or socialize in a crowded restaurant and waiting for hours is boring. Think of the money you can save if you cook at home or how much more you’ll enjoy the company without the stress of poor customer service and long waits.

6. Unproductive Longing At The Fridge

Spending time (10 minutes or more) in front of the fridge and staring at what’s inside is fruitless. The contents will remain the same unless you make a choice. It’s also a waste of energy and electricity. Make a fast decision and move on.

7. Doing other People’s Work

While there’s no harm in helping others, make sure you do your work first and finish it before helping someone else. It will save you time, sanity and energy.

8. Worrying

Too much worrying when there’s nothing to worry about is a waste of time.

If your worry is life or death, then share it with a friend for support. If it’s not, then find another way to deal with it. Go for a run or have a glass of wine.

9. Hanging out with Toxic People

Don’t torture yourself by spending time with negative people. It will just drain you and their attitude might rub on you. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good and happy.

10. Watching Commercials, Advertisements, and Infomercials

Has this ever happened to you? Turning the TV on while you have breakfast, and an informercial attracts your immediate attention, then before you know the sun is setting and it’s time for bed again. 😉

11. Answering Your Phone When You’re Doing Something Important

If you know that the call is not urgent, let the voicemail do its job.

12. Checking Your Email Every 5 Minutes

Yes, it’s important to be responsive to emails, especially if its work related, but not every 5 minutes. Book some time out during your day to check emails rather than checking it randomly – or whenever you hear the ‘ding’.

13. Having Micro Breaks Between Tasks

If you have work to do, then watching random YouTube videos in between tasks is a waste of time. You know you can get hooked watching and you may find yourself watching zit popping videos or earwax removal videos after 30 minutes.

14. Watching Bad Movies

It’s a waste of time and money. Save your time and your sanity by stopping or leaving the movie and move onto something else.

15. Antagonizing Others

Don’t be a bully. Ever. Even if you’re stressed out, remember that the problem is with you and not others.

16. Running Errands in the Middle of Rush Hour

Sometimes there might be no other choice, but avoid having to run errands at peak times. Plan ahead for a more orderly experience.

17. Pushing Your Views

Trying to change someone’s mind when you know they will not likely change their mind is pointless. Move on, and focus on your similarities.

18. Waiting for Something to Happen

What are you waiting for? Go out and make something happen.

19. Having a Clutter Collection

Sifting through your clutter to find something that you need is very frustrating. To prevent this, you need to de-clutter in the first place. Put everything in order and then everything will be easier to find.

20. Relationship Woes

Staying in a toxic relationship. Stop hurting yourself and be wise. Get out and love yourself.

21. Social Media Dependance

Updating your social media status constantly. No one wants to know everything that you’re doing. Really. They. Don’t.

22. Watching Depressing Movies

If you’re prone to taking on emotions after watching movies then stay away from depressing movies, especially if you have stuff to do. For most people, watching movies should entertain you, what’s the point if you’ll get depressed after watching a movie?

23. Explaining Your Chosen Lifestyle

They wouldn’t understand anyway. Move on, live your life and be happy.

24. Solving the Same Problems Again and Again

The reality here is, that you’re either not learning or you’re not putting a solid solution in place. Take action.

25. Excessive Screen Time

This might be your phone, tablet, iPhone, Kindle, video games or tv. Have a think about how much you find yourself losing hours of time with your eyes glued to these screens.

When is a waste of time a good waste of time?

It depends on your perspective, but here are few ideas.