(From a Mom Who’s Been There Staring at the Clock at 3:17 PM)
Okay, let’s paint the picture. You’ve finished your tasks for the day, answered emails, pretended to re-read that spreadsheet twice… and now you’re just sitting at your desk, bored out of your mind.
As a working mom, I used to think “boredom” wasn’t even in my vocabulary—until I found myself at work on a quiet Friday afternoon, googling “how many times can you refresh Slack before HR notices.”
Whether you work from home or in an office, those slow moments happen. But instead of mindlessly scrolling or stress-snacking (hi, peanut M&Ms), I’ve found ways to turn that downtime into productive gold.
Let me share what works—because as moms, we don’t always get free time. So when we do, even at work, let’s make it count.
1. Clean Out Your Digital Clutter
Let’s start with the easiest win that feels amazing afterward.
✅ Unsubscribe from newsletters you never open
✅ Delete old downloads (goodbye, random PDF from 2021)
✅ Organize your Google Drive or Dropbox into real folders
✅ Tidy up your desktop (bonus: it looks so fresh afterward)
Think of it as spring cleaning—but for your digital life. You’ll feel way more in control when Monday hits.
2. Brain Dump Your Mental To-Do List
Ever have that nagging feeling like you’re forgetting something? Me too.
Use this quiet time to do a brain dump—just write down everything floating around in your head:
- Groceries you need
- Doctor’s appointments to book
- Birthday party to plan
- Bills to pay
- That weird smell in the fridge you need to investigate
I usually dump everything into a note on my phone or in a notebook I keep at my desk. Then I sort it later into categories.
It’s oddly calming—like clearing out your mental inbox.
3. Update Your Resume or LinkedIn (Even If You’re Not Job Hunting)
This one might surprise you, but hear me out.
You don’t need to be looking for a new job to update your skills and polish your online presence. Reflecting on what you’ve accomplished reminds you how awesome you are.
Ideas:
- Add recent achievements to your resume
- Update your job description on LinkedIn
- Endorse a few of your coworkers’ skills
- Write a short “brag file” you can use during your next review
You’ll thank yourself later when opportunity comes knocking.
4. Take a Micro Course or Learn Something New
Now’s the time to squeeze in that “I’ve always wanted to learn…” thing.
🧠 LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or even YouTube has 15–30 minute mini-lessons on everything from productivity hacks to Canva design tips.
Some great topics to explore:
- Excel shortcuts (yes, they matter)
- Public speaking confidence
- Side hustle ideas
- SEO or blogging tips (hey hey, Bringyourquotes.com 👋)
Even just 20 minutes a day can add up fast.
5. Organize Your Email Inbox
A clean inbox = a clear mind.
I set a goal of getting my inbox to under 30 unread emails once a week. Here’s what I do:
- Create folders for “To Respond,” “Waiting On,” and “FYI”
- Use rules to auto-sort newsletters or alerts
- Delete or archive anything older than 3 months (be brave!)
Pro tip: if an email has been sitting unopened for 6 weeks… you’re not going to read it.
6. Create a “Win” File
I started doing this after a particularly tough month when I felt like I wasn’t doing enough anywhere.
A “Win File” is where you collect:
- Compliments from your boss or clients
- Emails that say “great job!”
- Screenshots of praise or thank-you messages
- Projects you crushed or deadlines you nailed
On the days when you feel invisible, this file reminds you: you’re doing better than you think.
7. Plan Meals or Groceries for the Week
Yes, you can meal plan while technically being “at work.” 😉 Just open a tab or notepad and get planning.
I do this during lull times and it saves me HOURS of stress later in the week.
Ideas:
- Make a list of go-to meals (rotate them every 2 weeks)
- Plan kids’ lunchbox ideas or after-school snacks
- Create a grocery list sorted by store sections (so efficient!)
Trust me—future you will do a happy dance when dinner’s not a last-minute panic.
8. Tidy Your Physical Workspace
Clear desk, clear head.
Even if you work in a cubicle or on the corner of your dining table, a 5-minute tidy can give you a fresh energy boost.
Things to do:
- Wipe down your keyboard and screen
- Toss old post-its or snack wrappers (no judgment)
- Refill your pens or planner
- Add a little plant or photo for some good vibes
Sometimes the best productivity tool is just a clean space.
9. Start a “Someday” List
You know those ideas you keep saying you’ll get to “someday”?
Use this downtime to start writing them out.
My “someday” list includes:
- Print photo books for each kid
- Research family vacation ideas
- Launch a digital product
- Start a weekly mom journal
Having them written down makes them feel less like wishful thinking and more like something I will make time for.
10. Do Something That Feeds You
Not everything has to be “work.” Sometimes the most productive thing is to reconnect with yourself.
Ideas:
- Read a chapter of a book you love
- Write in a journal or gratitude list
- Listen to a motivational podcast (quietly!)
- Meditate with an app like Headspace or Insight Timer
- Scroll a Pinterest board that actually inspires you
It’s okay if your productivity looks like rest, creativity, or reflection. It still counts.
What Not to Do When You’re Bored at Work (Because We’ve All Been There)
🛑 Don’t gossip—those conversations go nowhere fast
🛑 Don’t complain just to pass the time—it drains you
🛑 Don’t doomscroll (your mental health deserves better)
🛑 Don’t snack out of boredom (been there, ate the whole bag)
Instead, flip the script: How can I use this time to feel better, clearer, lighter, or even a little more ahead?
A Final Word (From One Working Mama to Another)
Boredom at work doesn’t mean you’re lazy—it means your brain is craving purpose, clarity, or connection.
You don’t have to fill every second with hustle. But with just a few intentional choices, you can turn that “blah” afternoon into a little productivity pocket that fuels your day—and maybe your dreams, too.
And hey, if all else fails, take a stretch break, breathe deeply, and remind yourself:
“You’re showing up. You’re doing your best. That’s more than enough.”
Let me know in the comments—what’s YOUR favorite thing to do when you’re bored at work?
With to-do lists and iced coffee,
Jessica
