Do you know which nation is the least productive in the world? Procrastination. Jokes aside, we all know that procrastinating is bad for us but sometimes it just takes too much effort to do something meaningful with our free time.

Well, says who? If you think being productive needs a whole lot of commitment, you can’t be more wrong! It doesn’t even take 60 minutes too, so you can definitely fit it inside your schedule no matter how busy you are. Need some ideas? Check out some of our recommendations below.

1. Start a simple exercise routine and stick with it!



Source: hiiragisensei

One misconception about getting fit is that it requires hours of demanding workout at the gym. In reality, it all depends on consistency more than anything, especially in terms of exercise and diet.

Just take a look at this man from Japan who managed to get a six-pack by sticking to a healthy diet and doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises for 4 minutes each day in just 5 months. Wah, just FOUR minutes every day? Surely, we can do this too instead of laying in bed staring at the ceiling all day.

If HIIT is just too intense for you, try out these simple and short exercises instead:

Take a walk in your neighbourhood garden. It could help ease your mind too!

Yoga. Relaxing, meditative and good for your posture.

Strength training such as squats, pushups and pullups. Make sure to do them correctly and in good form yeah!

Seriously, no matter how short the exercise is, just make sure to keep it consistent and you’ll definitely get the desired results.



Source: Freepik

2. Start listening to podcasts



Source: sociolla

Okay, instead of exercising, you just want to lay cosily in bed but still want to be productive? Start listening to some podcasts then! Educational, engaging and above all, fun, there are tonnes of great podcasts out there which discussing a whole range of topics.

If you’re new to podcasts, here are some local Malaysian podcasts which we highly recommend you to check out:



Source: The Takeaway Table

Besides the above, just search for podcasts about specific subjects you’re interested in via Spotify, Youtube or any other platforms and start listening away!

3. Volunteer for a local charitable cause



Source: SUKA Society

Rather than spend your free time lazing away, why not do something truly meaningful? Best way to do so is to volunteer your services to charitable causes near you. It won’t take much of your time but it’ll mean the world to the people you’re helping!

Besides, volunteering does wonders for your personal growth too as it will:

Connect you with people that share a similar passion and vision.

Most NGOs are very reputable and joining a volunteer programme with them could help with your career growth.

Learn new skills as well as improve your communication and interpersonal adeptness!

It may prove to be a life-changing and rewarding experience that will motivate you to strive forward in life.



Source: NFN

How awesome is that? Well, if you’re looking for a volunteer programme to join, here are some Malaysian-based one you can check out:

SUKA Society -An NGO that fights for children welfare as well seeks to empower children and the youth in Malaysia! Yayasan Generasi Gemilang – A foundation that aims to provide access to quality education for underprivileged children and families in the country. Hospitals Beyond Boundaries – A local NGO which looks to improve the health of vulnerable communities through sustainable health care. Need to Feed the Need (NFN) – A soup kitchen that operates in Lorong Medan Tuanku 2, Kuala Lumpur every Thursday night.

Remember, a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. 🙂

4. Start your own DIY project



Source: Mr. Kate

Another thing you can do to be productive without taking much of your time is to start a do-it-yourself (DIY) project from the comfort of your own home. It doesn’t have to be a grand engineering creation, just something close to your heart would do.

Besides, you don’t actually need specific tools or skills to commit on a DIY project, just a touch of creativity would suffice! For example, have a lot of unused clothes lying around? Why not turn them into grocery bags via a simple DIY hack like in the video below?

The possibilities are endless! The beauty of DIY projects is that you don’t have to finish it in one whole go, but it can be an ongoing one that you just need to revisit for under one hour when you have the time. Plus, it’ll help preserve the environment too since you’re reusing unused items instead of throwing them away.

5. Have a shopping spree at your local store!



Source: independent

Okay, this might seem out of place but hear us out okay! Of course, you can have a shopping spree by spending around RM100 at your local convenience store for under one hour, but how productive is that, really?

Actually, thanks to ETIKA and their slew of great-tasting drinks such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7UP, Mirinda and more, having a shopping spree by buying drinks at your nearest supermarket or hypermarket could be the most productive thing you can do in an under one hour because get this,

You can win RM100 EVERY HOUR, EVERY DAY with ‘Seratus Sejam’ contest from now until 15 December by just buying any participating drinks at your local convenience store!

Wah, awesome! All you have to do is follow these 3 simple steps below:

Buy 1 or more drinks from participating brands at any participating stores nationwide. WhatsApp ETIKA[space]The 5 last digit of your receipt[space]Date of the receipt using the DDMMYY format[space]Your IC number[space]your name to 012-2318300. For example: ETIKA 23699 251019 901030145566 Alia Salleh Keep your receipt for proof of purchase.

Super easy weh! So what are you waiting for? Time to head to your nearest kedai runcit, grab a refreshing drink and be in the running to win RM100 EVERY HOUR, EVERY DAY with ‘Seratus Sejam’ contest.

For more information on the ‘Seratus Sejam’ contest and other awesome promotions by ETIKA, click here.