Designing websites, building applications, and writing content can be very draining activities requiring as many "breaks" as your schedule or boss allows. These breaks are even more frequent for freelancers, who can often justify taking a nap or watching the tube in the middle of the day. But before you turn on the Wii for your third break of the day, consider these other, more useful ways to "waste time."
Visit The FWAA proverbial playground of websites, The FWA showcases the best of the best Flash websites. Even if you're not a Flash designer/developer, you can get great ideas about user interface and interactive design (which is becoming more and more important on the web). Plus, it's a lot of fun compared to all those boring blogs about freelancing.
Play with a Business Idea
When's the last time you took a look at that backburner holding all of those business ideas you never got around to? Well, why not start playing around with a logo or begin setting up a website? There's nothing like making actual progress to get the ball rolling. Sure, you could argue that it's not worth the time, but considering you were just about to watch Seinfeld reruns, is that really an argument?
Surf the Blogosphere
There's no shortage of designers/developers/writers/freelancers who are blogging about hundreds of things that you otherwise wouldn't know about. Spend some time browsing such blogs – this list is a good start (warning: shameless self-promotion ahead).
Go Take Pictures
As I type right now, large white flakes fall outside my window, begging me to take a break with my Canon or Holga. Photography is a great way to gain some inspiration, often taking you down new trails, roads, or alleys. Besides the relaxing aspect of it, I've been amazed at how often I've used old photos in designs, as microstock on sites like iStockPhoto, or even in my portfolio to impress a client.
Lay Back and Listen to Pandora
For those who aren't familiar with it, Pandora is a free streaming music service that let's you name a song or two, then tailors a complete playlist according to your style. And it's pretty darn good at picking songs. So if I'm in a particularly lethargic mood, I'll turn on Pandora, kick back in my Papasan chair, and daydream (about productivity of course).
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