Care your nearest one in this rainy season in Hyderabad

Rainy season brings lots of enjoyment however there is a risk of flu or viral fever.

It’s painful when someone you care about isn’t feeling well — even more painful when that loved one is far away and you can’t be there to

deliver a care package of herbal tea and tissues.

We’ve seen how people have used GigBee services to care for people even when they’re hundreds of miles apart or not well.

So if you know someone who’s feeling under the weather and you can’t be there to help, here are some ways GigBee services can overcome some of those physical limitations:

- Hire a GigBee to help clean your ill friend’s apartment.  

- Schedule a GigBee to assemble and deliver a care package. Chicken soup, throat    lozenges— a GigBee can make a run to the drug store, pick up everything a sick person  would want, and then deliver it to their front door

GigBee Services will be certainly helpful for parents of NRIs

Hundreds of us Indians emigrate every year: for higher education, lucrative jobs, better lifestyle and to join our spouses abroad. As we inch closer to our goals, dreams become a reality propelling us into the orbit of success. In this process we leave behind all that we wished to escape in India, but at the same time knowingly or unknowingly, we leave behind our biggest treasure - our parents.

These are the folks who toiled away several years of their youth, spent a chunk of their retirement savings, took out loans and made sure they left no stone unturned to get us to our destination.

Here is a look behind the scenes at the lives of parents of non-resident Indians (NRI). Once the children have flown the nest, after the initial euphoria has settled, realization dawns that one's children are thousands miles away. Several hours of travel time away. The anxiety of being away from one's children in times of illness and emergencies sets in. Moreover, worry for the safety and wellness of their children takes over their minds. Regular phone calls are reassuring but knowing that one cannot aid or be aided, long distance, by near and dear ones in times of need, plays on the mind, time and again

Simple chores and mundane errands like going to the bank, standing in queue for a gas cylinder or paying a bill become a challenge. Going to the doctor or dentist becomes an ordeal. They are lucky if still fit and healthy to live on their own and if other children live close by. Otherwise, NRI parents have to depend on neighbours, other relatives and friends who cannot and are not willing to take on the responsibility of the children. Then there is the social loneliness. No one to celebrate festivals with, no one to cook special meals for, Mother's Day and Father's day all celebrated long distance, via Skype and flowers dispatched by online couriers.

Though nothing can ever replace the presence of their children besides them at an elderly age, but GigBee has significant list of satisfied customer, we have helped many of you to leave peacefully in abroad where as we have helped your parent/relative with errands.

  

 GigBee team will be happy to serve your parent/ relatives, write us @ info@gigbee.in to know how can we help? You can also call us @ +91-8790102190.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/citizen-journalists/citizen-journalists-reports/vrushali-junnarkar/The-untold-story-of-parents-of-NRIs/articleshow/39940919.cms

Do more in less time with GigBee

We often think: “If only I could be in two places at once, I’d finally be able to get everything done!”

But you might not be able to clone yourself, however with GigBee you can increase efficiency and do more in less time.  

·         

      We can finally fix that flickering light – you go ahead and catch up on official work.

   

      Enjoy a nice walk with your loved one while we take care of weeding the yard.

   

      A GigBee can scrub up your floors as you’re picking up the kids from school.

      We know your life is full of errands and tasks, but with GigBee you can enjoy your free time as we will be running your errands.  

     Together, we can accomplish double the items on your to-do list, and give you back some well-deserved free time.  

     To know more, please visit www.gigbee.in

GigBee On-Demand Courier Service ‘Instant Deliver’ In Hyderabad for NRIs and Local Residents

Hyderabad  is the capital of the southern Indian state of Telangana and de jure capital of Andhra Pradesh — famously just 241 square miles — but now its residents will have the whole city at their fingertips even more so than ever.

GigBee, the online marketplace that lets people outsource errands and small tasks to their neighbors.

Instant Delivery service provided by GigBee that lets users get on-demand delivery of anything within the city of Hyderabad. Other than local client, we have served more than 100 NRI clients across the globe to run their errands in Hyderabad and secunderabad.  

Telangana NRIs/ NRIs from Hyderabad or individual working on-site -  often wonder how to get the simplest tasks done in Hyderabad when they are away. We understand the Pain of staying away from home or parents.

This service will also help local residents to enhance their efficiency and enjoy their time with family or something which is more important. 

If you have craving for some specific food but cannot bear the thought of the long line or if you forget to pick up a bottle of wine/ gift/snacks for that dinner party tonight, contact GigBee we will be doing this for you.

To know more, please visit www.gigbee.in or write us at info@gigbee.in .

I need someone to run my errands in Hyderabad

If you have searched for string "I need someone to run my errands in Hyderabad",  you should contact GigBee- Hyderabad. 

NRI's/ Expat often wonder how to get the simplest tasks done in Hyderabad when they are away. These tasks range from servicing their official documents like birth certificates, PAN numbers, degree certificates or retrieving their transcripts from college, visiting Doctor, taking care of their Parents etc.

When such a need arises we search for contacts in India like friends, relatives and requests them to run these errands. Capitalizing on this niche need of the NRI's/ Expat, GigBee NRI service is a unique service that addresses such needs.

Few of the task done by us:

If patient is abroad, discussing medical report with the Doctor, and sending back the report to patient.

Get Stitching done on behalf of our client and sending through courier.

Sending courier to abroad on behalf of client for any specific item like sweets, gift items etc.

Brighten up our customer’s nearest one with a bunch of flowers.

Monthly House cleaning of NRI’s Houses, personal visit to house and sending the status like picture and other required details. 

And many more, you can always write us and discuss your specific requirement.

So far, we have served more than 100 satisfied clients staying in the USA, UAE  and Singapore etc, we are currently operating only in Hyderabad but in the near future we will also be working in other metros. 

You can write us at info@gigbee.in or visit www.gigbee.in. 

Start the Year Fresh with a Gigbee’s Clean House

If you don't know where to start, take a look at these cleaning tips to help tackle a top-to-toe clean like a pro.

Do the hardest parts first

For many of us, cleaning isn't our favorite job in the house. One way to deal with it is simply to tackle it head on and start with the biggest and most difficult jobs first. Ticking it off your to-do list will be a great feeling, and things will feel much easier from there.

Roll up your sleeves and clean out the oven, scrub the fridge and clean the windows. Smaller jobs like dusting and wiping down surfaces can be spread out over the week whenever you have time, but these large jobs can be tackled in one fell swoop for an instant clean feeling.

Use eco-friendly products

Some commercial cleaning products are packed full of chemicals and additives that can be harmful to both your health and the environment. Where possible, reduce the need to buy chemical products and reach for those already sitting in your kitchen.

Everyday products such as baking soda, vinegar, lemon and cornstarch can be used in place of chemical-laden commercial products, and for a fraction of the cost. Vinegar and warm water makes for an effective window and mirror cleaner, wiped down with a piece of newspaper, while a paste of baking soda and water makes for a great stove or sink scourer.

Make a list and check it twice

No spring clean is complete without a careful plan detailing exactly what you want to do. Set yourself goals and check off things you've already done.

Lists are also great if you're dividing the clean between several people. Assign different jobs to each person and get them to mark off what's complete, ensuring there are no double ups.

Gigbees House cleaning Tips

House cleaning Tips

You love a spotless house—but you don’t want to spend the bulk of your time actually cleaning. Well, fret no more. We talked to seven experts who gave us some of their best methods to make chores easier, more effective and much less time-consuming, so you can have a tidy, sparkling home in no time flat. Even Mom would approve.

In The Kitchen

Circle Your Way Around: Always begin on the right side of your stove, then move clockwise around the room. The stove is typically the dirtiest part of the kitchen, so ending with it keeps you from spreading dirt and grease. (First, soak drip pans and knobs in warm soapy water. By the time you’ve worked your way around, they’ll be easier to clean.)

Sanitize the Sink: It’s hard to believe, but your dirty kitchen sink has more bacteria than your toilet seat. Use a product labeled as disinfectant, or makes your own. To disinfect, clean your sink with soap and water first, then spray a mist of vinegar followed by a mist of hydrogen peroxide, and let air-dry. (Don’t mix the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide together—spray one afte

r the other.) If your sink is stainless steel, make it sparkle afterward by putting a few drops of mineral oil on a soft cloth and buffing. This prevents water buildup, which deters mold and keeps the sink looking clean longer.

Do Dishwasher Duty:: Once a week, shake baking soda on a damp sponge and wipe around the machine’s edges to remove stuck-on food or stains. To clean the inside, run an empty cycle with Dishwasher Magic, a product designed to kill bacteria like E.coli. “During cold and flu season, add a quarter-cup of bleach to the regular dish cycle to kill bacteria,” says Gigbee. The dishes will be safe and sanitized after the rinse cycle is finished.

Love Your Oven: Keep the heart of your kitchen clean by lining the bottom with a nonstick ovenliner. It can be wiped with a paper towel, put in the dishwasher, and reused over and over.

Disinfect the Disposal: To get rid of odors, drop in a cut-up lemon, some salt and a few ice cubes. The lemon deodorizes, and the ice and salt clean away residue. Or try Disposer Care (gigbee.in), which is specifically designed for the job.

Crumple Paper Towels…Forever: Use microfiber cloths instead. When wet, they sanitize and clean floors, counters, glass and tile, and eliminate the need for other cleaning products. They’re reusable (machine-wash, hang to dry) and cost about 50 Rs for a two-pack.

Clean as You Go: Gigbee suggests filling your sink with hot soapy water as you start dinner. “Place used dishes and pans in the filled sink so they’ll be soaking while you eat,” she says. Also, wipe up any spills immediately—don’t give sauces, oils or spices a chance to sit around.

Zap the Sponge: We all know that sponges can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Disinfect yours every night by squeezing it out and microwaving it on high for a minute. When it’s shredded and smelly, replace it.

Bathroom Boosters

Make Doors Shine: Rubbing a teaspoon of lemon oil on glass shower doors twice a month causes water to bead up and roll off. Or, try Rain-X Original Glass Treatment, a car-care product made to keep rainwater off your windshield. Use it twice a year.

Get a Cleaner Liner: Mold and mildew attacking your shower curtain liner? Throw it in the wash with a few towels, which will help scrub it clean, then hang it back up to dry.

Tame the Toilet: Drop a teaspoon of Tang Drink Mix in the bowl. The citric acid acts like a scrubber…and it’s nontoxic, in case the dog takes a sip. Let it sit for a few minutes, then swish and flush. And if you cringe at the idea of getting splashed by toilet water (ugh!), Gigbee suggests pushing the toilet brush in and out of the trap before you begin. This lowers the water level, allowing you to safely swish away.

Corral Strays: Keep drains free of hair and clogs by using a product like Drano or Liquid-Plumr to make sure potential clogs are gone, then pour boiling water down drains once a week to keep problem-free. Get rid of those annoying stray hairs on the floor by sweeping them up with a damp  of toilet every morning.

Hire a GigBee to Ease Diwali House Cleaning in Hyderabad

Diwali is around the corner. The festival of lights brings in joy and lots of colors in our lives.  Diwali is the festival of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.

But, according to Hindu mythology, Goddess Lakshmi enters only a clean and tidy house.

Cleaning the whole house means a lot of work. It requires lot of energy and active minds. We wonder where to start our cleaning from and how to end this as soon as possible without straining our health.

To ease Diwali house cleaning, we are here.  GigBee cleaning service will make the Diwali task easier.

So, for this Diwali -  Hire a GigBee and Celebrate Diwali with full swing.

Outsource your cleaning work to GigBee...call us @ 8790102190 or write us @ info@gigbee.in. Visit us @ www.gigbee.in

TASK OF THE WEEK: Booked a Hotel/Service Apartment in Hyderabad

Get a Service Apartment while travelling to Hyderabad. This week, a client from Delhi hired  GigBee to find a Service Apartment/ Hotel in his budget. 

His family came and stayed in the suggested service apartment and had a very good time in the Hyderabad. 






If you’d like to get a service apartment during your Hyderabad visit, you can mail us at info@gigbee.in. To know more visit us @ www.gigbee.in . 

Local Delivery Service in Hyderabad

GigBee, will assist you in the local delivery in Hyderabad. We can do delivery on Motorcycle/Vans/Lorry.

GigBee helps to bridge the gap between local businesses and local customers. You can also send items to any local residence or office with your personal on demand GigBee service. We are currently providing our services in Madhapur, Kondapur, HITECH City and nearby area,

Save time and money on all your local deliveries in Hyderabad and outsource your courier efforts to a trusted and efficient service. Learn more about how it works for one-time deliveries. Call us @ 8790102190 or write us @  info@gigbee.in.

For more details visit us at www.gigbee.in 

House Cleaning Service in Hyderabad - Quick Cleaning Tips in 5, 15, or 30 mins!

You may not have time to fully clean your home (that’s where GigBee comes in), but you likely have a few minutes to do some quick organization to both maintain your space and help you relax in your home.  Use the quick cleaning tips below to tidy up your place when you are short on time and want to make your home look fresh!

With 5 Minutes:

• Grab a basket and pick up items laying around the house, on the floors, and countertops.  Clear counters and floors do wonders for the psyche and creates the appearance of an organized home.
• Have a 60 seconds to spare? Spray and wipe down all flat surfaces in your main rooms for a ‘just polished’ look.

With 15 Minutes:

• Follow ’5 Minute Steps.’
• Fluff all throw pillows and fold all blankets in common rooms where guests might spend time.
• Sweep only high-traffic areas (entrances, living rooms, etc.).
• Have 2 minutes to spare? Clear out the kitchen sink and load the dishwasher; it will do wonders to make your kitchen look clean and organized.

With 30 Minutes:

• Follow ’15 Minute Steps.’
• Make your bed and put away clothes laying around your room, your entire bedroom will look clean with these little tricks.
• Wipe down your bathrooms with a microfiber cloth and a little bit of water or multi-purpose cleaner. Start with the mirror, then counter / sink.
• Choose a few more rooms to sweep or vacuum depending on what rooms are most important to you.
• Have a remaining minute? Open windows to ventilate your space and light a candle – a fresh scent will always make your home feel clean.

Stay tuned for more cleaning tips or book a  GigBee Cleaning Professional today to come sweet up your home! Visit us @ www.gigbee.in

Make time for things that matter - Enjoy your weekend

We are of the firm belief that all of us are not able to maintain balance of personal and professional life, this is only due to more to do in less time.

One of the key challenges today for a working professional is to maintain work life balance. GigBee is a personal life style management service provider, providing services that help its customers to get more from their life by accomplishing their unexciting everyday task.

Wouldn't it be better if you can spend your leisure time with your family or friends and your own reliable personal assistant will do your personal work i.e. House Cleaning, Electricity Bill Payment, Getting Vegetables & Groceries, Ironing & Laundries etc.    

A good % of your valuable time is spend on getting your routine house hold work done, which you can enjoy with your loved ones. GigBee intends to help out busy people to assist them for their personal work, just pick up the phone and leave a brief with your very own personal assistant.

It’s been two years of our operation in Hyderabad and now we are observing that our idea of providing personal life style management service is slowly accepted by all of you. We are happy that we are able to help you in maintaining your work life balance.

Here’s what some of our customers have to say about us :

Mansee (Working Professional):

The job of two washroom cleaning was done today.
I would like to thank your team for the efforts you put in to perform the assigned jobs.
I am really delighted to write down that the service was really prompt and your Gigbee completed the job very patiently and neatly.

Thanks and would like to avail your services very soon.

Swetha Hariharan (Working Professional from USA):

I am extremely happy with the service that Gigbee provided. We have a small gathering at our home for which we want to serve Indian sweets. I wanted to try how this works and not sure though, that I will be able to get them on time. Gigbee did it very efficiently with prompt communication all along until they finish the task and more over there charges are very reasonable. 

Thank you very much. I highly recommend Gigbee to anyone. 

Sujana Readdy(Working Professional):

First of all thanks so much for the wonderful ownership you have taken and saw that all the pending work was done.

I have been using your services since 1.5 years and extremely happy. Whether it be party help, cleaning, shopping etc all jobs were done perfectly.

Please keep up good work as we all want people like you to help us in something or other daily. Hats off to the idea of Gigbee for providing all services under one roof.

All the best.

Swathi Dev(Working Professional):

Thanks a lot for sending srikanth. He has taken care of my grandmother nicely. Thank you so much.

Pratyusha (Working Professional):

Service was really good. The person was on time. We shall surely contact u again. Recommended Gigbee to many of our frnds.

GigBee NRI Parent Care Service in Hyderabad

Surabh has been in the US for the past decade and half, while his parents back home in Hyderabad have aged beyond the stage where they can look after themselves. Despite repeated pleas by Saurabh, his parents are unwilling to leave their ancestral home in Hyderabad to join him in the US. This presents a problem typical to many NRIs who have left behind elderly parents in India. While leaving a prosperous career abroad to return back may not be a pragmatic solution one cannot ignore the responsibility of ensuring adequate care for the parents. Saurabh took wise step and hired GigBee who is taking care of his parent. 

What GigBee NRI Parent Care Service can do for your Parent?

Though nothing can ever replace the presence of their children besides them at an elderly age, but GigBee can help you in a few other worldly requirements which you can catered for from abroad.  Our services:

    

House Cleaning Weekly/Biweekly/ Monthly

Local Delivery of any items

Will take your parents to Physician by Monthly and Quarterly  (as and when required)

Daily/ Weekly visits by GigBee Team as per requirements.

Arrangement of nurses for special requirements.

Organizing transfer of money, handling of letters and other couriered items and catering to daily household requirements.

Organizing functions to celebrate festivals and occasions with the elderly.

Establishing and ensuring a regular communication between the NRIs and their parents either through telephone or video chatting via the internet.

Provide detailed feedback and reports on the health and other issues of the elderly to their children abroad.

Payment of bills, taxes and other recurring expenses.

Collection of rents and depositing the same in the designated accounts.

Arrangement of security for the elderly residing in their own house.

And many more. 

GigBee team will be delighted to serve your parent, send us customize need and get the best price for our services.

To know more about our services, please speak to our customer care officer @ +91-8790102190 or write us @ info@gigbee.in.

People that you should have thanked but probably never did

We are all contributing to society in some way or the other but these are the people who deserve our gratitude but we have been too busy in filling the void of our empty lives that we choose to ignore the tremendous service they are doing for the society.

Street Vendors



 Not all of us can relish the cholesterol and fat infested food served by  the self-proclaimed inexpensive fast food joints that burn a deep hole in our pockets and hearts(literally), enter the saviors with their ‘Amritsari Naans’ and ‘Chole Kulcheys’, feeding the common man since don’t know when. We express our heartiest gratitude. 

Porters



Carrying the country’s baggage is an arduous task to take care of, you can observe these thin figurines carrying shitload of luggage on their heads and compensated with scorn and inadequate earnings.

Sweepers/Cleaners



As you leave your humble abode and step out on the streets , did you ever notice or felt that you owe heaps of gratitude to someone who has glorified  your morning by ridding you of the stench that sprawled  your neighborhood and streets. Yes, that man/woman with the broom, humming folklore in bereft tones is the person you should thank for doing what he/she does.

Watchmen



You owe your good night sleep to this guy, patrolling the streets while you’re snoring away comfortably in your beds, he’s the unsung hero, protector of the night and has probably saved you from multiple savage attacks. Think about it and thank him the next time you see your watchman.

Joker 




It’s pretty ironic that how sad the life of a joker is , while all they try to do is to spread smiles  while life is strangulating their joys. We’re all pretty much aware of their condition, the least we can do is to be thankful for being there and taking up the responsibility to make the world a happier place.

Waiters



With inadequate pay and adequate public humiliation they serve you with an ever-present smile on their face , they are treated as  social pariahs by the society(us) . Thank you Sirs! You’re doing a commendable job.

Happy Father’s Day 2014

Let the dads in your life know how much you care this Father’s Day. You already know you can hire a GigBee to deliver just about anything — from a bottle of something awesome to a shiny, new gadget — but tell us 3 things you would do to bring that one beautiful smile on your Father's face.

The best answer will get free house cleaning from GigBee Team.

Enhance your life quotient - get a personal assistant

A good % of your valuable time is spend on getting your routine house hold work done, which you can enjoy with your loved ones. GigBee intends to help out busy people to assist them in their personal work, just pick up the phone and leave a brief with your very own personal assistant. GigBee will be doing your personal work i.e. House Cleaning, Plumbing , Carpentry and Local Courier, etc. 

Gigbee, as a social entrepreneurial startup, is a simple facilitator in bridging people who are in need of one off but contingent service from domestic workers, who are also looking at such gigs to earn a little with their extra time. We are leveraging technology to bring you and your would-be helper.. also we are ensuring that you are getting quality, trusted help.

We have started our operation in Hyderabad, currently we are focusing on following localities:

Kondapur, Miyapur, Madhapur, Gachibowli and  nearby area.

To know more please visit www.gigbee.in.

Homemade Citrus-Infused Vinegar for Cleaning

White vinegar is an amazingly effective, eco-friendly, inexpensive cleaning agent to use around the house. But as much as we love it, vinegar on its own can smell pretty horrible! Here is a SUPER easy way to make a homemade, sweet smelling citrus-vinegar concoction for cleaning:

What You'll Need:

1. White distilled vinegar

2. A clean glass jar (with a tight fitting lid)

3. Citrus peels (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, etc.)

Directions:

• Take a glass jar with a lid and fill with citrus peels (one fruit or a mix, depending on what you prefer).

• Pour in white distilled vinegar until the peels are completely covered.

• Cover the jar tightly and let sit for 1-2 weeks, gently shaking the jar occasionally to keep things mixed.

• We recommend labeling the jar with a permanent marker and storing it out of reach from kids just as a precaution (although it is completely nontoxic and healthy to ingest, we still don't recommend drinking it like orange juice!).

• When the mixture smells more like fruit than vinegar you’re good to go! Strain out the vinegar into another jar and substitute it in all of your white vinegar cleaning methods.

•This sweet mixture is also great for cooking with vinegar or using as a deep cleansing hair rinse if you want a sweet, fruity twist!

•Do you have any creative ways that you use vinegar at home? Post your favorite methods in the comments and share the love!

Count Down of Life - How much time do you really have left

16 PRODUCTIVE WAYS TO SPEND 5 MINUTES INSTEAD OF CHECKING YOUR EMAIL (AGAIN)

Here are 16 better ways to spend bits of time to bring bits of joy into an ordinary day:

1. LISTEN TO A FAVORITE SONG.

Yes, you’ll need to use your headphones, but jamming out to Katy Perry for three minutes and 30 seconds will probably leave you feeling more energized than deleting marketing emails for a similar quantity of time.

2. READ A LITTLE BIT

Want to read more? You don’t need free hours to make it happen. DailyLit.com sends bite sized chunks of classics to your inbox, but you can also just keep a regular book in your desk drawer and read it, one page at a time. Books of poetry are good for this. You’re in and out (unless it’s The Wasteland).

3. TEXT YOUR PARTNER OR YOUR CHILDREN

Tell them you’re thinking about them. Text a friend to ask her about her day. Call, if you think the person might be available.

4. WRITE IN A JOURNAL

Jotting down a sentence here and there on specific moments of awesomeness can help you remember that your life is, in fact, awesome.

5. WRITE A REAL LETTER

Keep some note cards and stationery around and write a note to someone whose birthday is coming up, or a friend or colleague who did something intriguing. There’s no need to write more than three or four sentences, and you can definitely do that in five minutes. A random thank you note to someone who isn’t expecting one could actually make someone’s day.

6. STRETCH

Assume some other posture than the usual one of your rear in the chair, and breathe deeply.

7. LIFT SOME WEIGHTS

Do some push-ups or sit-ups if you’re not self-conscious (or you’ve got a door). But even if the whole office is staring at you, you can suck in your stomach or absentmindedly do a bicep curl with a paper weight.

8. STUDY YOUR CALENDAR

What can you get rid of? In five minutes, you may be able to buy yourself hours by . As a corollary, what do you not see that should be on there?

9. BRAINSTORM PERSONAL PRIORITIES FOR NEXT WEEK

We’re pretty good about setting work priorities, but personal ones tend to get short shrift. In five minutes, you could decide that next week you’ll go to the library, watch a favorite movie with your kids, and make your famous banana bread recipe on the weekend. Don’t go overboard--you don’t want to stress yourself out--but planning in a few fun anchor events gives you something to look forward to.

10. MAKE A GUEST LIST FOR AN INTRIGUING DINNER PARTY

Who would be fascinating to have in a room together? Do they know each other? If not, make a note to introduce them as soon as possible.

11. POP OUTSIDE AND TAKE SOME PHOTOS WITH YOUR IPHONE

Take several shots of the same object to experiment with angles and lighting. You may cause your brain to think in whole new ways, but even if not, the fresh air will perk you up.

12. SAY HELLO TO SOMEONE

Not someone buried in work at his desk, trying to ignore the world, but someone wandering around the halls, grabbing coffee. Who knows, maybe you know this person by his email address, but have never actually met him in person! Nurturing social ties is incredibly productive--and key to human happiness.

13. SCROLL THROUGH YOUR PHOTOS ON YOUR PHONE

If you’re like me, they go back a ways, and can trigger all kinds of happy memories. Indeed, this post took much longer than expected to write because I just scrolled back to some August shots of my kids playing at the beach.

14. COLOR

Bring crayons from home, or take some from a restaurant’s kid meal stash, and create your own coloring book. It’s a quick way to zone out and decompress, even if you don’t put your masterpiece on the fridge. If you have a more elaborate array of office supplies, you can try making a collage with pictures from magazines and some rubber cement. If anyone asks, you can call it your vision board.

15. WATCH A KHAN ACADEMY VIDEO

Economics. Calculus. Art history--what’s not to like? For a more silent way to acquire random knowledge, read Wikipedia’s featured article of the day.

16. CLOSE YOUR EYES

Fun fact: A recent survey from the BlueJeans Network (a video conferencing service) found that 6% of people admit to having fallen asleep while on a conference call. While that’s not recommended, a tiny cat nap could be just the jolt you need to get through the rest of the day.

Please add your favorite ways to use bits of time for bits of joy in the comments.

Source: fastcompany.com