What is Time Confetti?

Time confetti is a term coined by researcher Brigid Schulte. It describes the tiny pockets of time we all experience: waiting for the kettle to boil, standing in a queue, or pausing between meetings.

It's tempting to fill those fragments of time. We answer an email, check notifications, tick something small off our to-do list, scroll social media...

But using these scattered moments rarely leaves us feeling productive or rested. Instead, they create a constant hum of busyness and low-level exhaustion.

So, what can we do?

• Protect larger blocks of time for focused work and proper rest (time-blocking can be helpful here).

• Resist the urge to fill every gap. Treat time confetti as the gift it is. Just drink your coffee, wait in that queue, or take a minute to breathe.

Not every moment needs to be filled. Sometimes, doing nothing is the most productive choice of all.