We’ve all had days at work that weren’t particularly action-packed.  Some days just aren’t as hectic as others (Mondays and Fridays, I’m looking at you).  I’m certain we all could easily kill a couple of hours of downtime by stumbling around the internet.  However, if you’re like me and work in a cube where anyone who walks by can see what you’re looking at online, then passing those hours can be a little more difficult.  Here are some ways to waste time while appearing busy to your boss.

1.       Headphones: Get them.  There are plenty of reasons to wear headphones in the workplace (online training, listening for notifications, ect.), but as long as nobody minds you having something in your ears, then why not listen to something a little more entertaining?  Most radio stations now stream their music online.  If simply search for your favorite station you listen to in your car, odds are it will have a “listen to us live” button on their homepage. 
Music not your thing?  Pandora, the popular customizable radio website, now has a comedy station.  This means that you can now listen to stand-up comedy while pretending to work!
Boss precautions: If using earbuds, make sure to only have one bud in your ears at any time.  The last thing you want is a coworker asking you a question while obliviously rocking out to your favorite tunes!  Also, minimize your radio browser so no one knows what you’re up to.

2.       Sneaky Online Games.  Feel like playing a game but still want to appear busy? Apparently online game designers also feel your pain, because there are plenty of online games out there that fit the bill.  One site that has gathered some of these together is the appropriately named http://cantyouseeimbusy.com/.  On it are flash-based games that designed to look like work-related tasks.  Now anyone who glances at your computer screen won’t think twice while you’re actually keeping yourself entertained!

3.       Walking: Better than Sitting.  Seriously, I know that this isn’t as fun as some of these other tips, but you’re going to get sick of sitting at your desk at some point. So get up and go for a walk around your office or building!  Bring 2 things: your phone and a few papers.  Why?  Bring your phone in case your downtime is cut short and someone actually needs you to do something.  The papers are to just look busy. You surely don’t want someone to see that you’re free and call you over for help solely for that reason.  Carrying some documents will not only keep you from working, but it looks good if your boss sees you “delivering documents and being actively busy”.