These days, it seems unimaginable to be productive when facing lengthy, unplanned internet interruptions. Having internet connection issues can even be a significant source of stress for any modern workplace.

But as important as the internet might be in our daily lives, it is not immune to hiccups. So, here is your contingency plan to stay on top of your game when the internet is down:

1. Bond With Co-Workers

A group of people laughing together

Did you notice that your boss hired a new employee in your department? With your ever busy schedule, it might be natural for you to be unaware of anyone who does not contribute directly to your daily tasks. Now that you are experiencing an internet outage, this sounds like the perfect opportunity to meet a few new faces and even talk to people outside your department.

That said, look over your computer, have a chat, play a game, or take a walk outside with a colleague. Creating a bond with your co-workers can help to improve your work productivity.

2. Read Articles Offline Through Pocket

If you love reading articles, you can always rely on your internet connection for access to a vast pool of options. You can plan ahead by downloading Pocket to help you store all your favorite articles, tweets, recipes, etc., to read offline at a later date. If you find an article you might want to read later on your smartphone, find Pocket on the share menu to save it for later. You will find it in My List section of the app.

In addition, you can also tap on the Discover option in the app to enjoy its curated list of articles based on your topic of interest. If you are working on your computer, you can download Pocket’s browser extension.

Download: Pocket for Android | iOS | Chrome (Free, premium subscription available)

3. Listen to Audiobooks Offline Through Audible

No internet? No problem! You finally have time to listen to that audiobook you have been putting off because you were so busy. Listening to audiobooks is an effective way to consume valuable information for your professional and personal life. The good news is that you can do it offline with Audible.

Audible is an online platform that allows members to listen to audio versions of original books, and podcasts. If you are not yet a member and are unsure if it’s something you will enjoy, you can sign up for a 30-day Audible trial and get one credit (or two credits for Prime members). You can use this credit to buy an audiobook that you will still own if you choose not to pay for the monthly subscription.

To listen to your audiobook offline, go to your library, tap on the cover, and choose Download. Once the download is complete, you will be able to listen to your audiobook offline.

Download: Audible for Android | iOS (Free trial, premium subscription available)

4. Clean/Organize Your Desktop

A person with a laptop and a screen

Where do you often save important files on your computer? We bet you copy and paste it on your desktop right in front of your eyes. That makes sense in the beginning, as it allows you to access the files easily. But when you repeat the process many times, you will clutter your desktop with icons to the point that you will not see your background display wallpaper.

Now is the time to give your desktop a thorough cleaning to set up your computer for maximum productivity. Delete all the files, images, documents, or software that are no longer useful. Organize the remaining files/icons into relevant folders.

5. Create a Music Playlist for Productivity

A person enjoying music

We bet you can’t count the number of times you have relied on music to uplift your mood, and if you have tried it as a productivity hack, chances are you already know it works like a charm.

But think about all the time you spend on your never-ending search for songs that will put you in the zone. And although you can find some awesome playlists for productivity on streaming platforms like Spotify, odds are you won’t vibe with some tracks.

So, it seems like this is the perfect time to get to work and create a bespoke productivity playlist packed with your jams. Put on your noise-canceling headphones, carefully select the tracks that will pump you up, and help you get the job done when the internet is back up.

6. Plan What You Will Do Later

A to-do list on a piece of paper

You might be offline now, but sooner or later, your internet connection will be restored. So, this could be a great time to get a pen and a piece of paper to create a to-do list of tasks you will work on when the internet is back up.

Alternatively, there are some to-do-list apps you can still rely on when you are offline, such as Google Calendar and Evernote. With Evernote, for example, you only need to be logged in to the app before you lose your internet connection. Whatever you input while you are offline will be synced the next time you are connected.

Download: Google Calendar for Android | iOS (Free)

Download: Evernote for Android | iOS (Free, premium version available)

7. Take a Break

A lady taking a nap

On the surface, taking a break might sound like a counter-intuitive method to keeping your productivity up, but it works like a magic pill. In fact, you should not wait to lose your internet connectivity to have one and enjoy its benefits.

With so much on your schedule, it might be difficult for you to convince yourself to take your eyes off your screen. But you now have the perfect opportunity to do so. You can use this time to go for a walk, meditate, take a power nap, stare out of a window, or do nothing- just let your mind wander about and relax.

However, once the internet is back up, you could seriously consider scheduling as many breaks as you can into your work schedule, including micro-breaks, lunch breaks, water/tea breaks, etc. You can also learn how you can take productive breaks using these apps.

Set Yourself Up for a Productive Day Even Without the Internet

Losing internet connectivity can bring about some significant challenges to your workflow, but you don’t need to lose your productivity as a result. A well-rounded plan like this one can help you stay productive and avoid panicking when you see the gray dinosaur icon and “No internet” on your screen.