When idle time begins, you need to make sure that you are ready to hit the ground running once it ends. This means planning your next steps before this period of inactivity is over. Doing so will lead to more productivity and ensure time is well-spent while waiting for things to occur.
For example, if you are expecting a document from a coworker, take some of your idle time to create a list of tasks that will need to be completed once it arrives. If the final document requires review and approval, take this opportunity to consider which members of your team would be best suited for this task.
By planning ahead, you can avoid any unnecessary delays when the idle period finishes and jump straight into action. Planning out your steps during times of idleness may even help increase overall efficiency by allowing you to anticipate upcoming tasks before they come up.
More info: Open Source Network Monitoring Tools