Seven ways to relax that still serve your purpose

How do you spend your free time? It’s easy to lose hours scrolling through your phone or watching television, but your downtime can also be used to help you learn, recharge and move closer to your goals. That doesn’t mean every spare minute needs to be productive, but if you want to make more of the time available to you, here are seven fulfilling ways to start.

7 ways to spend your free time

1. Reading

Reading educational or fictional books allows us to switch off and leave our everyday concerns behind, just for a little while. Expanding your knowledge means that you are spending your time in a fulfilling and useful way, sparking creative thoughts and stretching your imagination.

If you read a book a week in your specialism, you’ll expose yourself to a considerable amount of information within just one year. Although this is not the same as completing a degree, regular reading can help you develop substantial knowledge of your field over time.

Not everyone needs to read a book a week. Trying one a month would be a great start.

2. Listening to podcasts

Audiobooks and podcasts within your particular area of interest are a great way to spend your downtime.

Whether you want to learn about a subject of great interest or gain new skills and knowledge to move your career forward, many of my highly focused and high-earning clients choose audiobook services such as Audible. These give them the flexibility to listen around their busy schedules, particularly while travelling or at the gym.

3. Meditation

Find a quiet room in your home and give yourself some space. Move away from distracting sounds. Breathe quietly in and out through your nose while focusing on the present moment, your goals or a vision for your future.

Sound clichéd? Meditation can support relaxation and may offer mental and physical well-being benefits, although it does not suit everyone. Practising it regularly could become a productive part of your routine.

4. Writing

Take notes on your thoughts and feelings, but also keep track of your goals and how you’ve worked towards them.

At the beginning of your day, write down positive affirmations that help you visualise your future success. At the end of each day, write a short reflection on how you felt about the day, what you did to work towards your long-term goals and anything you may have learned.

Writing allows us to express our desires and articulate ourselves clearly. The power of that should not be underestimated.

5. Exercise

If you practise regular exercise that is suitable for you, you may notice benefits to your physical and mental well-being over time.

Exercise stimulates both the mind and body. Some people who enjoy fitness and exercise find that an early-morning workout is a great way to start the day. Others will benefit from choosing a time that fits their energy levels, health and schedule.

6. Family time

Are you spending enough time with your family? I would highly doubt it.

Take away the smartphones and the time spent eating family meals or watching television. How much quality time do you spend actually speaking to and interacting with your family?

Put more thought into the time you spend with your family and how you manage it. It’s precious.

7. Planning your future

Set goals and dream big. Why not spend some of your free time thinking about your future and planning your legacy?

What do you want to achieve? This can be a creative, stimulating task that allows you to engage in conscious thought.