We spend so much time worrying about trying to stay on the ball that we forget to simply jump off and enjoy the peace and quiet of life. During your downtime, you don’t necessarily have to worry about boredom, as there are so many ways you can take the opportunity to do something great while off work or managing other responsibilities.
Depending on what you like, downtime could mean sitting watching endless TV shows or scrolling through social media, but there are so many more ways you can make the most of your free time that can truly benefit you.
This guide will provide some helpful tips about what to do in your downtime:
Enhance your mind
So, you’ve binge-watched every reality show on Netflix, and you may be wondering what to do next. Why not take this time to enhance your mind with fascinating new information? You could listen to a brand-new podcast or watch a YouTube video based on a topic that truly interests you or visit a museum that will introduce you to something completely different from your own interests.
Start a side business
Would you consider yourself a creative individual with a talent to offer the world? Use your free time to start a side business. It can be difficult to concentrate on personal projects during the working week, so this would be a great opportunity to draw up plans and put the idea into practice. Not only will you make some additional income, but you’ll also improve your skills and potentially meet new people along the way.
Work out
When was the last time you had a strenuous workout that got your heart pumping? Understandably, it’s difficult to get plenty of exercise each day when sitting for hours in the office or at home, so enjoy your downtime by getting out in the fresh air. Spending time outdoors can uplift the mind, as well as keep your organs, muscles, and joints in good working order.
Make time for family
When you have an evening or a weekend spare, pencil in some quality time with family. Making strong family connections will allow you to create lasting memories as well as provide a stronger sense of understanding that will enable you to support one another during times of anguish.
You don’t have to do anything too extravagant – it could be as simple as playing board games, camping out in the yard, or an evening of cooking.
Surround yourself with positive people
You’ve worked hard to get some much-needed time out, so ensure you spend it with people who make you feel great. Negative people or those who make you feel bad about yourself can instantly dampen the mood and can start to impact your happiness and wellbeing. They certainly don’t deserve a place in your life. Instead, focus on those who have your best interests at heart and will always have your back, no matter what. By keeping your circle small, you can keep out the pessimism and enjoy a positive social experience.
Focus on relaxation
Everyone needs downtime for one simple reason: to enjoy a well-earned rest. Failing to allow your body the time to recuperate and refresh can impact your immune system and leave you susceptible to illnesses.
While you may wish to pack your downtime with multiple activities, it’s wise to determine when to simply do nothing for the sake of your own wellbeing. Discovering a sense of calm can be achieved in several ways, whether it be through mindfulness and meditation, yoga, or using CBD. You can also find out more about CBD gummies UK.
Volunteer
Spending your free time volunteering is a great way to give back to the community. Depending on the experience, you may also have the opportunity to gain new skills and meet people from all walks of life. What’s more, it can also act as a confidence booster if you aren’t currently employed. Volunteering can become a valuable asset to your resumé during the job hunt, and you may even leave the position with a winning reference that helps you secure your dream job.
Learn something new
Have you always wanted to try your hand at something new but never had the chance? Use your spare time to take the leap and go for it. This could be learning a new instrument or language or even joining a dance class. There are many benefits as to why you should learn something new every day, such as the following:
- Boosting confidence
- Reducing anxiety and stress
- Obtaining new knowledge and perspectives
- Socializing with others
- Researching more into an interest or hobby
Write a journal
Writing a journal has been proven to be an effective stress management tool that can help you make sense of your thought and feelings. It can be difficult to communicate how we truly feel when we’re feeling stressed or low, but jotting down your thoughts can allow you to understand who you are on a deeper level and resolve issues and conflicts within your life with greater ease.
What’s more, it will give you something to look back on when you have overcome your worst hurdles and have made huge changes to your life to enable you to see how far you have come.
Focus on your goals
Do you have certain goals you want to accomplish within a certain time frame? Most of us know what we want to achieve, but these goals often take a backseat when life gets busy, to the point that they become overlooked. During your spare time, re-evaluate your goals and consider the steps that need to be taken to turn them into a reality. While some of your goals may be for the long term, you can break them down into smaller goals to enable you to reach the final objective.
If you regularly have days off work or quiet weekends, hopefully, this blog has given you some great ideas as to how to spend your free time wisely.
