If you feel like you’re spending a lot of time in front of a digital screen, you’re not alone.
Scientists say you might spend almost 30 hours per week in front of a screen, which is a lot of time that you could dedicate to some exciting new activity.
The good news is that you can take control of your free time, balance your leisure activities, and build good habits that help you look and feel your best.
In this article, we’ll share 15 productive and inspiring activities you can undertake in your spare time.
1. Learn a Foreign Language
Learning a foreign language is a great way to strengthen your brain and broaden your horizons.
Not only this, but learning one of the world’s 10 most common languages (in addition to English) will increase your confidence levels.
You can even combine this activity with others on your list. For example, you can choose a language based on the country you want to visit. Then, once your basic language skills are developed, you can plan a trip abroad.
2. Research New Travel Destinations
Traveling is the best way to see and experience all the great things the world has to offer.
It’s never too early or too late to start planning your next trip, especially if you want to discover somewhere new.
With the above in mind, some websites may boost the prices of their flights and accommodation based on your location.
Fortunately, you can use a VPN to bypass these geographical limitations. You just need to:
- Use VPN software for Windows, Android or Mac (based on your device);
- Connect to a specific country to check flight and accommodation prices;
- Take note, then repeat the process with a different country;
- And remember to erase site cookies when you switch regions in your VPN.
3. Hone Your Baking Skills
Baking is one of the oldest forms of cooking, and it’s also one of the best ways to spend your free time.
The reason for this is that baking is a gradual process. It also requires extreme attention to detail, and it can’t be rushed.
Plus, if you have specific dietary requirements, baking is a great way to ensure that you always have delicious snacks that align with your lifestyle.
4. Create a Personal Financial Plan
Your personal finances are always a priority, but it’s hard to grow your assets without a clear-cut plan.
If you have free time on your hands, consider building a personal financial plan to help you achieve your goals.
5. Establish Short and Long-Term Personal Goals
Prioritizing your financial stability is crucial, but you should focus on your personal development just as much.
You should take the time to establish both short -and long-term personal goals that help improve your quality of life.
Some of the objectives you can set for yourself include:
- Overcoming past trauma, mental or physical;
- Developing your artistic side and other skills that come naturally to you;
- Reconnecting with estranged friends and family members.
6. Make Money Through Surveys and Reviews
Just because you have spare time doesn’t mean you can’t make money!
As a matter of fact, there are platforms that reward users for taking surveys, complete questionnaires, and even test products.
These platforms often serve specific geographic regions, but some of the leading sites are:
- InboxDollars;
- LifePoints;
- And Swagbucks.
7. Start a Community Project
Community projects are a great way to contribute to your immediate surroundings and have a positive impact.
In addition to participating in local projects, you can also try to organize your own activity with local groups.
This can be anything from a small sports team to a book club. So, evaluate what activities you’re passionate about and consider starting a community project around that idea.
8. Join a Sports Team
Sports clubs are great ways to build camaraderie, meet local people your own age, and exercise during your free time.
The best part is that most cities and towns have amateur sports leagues, including basketball and softball, suitable for people of all ages.
9. Identify Your Next Big Project
For many people, having free time simply means that they are in between projects. If this is your case, it’s never too early to start looking for your next big challenge.
For example, if you design murals as a hobby, you can walk around town and identify potential spaces for your next piece.
It’s a good idea to reach out to local authorities and building owners to gauge whether your artistic project has a chance of being approved.
10. Sort Through Your Emails
So, you open your Gmail inbox and find 15,000 unopened messages. Then, you close your inbox and carry on.
While not as bad as its physical counterpart, digital clutter can still induce high-stress levels.
Sorting through your email and deleting all unnecessary messages is a great way to digitally declutter your life and make your inbox lighter.
11. Take Your Meditation Game to the Next Level
Humans have been meditating for centuries, and there is no doubt that this practice can bring peace to anyone, anywhere.
Your free time is an excellent opportunity to take up meditation.
If you’re already an avid fanatic, you can use your spare time to implement deeper techniques and take your meditation to the next level.
12. Find a Yoga Partner
Yoga is a millenary practice that can be performed individually or in groups.
But, as with most things, yoga sessions can become more pleasant when you have company.
There are more than half a million practicing yogis around the world.
Finding a yoga partner can help you polish your skills and allow you to enjoy each session even more.
13. Spend Time Outdoors with Animals
Whether you have furry friends in our family unit or hang out with your friends’ pets, spending time with animals is a great pastime.
Besides boosting your serotonin levels, spending time with pets can encourage you to spend more time outdoors doing physical activities, which, in turn, has a great impact on your mental and physical health.
14. Watch Reliable Documentaries
Documentaries are a great way to learn about the world while you also relax in the comfort of your home.
But, while many present a great learning experience, not all documentaries come from legitimate sources.
Therefore, you should take the time to research the makers and goals behind each documentary to help verify the accuracy of the information presented.
15. Take an Online Course
Last but certainly not least, taking an online course is a great way to spend your free time doing something productive.
It’s important to avoid burnout if you’re studying online. One of the best ways to do this is to take a course about crafts, arts, or something else that you’re passionate about.
Instead of feeling like work, this will make the online course fun and motivate you to see it through.
In Conclusion
Establishing an active lifestyle and carrying out productive activities in your spare time is a great way to build positive habits.
We hope that the 15 activities above inspire you to get moving and get new life experiences out of your comfort zone.
