Enjoying Your Free Time.

Don’t be fooled! Leisure does not equal happiness!

Many of us wish for more “freedom” which we equate with having free time. We struggle to maintain balance with our work and personal lives. In America, a lot of us put in enormous work hours.

In Europe, however, it is very different. People have 4-6 weeks of vacation and  much longer lunch breaks (built in siesta time)! As a psychiatrist that has been in practice for 24 years, I can tell you that too much free time is not anyone’s friend. Anxiety and depression bubble up if you have time to dwell on it. I see a lot of people nodding YES (ok- I really can’t see you while you are reading this…lol). So, if you are “lucky” enough to have free time, here are 9 tips on how to be happywith your free time. It is not as easy as you think!

#1 Pick 1-2 hobbies you love and be active in them.

A friend of mine loves bike-riding and is in a bike-riding club. He loves the exercise, being outdoors, and the company.  One of my patients loves making stained glass and is very creative. I know someone who gardens. My Dad loves to play tennis. My cousin loves making jewelry and she turned her hobby into a small business.

#2 Have a daily task list

Freud stated that work and love are the key to happiness. People are happiest when they feel productive. Make your goals attainable. Doesn’t it feel good to check things off your list? Besides the obvious chores and work obligations, you should always add one to your list that you know will bring you closer to a long term goal. For example, if you are trying to lose weight, add exercise to your list. If you thinking of starting a business, add 30 minutes of research time to your list.

#3 Declutter

Take some time to declutter your life. It will feel so good! Give things to Goodwill, file those papers on your desk, and get organized. Get a friend to help you so you won’t feel overwhelmed. A clean space helps to clear your mind. You will feel more in control of your life.

#4 Catch up on all your emails, phone  calls, and bills

This is a way of catching up on your  life. Face your busy work so you can TRULY enjoy your leisure time guilt -free.

#5 Plan fun activities with friends

Get your social calendar out and plan some lunches with friends. Get out of the house! enjoy yourself. It can take a little oomph to do this, but it is always worth it .

#6 Plan family activities

Have a game night, rent a movie, go the park, to the zoo. Quality time with family is priceless and fun.

#7 Be physical

Exercise is fantastic for mental and physical health. Find something you can stick with- treadmill, aerobics class, Pilates, yoga, wii fit, tennis. Don’t just sit around all the time. That’s terrible for your overall health.

#8 Limit TV

TV can be a way to unwind, but too much is counter to happiness. It can turn into a way to avoid life and not participate which is counter to your happiness.

#9 Music

Listen to music or play music. Go to outdoor concerts, festivals, nightclubs, or just grab your ipod. Music appeals to our emotional side. It can make us want to dance or help us relax depending on the song. Everyone has their favorite music. It is life-enhancing. Achieve a balance of fun activities with productive activities. Remember that too much free time does NOT lead to happiness. On the other hand, some leisure time is absolutely KEY to being happy. In other words, earn your beach bum time by working hard. Think BALANCE, start a healthy routine- and enjoy your siesta time!

So if you were wondering how to be happy with free time- you now have the roadmap.

See you at the beach!

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Tags: free time, how to be happy, personal development