When you think about what makes a person successful professionally, you likely consider their working methods, work ethic and discipline. You take into account what people accomplish between the hours of 9a.m and 5p.m, and if they extend their workday by arriving early or staying late to complete tasks. You don't think about what people do after work or on the weekends when they're not using their work computers computers or sitting behind their desk. But the fact is, the success a person has in the workplace might actually be greatly influenced by how they spend their personal time.
According to research, having free time and choosing how to spend free it can be quite stressful. Some people experience intense pressure to make the important work-related decisions during their downtime, such as doing more research, planning ahead, and how to spend money. However, as the data show, this drive to maximize our enjoyment could interfere with how much we actually enjoy our leisure time.
The changing concept of leisure
SashaNell/ Twenty20 | Studies show that successful people who engage in creative activities outside of the office feel more focused and relaxed when they return to work
Over the years and across cultures, leisure has undergone a significant evolution. However, one aspect of leisure that has never changed is how it has always been compared to labor. Two thousand years ago, work and leisure were equated with servitude and freedom. While the richer classes of society engaged in other pursuits, the majority of labor in Ancient Greece was outsourced to slaves. Sporting activities, music theory study, peer debates with knowledgeable people, and philosophical pursuits all constituted good leisure. Even while leisure was not simple, it was meant to be rewarding.
Tips for effective leisure time management
Getty Images/ Zenkit | By planning their day in advance, successful people are able to spend much of their time on important things rather than what seems urgent
Even though "time management" is a general term, it is frequently used to refer to managing time at work. When most of us hear the word "time management," we typically consider organizing and prioritizing work-related duties. The purpose of leisure time management is to remind you to schedule, pay attention to, and value your free time as well. Here are some times to get the most out of your free time:
Get a Hobby
You can discover many new interests or activities to try out in your free time. The ideal day to begin learning a new skill is yesterday, but today is the second-best option. Attempt to identify something you always wanted to try or were interested in and spend some time each day learning it.
Garden
Helping plants grow and flourish is a very rewarding way to spend your free time. Depending on the season and your available space, you could either tend a plot in an outside garden, set up a collection of pots on your balcony, or cultivate plants indoors.
Getty Images/ Inc | Most people like spending their free time on social media or on the internet
Consider starting a herb garden for a tasty project, or learn how to propagate succulents. No matter what plants you choose, unwinding a bit each day by getting your hands in some dirt can do wonders for your mood.
Read
Reading is a lifelong skill, and successful people never stop reading new books. Whether it's fiction or nonfiction, books help give you a greater understanding of the world around you. They introduce you to new characters, new environments, new cultures, new philosophies, and new ideas, and might even help you build new skills.
Similarly, reading regularly helps to build your vocabulary and your semantic comprehension, giving you greater communication skills and something to make small talk about during those particularly awkward business meetings.
