If you’re planning on becoming a success, you not only need to understand the mindset of a successful person, but you also need to be able to take time for yourself. Start a search today to see how successful people spend their spare time.
Whether it’s once a week or once a month, every successful person needs to put their feet up, or head out and do something they love. By seeing what successful people do, you can reconsider how you spend your spare time.
Exercise
Exercise might not sound like a way to spend spare time and relax for some people, but it’s actually a great way to take your mind off your work. By doing physical exercise, you’ll release endorphins that make you feel great, reducing stress and making hard work so much more manageable.
Even just half an hour of exercise after a long day of work get help your physical and mental health, oxidizing your body and helping you remain healthy enough to keep working hard.
Busy, successful people need to exercise – without it, they might just go crazy with the stress!
Get Up Early
So it’s a Sunday morning. You’re in bed and the sun is shining through the curtains. What do you do? Stay in bed and enjoy your day off, or get up, brew a cup of coffee and get to work?
Well, Robert Iger – the CEO of Disney – thinks it’s the latter. On his days off, Iger says he gets up at 4:30am, just like he does during the week.
If you’re a real workaholic, working on a Sunday (or at least doing a couple of hours in the morning) can really help you line up the coming work week. Sure it might not exactly be relaxing but hey, we’re looking at what successful people do in their spare time, not just how they relax and unwind!
Meditate
You don’t have to be religious to meditate, you know!
In fact, being successful relies on your ability to switch off your mind and body from time to time. Sleep isn’t good enough – meditation can help you improve your state of mind and prepare you for stressful days ahead.
This is particularly goof for people who need to manage their stress levels. Let’s face it…if you’re going to be successful, stress is going to be a part of your life no matter what.
Read
With Netflix available 24/7, it’s easy to get into a binge-watching session. Instead of reading, we’re way more likely to spend more time watching the TV in bed during our spare time.
Successful people, however, sit down and read a book. It’s a classic pastime and one that helps keep your mind active. Whether you’re reading fiction or nonfiction, reading a book helps improve your vocabulary and communication skills, and makes you a more worldly, cultured person. That goes a long way in the professional world, and it’s great for your personal life and mental health too.
Switch Off Your Computer
Successful people, even those who find it difficult to stop working, need to switch off and disconnect from time to time.
Turn off your computer, switch off your phone, and just relax. You deserve it.
Take a Class
Successful people don’t like to waste time, and sitting on the couch watching reality TV definitely is wasting time.
Taking a class is one way to spend your spare time in a way that actually benefits you. You can improve your health by taking a healthy cooking class, learning how to create nutritious meals using vegetables and other fresh produce. You could even learn a language or take a painting class. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something you enjoy.
A successful person embraces learning, and wherever you are in the world, there are classes available either online or at local schools and educational centers.
Volunteer
Volunteering at a local soup kitchen or charity can be a great way to give back. Successful people are humble, which is why so many of them spend money helping charities and develop business projects that benefit global charities.
Instead of sitting at home and putting your feet up, helping out the less vulnerable, or people who are trying to turn their lives around, can be extremely rewarding – and acting as a mentor can help another person become successful just like you.
Stop Doing Chores
OK, so we’re not actually suggesting you stop doing your chores, but you should definitely set aside some time to complete them, and then spend the rest of the day relaxing and avoiding all errands. It’s good to know you don’t have anything to do for a while!
Plan
Benjamin Franklin always asked himself when he woke up in the morning “What good shall I do today?” Franklin is pretty much the epitome of a successful man, so if there’s anyone you should be taking advice from, it’s him.
One thing the former President used to do in his spare time was plan. Learn from him and use the time you have free to plan future success.
Spend Time With Family
Spending time with your family, running errands and doing creative things are all really good for the soul, and they help you remember why you’re working as hard as you are. Remember that your family will always be your rock, and as long as you have them, you’ll be able to achieve anything you want.
Give back. Spend time with your family and friends, and switch off your phone for a while.
Network
Networking doesn’t have to be all work, work, work. In fact, most networking events are social gatherings of professionals who are all looking to meet others who work in similar fields. Mostly, successful people want to find authentic relationships.
It could be a breakfast event, cocktails at a swanky bar or a casual meet up over coffee with other local business people or enthusiasts in your line of work. If you’re pursuing a non-business endeavor, consider networking with others who are involved with your hobby. It’s a great way to spend your spare time and meet new people.
Reflect
If there was ever a successful businessman, it’s Bill Gates. The founder of Microsoft has been named the richest man in the world multiple times over, and one thing he says is important to do in spare time is reflect on the days passed.
Really, you should be reflecting as regularly as possible. Every day if you can. If you only have time at the weekend, however, be sure to sit back and think about what you’ve achieved during the week. Ask yourself if you could have done something better, and then think of ways to improve next week.
Try Gardening
If you’re not much of a gardener, it might be worth picking it up. When you’ve had a busy week, gardening gives you the chance to relax while keeping yourself busy. It sounds counterintuitive but millions of people swear by it! Gardening is also a great for reflecting, so it ties in with Bill Gates’ advice! Being outside in general is the main gist.
Come Up With Ideas
Looking to succeed in business? Try jotting down ideas that can make you more money, whenever you have some spare time. If you write down five business ideas at a time, and you do this whenever you have a moment to yourself, you’re bound to come up with something you really like. It’s a statistical fact!
You’ll probably come up with some bonkers stuff in the process, but hey, that’s part of the fun!
Work Your Social Media
If you don’t get to spend much time on social media, setting aside an hour or so to use it during the weekend can be really beneficial. This is particularly true if you’re running a business or non-profit.
Social media is the gateway to success for lots of start-ups, and there are still businesses out there which have been operating for decades that are yet to cash in on social media.
Set aside some time to explore how it works, and get engaging with potential clients and a community of people receptive to your product, service or ideas.
Cook Healthy
Finally, remember that putting aside time to cook for you and your family is one of the most satisfying things in life. It’s human, it’s social, and it helps form good habits for all of you.
You could even take a trip to the local market with the children, with your partner or with some friends. Pick out the vegetables you like, choose some fancy ingredients, and then head home and cook up something delicious and healthy. What better way to celebrate a successful week of work?