With this list of 11 productive things to do at home, there’s no need to be unproductive in your free time.
According to several studies, Americans have more free time now than they did 40 years ago.
The problem is, even though we have more free time, we don’t necessarily use it in productive ways. In fact, a lot of us use our free time to watch TV, surf the internet, or play video games.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with taking some time to relax. But if you’re looking for ways to be productive in your free time, we’ve compiled a list of 11 productive things to do at home that is perfect for those who want to make the most of their time.
11 Productive Things To Do At Home In Your Free Time
Here are 11 productive things you can do at home in your free time:
1. Make a to-do list for the current week.
Making a to-do list for the week is a great way to use your free time at home productively because it reduces stress and anxiety by improving your productivity and efficiency.
A to-do list allows you to get all of your tasks and responsibilities out of your head and down on paper (or in your phone) so that you can relax and rest easy knowing that everything is accounted for.
It involves anything from brainstorming upcoming projects to jotting down tasks that you need to complete. Plus, it’s always satisfying to wake up in the morning and have a plan of attack for the day ahead.
Take some time to make a to-do list for tomorrow or for the whole week – it will definitely help you to be more productive and organized. If you’re having difficulty planning your to-do list, try using the Eisenhower Matrix to help you prioritize your tasks.
2. Get ahead on work or school assignments.
If you’re someone who struggles to focus at home during the day, use your nights to get ahead on work or school assignments.
Since there are usually fewer distractions at night, you’ll be able to focus and power through your work much faster than you would during the day and stay on schedule.
And, if you can knock out a few assignments the night before, you’ll have less to do during the day which will free up some time to relax.
3. Pursue a side hustle or freelance project.
Do you have a side hustle or freelance project that you’ve been wanting to start and work on? Working on your side hustle during your free time is a great way to earn some extra income and change your life by turning it into a full-time business venture.
Also, since you probably have a full-time job during the day, nights are the perfect time to put in some extra hours and to make some progress on it.
4. Organize your (living and working) space.
Organizing your living and working space reduces stress and anxiety and increases productivity and efficiency, not to mention it makes it more enjoyable to live and work in.
Organizing your space doesn’t have to be a huge project – you can start by organizing your bathroom, kitchen, and living room and then moving on to other areas like your closet and office.
Taking the time to declutter and organize your space can help you save time and become less overwhelmed and frustrated. Plus, it’s always satisfying to know that everything has its place and is in order.
5. Meal prep for the week.
If you’re someone who struggles with what to cook every day, then why not take some time out at night to meal prep? This way, you can have all of your meals ready and waiting in the fridge so that you don’t have to waste time cooking during the week.
You can cook a big batch of pasta or rice and then freeze it in individual portions so that all you have to do is reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Or, you could make a big pot of soup or chili that will last you a few days.
Another great way to meal prep is by prepping your lunch for the next day. This way, you can save time and money by not having to buy lunch every day.
You could make a sandwich or wrap, pack some fruit and yogurt, or cook up a healthy rice bowl with vegetables and tofu.
Planning ahead can be a real lifesaver, so take some time to sit down and map out your meals for the week.
6. Catch up on reading.
If you’re looking for a productive way to wind down in your free time, why not try reading a book? Reading allows individuals to learn new things, gain knowledge and understanding about the world around them, which can be beneficial in both their personal and professional lives.
As a matter of fact, for many, reading can also be a form of relaxation by helping people escape from the stresses of daily life and unwind after a long day.
Not only that but reading has numerous benefits including reducing stress, improving sleep, and boosting your brain power.
So, if you’re looking for a productive way to spend your free time at home, curl up with a good book.
7. Take the time to write.
Writing can help you communicate your ideas more effectively, process your emotions, and boost your problem-solving skills. This could involve writing down one’s work on a creative writing project, or even completing work-related tasks such as writing reports or emails.
Writing can also be a form of creative expression, and it’s also just really satisfying to get my thoughts down on paper (or in this case, screen) which is a nice way to reflect on things your grateful for which always helps you feel more positive.
8. Learn something new.
Learning something new is a great way to keep your mind active and engaged because it improves your knowledge and skills, helps broaden your perspective, and helps you to become a well-rounded individual.
Whether you want to learn a new language, how to play an instrument or about a topic that you’re interested in, there are plenty of resources available to help you.
There are many online courses that you can take, or you could find a book on the subject that you’re interested in.
9. Connect with friends and family.
In today’s day and age, it’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives and forget to stay connected with the people we care about. But taking the time to reach out to our friends and family is important, not only for them but also for us.
Studies have shown that social connection is linked to better mental and physical health, so it’s important to make time for the people we care about.
Whether you give them a call, send them a text, or even just reach out to them on social media, staying connected with the people you care about is a great way for maintaining relationships and feeling more connected and supported.
10. Exercise.
Exercising is not only good for one’s physical health, but it can also improve mental health because it boosts your mood, increases energy levels, improves sleep quality, and reduces stress.
So, if you’re looking for a productive way to spend your free time while at home, consider going for a run, doing some yoga, or lifting weights; even just a 30-minute walk can make a difference.
11. Relax.
It is important to remember that not all of your free time needs to be spent being productive. Sometimes, it is more beneficial to simply relax, take some time for yourself and do nothing.
This could involve watching a favorite television show or movie, listening to calming music, reading a book or spending time outdoors in nature to reduce stress levels and maintaining a good mood
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a break, don’t be afraid to take some time to relax. After all, relaxation is key to maintaining a healthy balance in life.
There are many productive things that you can do at home in your free time to make the most of your time and improve your personal and professional life.
From reading and writing to learning something new or spending time with friends and family, there are plenty of options available. However, it is also important to remember that sometimes the best thing to do is to simply relax and take some time for yourself.
By finding a healthy balance between productivity and relaxation, you can ensure that you make the most of your free time at home.
