Free and Easy

If someone had asked you a few months ago what you do in your spare time, you probably would have laughed, right?  Actually, you probably wouldn’t have even listened to such a ridiculous question.  Hopefully, you have found some free time now that Tax Season has come and gone.  Are you taking it easy, or are you trying to stay busy?

Filling your days with useful pursuits can increase your creativity, energy, and sense of fulfillment.  Since you’re new to the concept, maybe you need a little help figuring out what to do? Here are a few ideas.

Expand your comfort zone.  Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but continuously found a reason why you couldn’t make it happen?  Here’s your chance – no fear, no excuses.  It doesn’t have to be skydiving or tidal wave surfing.  Learn a new language, sign-up for dance classes, learn to cook, or write a short story.

Volunteer.  Most all communities have ample volunteer opportunities.  Help out at a local animal shelter, donate time to a soup kitchen, make things for people in need, or offer to publish a newsletter highlighting a community outreach program.

Learn for the sake of learning.  Sure, you can take your car to the local mechanic to have the oil changed, but why not learn how to do it yourself?  Or, maybe you could learn how to grow your own fruits and vegetables and save a trip to the market.  Sign-up for a CPR class or web design.  Expand your mind, and maybe even your resume, too!

Reorganize.  This is the time for spring cleaning.  Sort through your closets, file cabinets, or the trunk of your car.  Organize things now so when the busy season returns, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips,  saving time (and stress) later.  Do you have a lot of things you no longer need? donate them to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or hold a garage sale. Donate the proceeds to the charity of your choice (tax deduction!).

Spend more time your family and friends.  Play games, go to a movie, or spend the afternoon at the pool.  Go out for a nice dinner or a weekend get-a-way. Say thank you to those who have supported you along your journey to success.

No matter how you chose to spend your free time, enjoy it. You deserve it.

Kenya Hoffart, Industry Writer