More Ways to Spend Your Extra Time

Spending Time with Others

In my last post, I mentioned some ways to spend extra time. Although I couldn't list all of the ways you can spend extra time, I thought I could mention one more. Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to spend some time with my older sister. We live about 35 minutes away from each other, and although we talk on the phone almost everyday, we rarely get to see each other. She joined me for my morning cardio kickboxing class on Saturday and then we went to breakfast at one of my favorite restaurants, La Madeleine. It was great to sit and chat with her face-to-face.

Often, we rarely think about spending extra time with others. But, taking the time to have lunch, go to a movie or to do some mutually stimulating activity with a relative, friend or colleague can be very rewarding. I certainly felt like I accomplished a lot in the time we spent together. If you have nieces, nephews, God children, grandchildren, younger cousins and so on, consider how you could make their day by opting to spend your extra time with them. And, if you have a family of your own, consider how you can spend your time doing rewarding family activities.

Ways to Spend Your Extra Time

Ideas for Making Use of Your Extra Time

Noticeably, it's been almost two months since my last post. I contemplated returning to my blog, since blogging is time consuming. But, I've decided to return and share more on productivity. As we enjoy the last of summer and prepare for fall (back to school, yeah), I thought that I might reflect on what happens when you have extra time on your hands. Although I've been moderately busy this summer (compared to my in-school schedule), I still found time to enjoy the things I like. And, you should never spend your time doing something you don't like or don't want to do. Okay, so here's my list of favorite ways to use your extra time:

Continuing Education Classes--Most colleges and universities offer continuing ed courses. These are great sources for learning a new hobby, brushing up on your computer skills, writing, learning a new software, preparing for a career change, re-entering the workforce or standardized test preparation. Recently continuing ed courses have moved online. So, if you prefer online learning to in-classroom instruction, a new course could be waiting for you.

Community Classes--Local elementary, middle and high schools, libraries and local organizations offer even more cost effective ways to learn new hobbies, take dance or fitness classes, learn a new language or even learn how to become an effective public speaker.

Dance Classes--Now here is something I really want to do. Believe me, it's on my list. If you want to focus on a specific type of dancing, more dance academies and schools are offering courses for adults and children at reasonable prices. The best schools will offer a variety of different dance disciplines and even offer a certificate of completion and option to move on to advanced classes after completing the first series of classes.

Fitness Classes--You can always go the traditional route and join a local gym and sign up for the myriad of fitness classes available. But, keep in mind that gym membership is a huge commitment. If you don't think you'll stick with it, try to find a place that gives you the option to pay as you go, or pay for a block of classes at a time.

Mentoring Young Adults--I have friends who have found great mentoring opportunities through the Boys and Girls Clubs and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Tutoring for Literacy--This is something I'm going to start this fall and I can't wait. After reading the startling statistics on adult literacy in our society, I think I found my next great cause.

Reading--You can never stop learning through reading, of course. I've actually had a chance to read at least one book this summer, Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code (I know, I'm overdue). It was quite an interesting read to say the least. It certainly wasn't on my reading list, but, it felt good to complete at least one book this summer.

Although the list above is not comprehensive, I've included some more fun things to do with your extra time:

Journaling or writing (you could take an online writing course); walking or cycling; having picnics in the park; visiting a museum; deciding whether or not to enroll in an advanced degree or certificate program; starting a blog or maintaining one. :)

And the list certainly goes on! Remember that it's all about increasing your feeling of self-worth and gaining a greater feeling of accomplishment. It's also about breaking away from the everyday routine and doing things that stimulate you.