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Time is precious. In fact, motivational speaker Dennis Waitley calls it “the most precious element of human existence.” And while there are many things in life we can’t control, one thing we can decide is how we choose to spend our days.
Most of us want to use our time valuably – whether that’s taking some much-needed downtime, learning a new skill, or helping others.
With that said, we’ve pulled together a list of 12 rewarding ways to spend your time, which we hope will offer some inspiration.
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1. Explore the art of gardening
Gardening is a meaningful, fulfilling way to connect with nature that can not only make your living space more aesthetically pleasing but also bring mental and physical health benefits.
According to research, 30 minutes of gardening burns around the same number of calories as 30 minutes of activities like Tai Chi, badminton, or gymnastics.
Studies also show that gardening can help reduce stress, ease symptoms of depression and anxiety, and boost self-esteem.
If you’d like to get into gardening, check out our gardening section, where you’ll find information on everything from superfoods you can grow from home to monthly gardening guides.
Even if you don’t have a garden, you can still reap the benefits of gardening by growing plants indoors or in a window box. Or, you could apply for an allotment.
2. Start a blog about something you care about
Blogging can be rewarding because it allows you to organise your thoughts and feelings, explore a topic you’re passionate about, and share your knowledge and experience with others. It can also help you track your journey and see how far you’ve come.
For example, some people find it helpful to keep a blog throughout a long illness. This can help them cope with their emotions, while also supporting others who might be going through the same thing. Others start a blog when they take up a new hobby to document their progress and offer tips and advice.
Blogs can feel very personal, and some people need a little time before they feel comfortable enough putting it out there for the world to see. So, remember that you don’t need to worry about sharing it with others until you’re completely ready. And it’s also okay if you decide to keep it for your eyes only.
Some of the best free blogging websites for beginners are Tumblr, WordPress, and Medium. To find out more about blogging, why not take a look at our article: How to start a blog in 6 easy steps?
Make an Impact Locally and Globally
Join Rotary to give back, grow skills, and connect with people through local and international projects that make a real difference. Explore flexible ways to get involved.
3. Empower yourself through exercise
As the saying goes: strong body, strong mind. And since our bodies are usually capable of far more than we think, exercise can be rewarding and empowering – both mentally and physically.
It’s unusual to finish a workout without feeling a sense of accomplishment. You might end your exercise session on a high because you completed your run in record time, or feel more relaxed after a gentle yoga session.
For added benefits, you could try exercising outside. Research shows this can optimise physical performance, reduce stress and mental fatigue, and improve mood and self-esteem. Making time for exercise is also a form of self-care and an opportunity to spend quality time with yourself.
If you’re looking for ways to stay active, head over to our fitness and exercise section, where you’ll find guides on everything from Tai Chi to running, cycling, walking football, and dance classes.
You’ll also find a range of virtual fitness classes on Rest Less Events.
4. Connect with nature
Connecting with nature is a fulfilling, spiritual, and often humbling experience. It can help reduce stress and spark thoughts about our existence and place in the world.
Alongside gardening, other ways to connect with nature include…
Birdwatching
Birdwatching is an excellent way to connect with the natural world. Observing the habits and behaviours of common birds can provide a great opportunity to find beauty in something we might take for granted. And searching for rarer birds is an exciting and fulfilling way to spend your time – especially if you’re lucky enough to spot one.
Birdwatching is also a mindful activity that can help us live in the present and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Stargazing
Like birdwatching, the most rewarding ways to connect with nature are often the simplest. And to stargaze, all you have to do is look up.
Stargazing can relieve stress and allow the worries and pressures of everyday life to melt away. Taking in the beautiful expanse of stars and planets can really help put things into perspective.
You might like to read our introduction to stargazing to learn more. Or, if you’re interested in getting started, why not tune into The Night Sky series running on Rest Less Events? You’ll learn how to spot this month’s bright stars and constellations, and find out about the myths and legends connected to them.
Go for a walk
Sometimes, the best way to connect with nature is to leave your busy, modern life behind and take off into the wilderness.
The UK is filled with beautiful areas, many of which might be closer to home than you think. For example, Snowdonia, the Lake District, and the Cairngorms are full of stunning natural sights. So why not take some time away and lose yourself in the splendour of the natural world?
Our article, 32 ways to connect with nature and feel inspired, has plenty more ideas if none of the above takes your fancy.
5. Create a vision board
A vision board is a powerful way to explore and realise your goals and dreams, and identify what you’re most grateful for. Images and words can act as a powerful and positive daily reminder of what you’d like to be, do, or have in your life.
Vision boards are often linked to the Law of Attraction, the idea that the way we think impacts our life experiences. So, the more optimistic our approach, the more likely we are to have positive experiences.
There aren’t any rules when creating a vision board – it can be as big, small, or creative as you like. Most people make theirs by using a corkboard, photos, magazine cutouts, and inspirational quotes. You could dedicate an hour, an afternoon, or a whole weekend to this exercise, and you might want to add to it over time.
For more on vision boards, including tips on getting started, check out our article: How to create an inspiring vision board.
6. Consider fostering a pet
Caring for an animal is a uniquely rewarding experience that can bring companionship, fulfilment, and purpose. And there are plenty of animals looking for some love while they await their permanent home.
If you’d be interested in finding out more, it’s worth heading over to the RSPCA website.
To explore more ways to spend time with creatures great and small, you might like to visit our page on volunteering with animals. There are also plenty more ideas in our articles: 12 interesting roles working with animals and 13 ways to connect with animals.
7. Make improvements to your home or garden
We all spend time at home, so why not get the most out of your living space with a few home improvements?
These could include changing the colour scheme in your living room, restoring or upcycling an old piece of furniture, or fixing that leaky tap in the bathroom.
When we make improvements to our home, we tend to enjoy spending time in these spaces more and often feel a sense of pride over what we’ve achieved – especially if we’ve learnt some new skills in the process. It can also help boost your property’s value, which could be useful if you’re considering selling in the future.
If you’re on a budget, our article, 10 affordable ways to improve your living space, has plenty of tips.
8. Volunteer to help others
If you have a few spare hours each week and want to give back to the community, why not consider volunteering? It not only allows you to help others but can also bring personal satisfaction, which can improve confidence and self-esteem.
There’s a wide range of voluntary roles out there. From volunteering with children and helping the elderly to organising events and taking care of animals, there’s sure to be something that appeals to you. To search for roles and get inspired, check out our volunteering section. Our article, 17 meaningful ways to help others and give back to your community, has plenty of ideas, too.
If volunteering in person isn’t for you, there are ways to volunteer from the comfort of home. From offering a listening ear to helping protect ancient trees in your local area, there are plenty of ways you can make a difference. To find out more, check out our full guide.
9. Tackle your book bucket list
Many of us have a long list of books we want to read, but put off getting started or struggle to find the motivation. So, if you’re looking for a rewarding way to spend your time, why not start crossing some off your list?
Getting stuck into a good book is a chance for you to learn something new, take on a different perspective, and go on an exciting journey – all from the safety and comfort of your sofa. A sense of accomplishment also comes from knowing that you’ve read a book from cover to cover.
If you don’t have a book bucket list, you’ll find inspiration in our articles: 27 of the best must-read novels and 20 of the best history books.
We also run thriving book clubs on Rest Less Events, which you might be interested in joining.
10. Write a letter to a friend or family member
Although phone and video calls help us stay in touch with friends and family, there’s nothing like a handwritten letter to make someone’s day.
They take a bit of time and thought, but this is what makes them feel more special. When I receive a handwritten letter, it feels even more meaningful, especially because they’re rare nowadays.
Knowing that your letter could put a smile on a loved one’s face makes the time spent writing it feel worthwhile. And, before you know it, you could have a pen pal and something to look forward to in the post now and then.
To make your letters that extra bit more special, consider checking out our introductory guides to card making and calligraphy.
Make an Impact Locally and Globally
Join Rotary to give back, grow skills, and connect with people through local and international projects that make a real difference. Explore flexible ways to get involved.
11. Learn or develop new skills
Developing a new skill is a rewarding way to spend your time. Not only can it help you grow personally and/or professionally, but it often brings a sense of pride, too.
Learning is an integral part of life that affects how we interact with the world around us. When we learn a new skill, we often find that our world opens up just that little bit more, and this continues with every new skill we acquire.
The skills you choose to learn or develop will be personal to you, but could include anything from origami to plumbing. Our learning section has plenty of guides on all sorts of topics for you to sink your teeth into. YouTube is also full of tips and advice.
Rest Less Events is another useful online learning platform. At the moment, for example, you can join courses covering everything from 60s music to British History.
12. Practise self-care
It’s not uncommon for people to feel guilty when they take time for themselves. But it’s more important than ever to remember that ‘me-time’ is essential for looking after your health and wellbeing.
Self-care means different things to different people. For some, it’s about eating healthy, balanced meals and getting enough sleep. Though it can also involve allowing yourself to relax, recharge, and do the things you enjoy. For example, having a long bath and a glass of wine, completely undisturbed. Or, treating yourself to a film in bed on a Saturday morning after a long week.
Sometimes, when we practise self-care, we feel guilty or think that we should be doing something more productive, which can stop us from wholeheartedly enjoying quality time with ourselves. However, it becomes much more rewarding when you can accept that you deserve this time, and that you’ll be better able to tackle other things when you’re finished.
If you find this a challenge, you can always start small. Try to allow half an hour a day to do something you truly enjoy and can indulge in. Even if that just means reading a chapter of your favourite book.
If this is something you find tricky, you might learn some useful tips in our articles: What is self-care and why is it important? and 8 ways to get your ‘me time’ and why it’s important.
Final thoughts…
We hope that this article has offered some inspiration if you’re looking for new and interesting ways to spend your time. From enjoying quality time alone doing what you love to learning a new skill and volunteering, there’s an endless supply of fun and rewarding activities out there. It might just take a bit of trial and error to discover what you like doing best.
For more ideas and inspiration, check out our learning and hobbies and activities sections. Or, browse Rest Less Events, which offers over 100 different talks, discussion groups, and workshops each month.
Do you have any additional rewarding ways that you spend your free time? Will you be trying any of the ideas from this list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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