How Successful People use their Free Time
1. Exercise. They move their bodies enough to actually feel it. It helps them to clear mental residue from the day. It is a way of moving mental stress out of their body.
Because my gym time ends at noon, the 12-1 group which follows is usually large. Many are rolling in, wearing their uniforms or office clothes. They are utilizing their lunch hour to work out. So many gyms offer 24-hour access or early morning classes which allows people to work out before they head to work. I have heard that many credit their exercise program to maintaining a healthy mental mind and they feel strong from the physical activity.
2. Read. They read for pleasure. Not everything has to teach a lesson. Pleasure reading slows the mind, stretches attention span, builds empathy. It allows your brain to rest and grow at the same time.
I am not sure if reading a newspaper is considered pleasure reading. We can read just about anything on our phone or on the computer. Audio books are now very common. There is something about physically holding a book or a newspaper that has a calming effect on a person.
3. Pause. They take a moment to reflect. Sometimes they journal. Often ask why something is bothering you. Reflection helps people notice patterns in their behavior. They learn from experience.
Journaling and reflection have been a big part of my adult life. By simply asking yourself "what was my part in it" or "how could that have been different" is a great way to start to reflect. Having a part in making good things happen is empowering. Reflecting on something that didn't work out, is also necessary to deal with the disappointment and emotions that come with it. Keeping the focus on "your own part" as opposed to reflecting on "what others did wrong" is an excellent way to pause and reflect.
4. Give their time. Volunteering, mentoring, help out often quietly. Giving back does something psychologically. It pulls you out of your own head. People who do this regularly feel steadier and less overwhelmed by constant pressure. The sense of purpose is something that money or status can't provide.
It seems that most celebrities have a cause they stand behind. They use being a celebrity to garnish an incredible amount of money. That also takes energy and they certainly give it their all. Several businesses in Brandon take turns once a month, helping at the Soup Kitchen. That is just one place I am aware of, possibly there are more. I know from personal experience, there is nothing that will give you a reality check about life more than to give your time to people in need.
Recently, the Fire Department was on the street to fill an empty boot with donations for their causes. They just stood in the middle of a busy street across from one of the Fire department buildings dressed in their gear they wear when they fight fire. Most people stopped and threw some money in the boot. It just happens to be my favorite street, and I was up and down several times. They timed it well because it is also the street that people use to leave the Keystone grounds. For four days they camped out on top of the building to raise awareness for Muscular Dystrophy and Cerebral Palsy. Let's remember, it's cold in Manitoba.
5.They lean on purpose, not just out of boredom. Successful people pick a skill or area, and they give it real attention. It could be on communication, leadership, knowing themselves. The steady focus pays off. Over time, it brings them more confidence and a clear sense of direction.
For those of you that watched the Brier you would be familiar with Jayden King, the skip for the Ontario rink. He was the youngest skip at the brier and the first black skip. I am never sure why we have to identify color, but they did, so I guess so am I. Jayden is also a physio therapist student which is a very demanding career. The announcers share interesting details about the curlers and what I liked was that his mother took him to speaking classes. Being able to speak during interviews is so important and the announcers described Jayden as well spoken.
6. Set small goals and think ahead. They spend a bit of free time planning. Nothing extreme, just a rough idea of what matters. This reduces mental clutter. when you know what you are aiming for it's easier to relax without feeling guilty. Planning doesn't trap them it gives them freedom.
I feel people that are in the working force, plan everything. If they like to travel as a family, they always have a trip in the works. Some families plan every meal and buy groceries accordingly. Calendars on phones seem to be the way today's world keeps themselves organized.
I love how people have a plan and make it work. I can only reflect on the old tried and true because that was how it was for me. I don't think the following story falls into having free time, but definitely into planning. This was years ago, but I remember a friend sharing how she planned meals for her family. She had 4 kids and they were a busy household. At that time getting takeout or picking up a pizza was not an option. She said if she made a cake or a casserole, she always doubled the recipe and made 2. They ate one and the second one went into the freezer as emergency food. Just imagine a lasagna and a chocolate cake ready even though she was away all day. Brilliant!!!
I had an interesting conversation with one of my gym peeps. She said when her kids were growing up, she did step aerobics by Charlene Tilton. She said she took care of her children's needs and had them close in the play pen. Her kids knew that this was her free time. Unless, they were hurt, they could get upset but she was not responding to them, until she was done her free time.
Sundays are my reset day. I have very little to reset, but I do like to get the calendar down. Yes, a calendar not my phone. I like to work ahead and have the cards and gifts done for the week. I think about how much cash I have, and do I need cash. I like to have food for the week. I make raw vegetable bowls; I have whatever bread requirements met. I make sure I have eggs and I often boil some. I pay bills and I make an attempt at setting goals for the week. These are habits I have always had, they live within me, so I still use them. Even in retirement, I feel you need some type of direction. Rarely, does this unfold like I plan on Sunday, but I always give it a shot. The thing is, it doesn't really matter, I am at the point in my life where there is always another day or week to make it happen. If retired people are busy, it is often because they are redoing something for the second or possibly the third time. Getting it right the first time is often not the option. Some are busy helping with family or volunteering. It seems that a retired person takes a wee bit longer to do something, and it is often done early in the day. Some people like to be busy; others would rather watch curling and work on a puzzle. One of the greatest joys of being retired is the endless supply of "Free Time" to be busy, plan or simply do whatever you want.
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