Ah, free time each week. It’s like that last French fry at the bottom of the bag—you never know how much you’ll have, but when it’s there, you better savor it.

I used to waste mine on scrolling through Instagram, watching endless TikToks of people being productive while I sat there, immobilized with indecision. Fast forward to the point where I realized: I could be doing something with my free time each week that wasn’t just scrolling. And I mean, anything.

Anyway, here’s the kicker—turning that fleeting free time into something meaningful doesn’t have to be hard. Trust me, I’ve learned that lesson the hard way. So, let’s dive into the world of making the most of your free time each week.

Why Free Time Each Week Matters

Alright, let’s get real. We all get busy. We’ve all got jobs, bills, people to text, groceries to buy (and forget about). But here’s why free time each week is still crucial: it gives you a chance to recharge, reconnect, and, honestly, not burn out. Without those moments to decompress, life gets…well, a little too hectic.

One time, I missed a whole week of sleep because I was working non-stop. Guess who ended up in a serious caffeine spiral? Me. Never again. Now I guard my free time each week like it’s a prized possession.

So, here’s a reality check: don’t let that free time each week slip through your fingers. And, no, I’m not talking about binge-watching five seasons of a show you don’t even remember starting. Use that free time each week wisely—your future self will thank you.

Plan Your Free Time Each Week (Seriously)

You know how it goes. You’ve got a few hours of free time each week, but somehow end up staring at your phone for an hour and a half wondering what the heck you should do with your life. I’ve been there. That’s why planning is key. Don’t just hope for the best.

Here’s the deal: when you plan your free time each week, you end up actually getting stuff done. (And not just cleaning out your inbox—that’s not “me time,” that’s just adulting.) Make time for activities that fuel you—whether it’s going to that yoga class you’ve been meaning to try or finally finishing that book that’s been sitting on your nightstand since last summer.

Get this: I once planned my free time each week around learning how to bake bread. Spoiler alert: My first sourdough starter died faster than my 2020 starter—RIP, Gary. But I learned, right? The point is, set goals for those precious free hours.

Go Wild with Hobbies (Or At Least Try)

Look, I get it. Sometimes you don’t feel like going full-on Pinterest-level with your hobbies. And that’s okay. But let me tell you, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of finishing a project you’re actually passionate about. When I first picked up my guitar after years of neglect, I felt like a rockstar for five minutes before I realized I forgot how to play anything. But hey, I got through it, and now I can strum a few chords without turning it into a complete disaster.

Your free time each week is the perfect time to dive into hobbies—no pressure. Try something you’ve always wanted to do: painting, knitting, birdwatching (fun fact: Victorian gardeners used to believe talking to their ferns prevented madness—I try this with my begonias). You never know, you might stumble upon something you love.

And remember, it’s not about being good at it. It’s about getting lost in it for a while.

Make Room for People in Your Free Time Each Week

I’ve been guilty of letting my free time each week slip into an introverted abyss. The worst part? I forget to catch up with the people who make me laugh until my stomach hurts. You know the ones. The friends who don’t judge you when you eat an entire pizza by yourself on a Friday night.

Anyway, if your free time each week isn’t spent connecting with people you care about, you’re missing out. Call a friend you haven’t talked to in forever (texting doesn’t count). Arrange a dinner with your family. Maybe even put down the phone and have an actual conversation with the people around you.

Quick side note: I once tried to invite my college buddies to a Zoom game night…and my Wi-Fi crapped out. We ended up playing charades over the phone. It was a mess, but the best mess.

Discover New Things During Your Free Time Each Week

If you’ve ever Googled “how to learn a new skill,” you know there’s no shortage of ways to get better at anything in your free time each week. So why not actually do it?

Take up a new hobby (even if you’ve never heard of it) or enroll in an online class. You could spend your free time each week learning how to code, bake, or even start learning a new language. I tried learning French for a month—let’s just say, my “bonjour” is still under construction. But you can bet I’m adding “learn something new every week” to my calendar.

The trick? Don’t overthink it. Try something random. Hey, maybe you’ll discover that you’re secretly great at making pottery (don’t ask how I know this).

Exercise—But, Like, Actually Move

Look, y’all, we all know that exercise is important. I’m the first to say I need to work out more during my free time each week, but honestly, I’ll take a walk around the block and count that as a “gym session.” Does it always happen? No. But on days I do find the motivation, I feel like a champion.

Here’s the deal: if you get a solid workout in during your free time each week, it does wonders for both your body and your brain. Even a 20-minute walk after lunch can change your mood. That’s right—science.

Disconnect From Screens During Your Free Time Each Week

Here’s a little truth bomb: You can’t live on your phone. That’s right, I said it. You know when you pick up your phone to check a text and three hours later, you’re watching a cat try to open a door? Been there, done that.

So, when you’ve got free time each week, step away from your screen for a hot second. You’ll be amazed at how much more relaxed you feel without social media pulling at your attention. (It’s not easy, trust me—I spent an entire hour yesterday getting lost in Instagram reels.)

Instead, read a book, write in a journal, or actually talk to someone. You’ll find that real connections are way more satisfying than checking your likes.

Take Care of Yourself—Seriously, You Deserve It

Listen, we can’t run on empty. You need to spend your free time each week recharging—not just in the “let’s watch Netflix and zone out” way, but in a way that actually makes you feel rested and restored.

I used to scoff at self-care, but now? I get it. Whether it’s a relaxing bath (I’m talking bubbles, candles, the whole shebang), meditating (yep, I’m one of those people), or just sleeping in on a Saturday, taking care of yourself is crucial.

Your free time each week isn’t just a break from work—it’s a time to nurture yourself, body and soul.

Conclusion (Or, Is It?)

There’s no perfect formula for making the most of your free time each week. Some days you’ll get it right, and others, you’ll fail spectacularly. But hey, that’s life. The trick is to give yourself the freedom to explore, rest, and try new things during your free time each week. So, go ahead—plan that yoga class, grab that coffee with an old friend, or finally learn how to make sourdough without murdering your starter.

Whatever you do, make sure your free time each week is something that works for you.