Busy Schedule? Include More Fun Activities

You are constantly making lists of chores that need to be done or household items that need to be purchased. You schedule your time for maximum efficiency and keep track of every penny you spend. It is easy to get caught up in everyday tasks or striving to be practical and hard-working, but what about having fun? Taking a few minutes out of your busy schedule doesn’t just bring a smile to your face, it also has the potential to reduce stress and increase your overall productivity. So take advantage of free time, even if you have to schedule it!

Once your schedule allows a little time for fun, it is time to make a new list! Pretend that you have all the time and resources in the world, and ask yourself these questions: What would I do just for fun? What did I do for fun five or ten years ago? What hobbies could I enjoy and what talents do I want to develop? Begin your list with broad answers that arise from these questions, and then add thoughts about how you might accomplish these activities in the future. Here are some examples of the kind of items that you could include on your list:

1. Travel the world
-take a vacation or weekend getaway
-visit my home town
-watch a foreign film
-go to the beach

2. Dance
-take salsa dancing classes
-go dancing on a night out with my friends
-dust off that jazzercise tape

3. Spend time with my family
-watch Junior’s little league games
-create a tradition out of having a family barbeque in the park on Saturdays
-host a formal dinner party for adults only

4. Learn to cook
-ask Grandma for her family recipes
-go grocery shopping
-learn to prepare my favorite dish
-create the best dessert ever

Be creative with your list and, when it is complete, you will find that you have had fun by simply taking the time to contemplate the possibilities. Your Fun List is sure to remind you of the pleasures you enjoy in life, lift your mood, and motivate you to find the time to pursue more of your favorite activities.