This is part four of a series on How to Balance Your Time, where we’re looking at the six key types of time we all need in our lives:
- Creative and productive
- Physically energetic and active
- Playful and entertaining
- Learning and developing
- Reflective and spiritual
- Restful and relaxing
Today we’ll take a closer look at the third type of time:Â playful and entertaining.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” The point is that we all need some time to play, have fun, laugh and be entertained – otherwise we can become bored with life or get depressed. These activities help to give our minds a bit of a rest – taking the focus off our work or worries.
Some of my favorite things to do for fun are:
- going to a concert, movie or sporting event
- watching TV at home
- reading a book just for fun and enjoyment, not necessarily to learn something
- sunbathing at the beach
- going for a walk, hike, bike ride or scenic drive
- going to a coffee shop or restaurant alone or with family or friends
- going shopping
This topic is similar to the last one because we sometimes think we need to limit this kind of “unproductive” time. But all of us need time to be “off”. We all need some time that is just for us and not anyone else.
Interestingly, I’ve found that when I do it, my mind becomes clearer and I often get some great ideas or insights that probably wouldn’t have come if I hadn’t slowed down. My challenge, then, is to not start working when I get those ideas. I simply write them down (if I don’t, I’ll forget them) and come back to them later, during my “productive” time.
If you struggle with making time for yourself, block off some time on your calendar this week and pick something that you enjoy doing . . . and do it! Or, maybe pick something you’ve always wanted to do.
I’m sure there are some people who spend too much time in this category. But I’ve never been one of them. Have you? What do you enjoy doing just for fun?
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