by Alex Bond

Created on: April 13, 2008   Last Updated: June 24, 2008

Do you have an abundance of free time? Do you ever feel like you are constantly bored or that you are wasting your time? It is quite common to feel bored and not know exactly what to do about it. Here are a few tips on how to spend your time productively.

Humans are habitual creatures. It can be rather difficult to get out of a habit, and the best way is to do it very gradually. If you are constantly bored of find yourself discontent with how you spend your time, than you are probably in a habit where you do this regularly. Don't just start doing something. Think about what activities you want to engage in. How will you feel afterwards? Is playing video games or going shopping really going to give you a feeling of satisfaction when you are done?

Everyone is different. Because of this, there are no universal activities that will satisfy everyone equally. Below are some activities that I find fulfilling. If these don't appeal to you, try changing a few aspects about them. They might just spark some inspiration for something related to them.

1. Engage in creating art. It doesn't matter how good you are. It doesn't even matter if you show it to anyone. People are suppose to be creative and in our current society it is too easy to ignore this aspect of your being. Examples of this include, playing an instrument, drawing, coloring, painting, using Photoshop, using animation programs, using electronic music programs, making a movie, or making hemp jewelry.

2. Learn something new. Our brains are made to learn things throughout life. Researchers have been discovering higher levels of brain elasticity than previously thought. An old dog CAN learn new tricks. Whatever you are learning doesn't have to be a completely new skill. It can be a new variation on a skill you have. If you know how to cook, try learning a new recipe. If you think driving a manual transmission would be fun, give it a shot. This doesn't even have to be a skill. If there is an area of information you find interesting learn more about it. Maybe quantum physics interests you. Maybe British fashion styles interest you. Whatever you have a passion to learn more about, do it.

3. Be social. Humans have many adaptive processes made for interacting with each other. Make sure that you engage in conversation with friends. This can be therapeutic if there are problems you are concerned about, or it can simply be exchanging a joke or a story that happened to you. Don't have friends? Don't fret! The best way to meet friends is through activities that interest you. See if there is a club in your city that participates in things you like. This could be a community service club, a poker club, or a crafts club. If there are no easily accessible clubs, try taking a class at the local community college. A class you are interested in will bring you together with others that share your interests.

4. Meditate. Many people are skeptical about this. It is refreshing and soothing. It is a great way to calm down from the stresses of life, and when you are done, you feel like you spent your time well. If you don't know how to meditate, just start by closing your eyes and taking deep breaths in and out. Emptying your mind can be difficult, so start by focusing on your breathing.

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