Ep. 145 - The Gift of Free Time: Making Space for What Matters

 When was the last time you truly gave yourself free time—without guilt, without a to-do list, just for the sake of enjoyment? In this episode, we explore why unstructured time isn’t just a break from productivity but a vital part of creativity, happiness, and well-being. Let’s talk about how to reclaim space in our schedules, embrace the joy of play, and give ourselves the gift of time—because you deserve it.  

Transcript

I was recently in Mexico for a week. I was there for a business-focused retreat, yet the host did something unexpected – he included two open days in the agenda. Completely open – no meetings, no activities, no group meals…just free time all to ourselves. 

It was heavenly! I came back from that trip more relaxed than I have been in ages (and that was even after a super long flight). When was the last time you had a completely open and free day? A day without errands, chores, catching up on that list, and just doing stuff for others?

For me, it took being 2,600 miles away from home for this to be a reality. But that shouldn’t be the case. 

The Bottom Line on Top of this episode is that free time is a gift we have the power to give ourselves… frequently, I hope. Free time doesn’t mean you are lazy. I’ll say that again – free time does not mean you are lazy; it means you are wise enough to reboot – and your brain and your body will thank you for it. 

Let’s be honest, it’s rare to be able to enjoy a whole day of no plans. Schedules aren’t always in our control; however, what if we started by finding pockets of time and then plan ahead for a little more of a lot less.

Episode 98 shared some of the research that showed the tangible biological and psychological benefits to putting fun as a priority. That reminded me of a time last year when I was leading a small group cohort. A person in that group shared that she felt she had a “joy deficiency.” Ooof, that’s something so many of us can relate to. 

Now joy can take different definitions for each of us: pleasure, play, fun, relaxation, and good old happiness. These are the rainbow sprinkles of life in between all of the rest. They are not meant to be the reward after all the work is done; they are the cushions within the work itself that helps make it all feel worthwhile. 

When we defer or deflect the light moments, we end up collecting achievements & accolades but often at the cost of our satisfaction and feelings of fulfillment. 

The opportunity here is that fun, joy, happiness are always within reach. Oftentimes we make the idea of them seem much more complicated than it is. Fun can be found in simple, personal ways for you. Perhaps it’s a warm beverage on a cold day, sitting outside in the sunshine, lighting a candle, playing a favorite song, or just some sweet time with a sweet pet. 

Making room for fun requires a mental muscle that needs to be used. And like any exercise, consistency is part of the conditioning of that muscle. And science says there are benefits as well. Taking mental recess is a key way to reduce – or, at least offset – some of the stress we accumulate during the day. 

Play (in any of its forms) can trigger the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural feel-good neural chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain. 

A great example of this is laughter. In addition to endorphins, laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air and stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles, and that's all information straight from the Mayo Clinic. 

There is also research that shows how play helps improve brain function and brain focus. Playing chess, completing puzzles, reading a book, or pursuing other activities that challenge the brain can strengthen memory, increase creative thinking, and help extend focus on future tasks. 

This week, try making some space for spots of fun in your days. 

This next month, see where you can hold a day – or at least a stretch of the day – where there are no plans. 

In the next 6 months, make it two days – whether it’s the same week or in a stretch of space. You’ll be amazed how excited your brain can get knowing there is fun ahead. 

The days are full of to-do’s, so this is a nudge to get you to find more of the to-enjoys. Give yourself permission to play and you might find the work gets a little faster (or at least easier) in between. 

Allow yourself the freedom to have fun and see how much freedom you feel in return. 

It’s a gift that grows the more it’s given, so be generous with yourself, my friends. 

You deserve it.