Woman looking up what to do in free time on her mobile phone.

What to Do in Free Time – 8 Best Activities to Make Easy Money, Get Smarter, Get Fit, and Relieve Anxiety

Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors, and we might earn a commission if you click on one.

Free time is a luxury. 

Imagine if you could capitalize on those ‘extra’ hours to improve your health and make money. 

If you’re asking yourself, “What to do in free time?” you came to the right place! 

In this guide, I’ll explore ways for you to make the most of your free time. Take meditation, for example. 94% of people who tried it said they found it helpful.

Not only will these activities help you unwind, but they will aid you in your quest for self-improvement. Here are some enjoyable ways you can earn money, get smarter, improve your fitness, and alleviate stress.

What to Do in Free Time

1 – Play Games

Believe it or not, playing games can be a productive way to spend your free time. Many games involve problem-solving and decision-making to keep your mind sharp. So, games can make you smarter! 

Playing a board game is always a good option, but you can also play cards or video games. Call up a friend and play a game together! You’ll challenge your brain and alleviate anxiety by enjoying the company of a friend.

These days, games are about more than just entertainment. They can be an opportunity to learn, get fit, and make easy money!

Are you interested in improving your fitness? There are games for that, too! 

If it’s escapism you’re after, gaming can divert your attention, providing a welcome break from life’s pressures. Relieve your anxiety by unwinding with a fun online game. Some games can even earn you extra cash! 

If you’re looking for enriching games to do in your free time, check these out:

Learn where to play games to win gift cards and how to get a free DoorDash gift card.

Got gift cards you don’t want? Learn how to get instant cash for gift cards.

2 – Exercise 

Healthy body, healthy mind. 

Suppose you find yourself wondering what to do in free time. Why not get moving? Jump on that elliptical and begin your fitness journey.

Take the time to reevaluate your fitness goals. Are you looking to lose weight? Build muscle? Increase endurance? Improve cardiovascular fitness? 

Consider new ways to challenge yourself. Platforms like HealthyWage allow users to make extra cash while getting fit. It’s a win-win for your body, mind, and your wallet! 

Learn what to do in free time and earn money by exercising with HealthyWage. 
If exercising is what you decided to do in response to “What to do in free time?” Then check out HealthyWage for the chance to win thousands simply by working out! 
Source: Apple App Store

And if you’re feeling anxious, remember that exercise acts as a natural stress-reducer by releasing endorphins (you know, the “feel-good” hormones). Go for a jog or a hike and leave your worries behind. 

3 – Take Surveys

Looking for that side hustle to make some extra money? Taking surveys can be a fantastic option for making easy cash in your free time. 

Not only will taking surveys put money in your pocket, but you’ll be exposed to new ideas, products, and trends. Here’s what to do in free time: take surveys!

Platforms like Survey Junkie, Rewarded Play, and Swagbucks offer opportunities to earn rewards, gift cards, and cash by sharing your opinions!

You might not get rich by filling out these surveys, but it’s a great use of your free time. If you’re in the market for some extra dough, check out the sites listed above.

Learn to maximize your earnings with survey sites like Swagbucks. And check out our answer to the question, “Is Apex Focus Group legit?” for more ways to make money with surveys, focus groups, and trials.

4 – Invest 

Who doesn’t love passive income? Investing your hard-earned money is an optimal way to utilize your free time. Plus, you’ll improve your financial knowledge, which will pay off in years to come.

Although the returns won’t be as immediate as some of the other money-making opportunities I’ve shared, investing is a wise move to improve your long-term financial well-being. 

Three platforms I recommend to kickstart your investment journey are Fundrise and Stash. These platforms make investing simple, straightforward, and accessible. 

So, whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, sign up, sit back, and watch the returns roll in! Remember, it’s never too late to start.

And if you’d like to make money fast for simply opening a bank account, check out these banks with immediate sign-up bonus.

5 – Go Shopping

Are you still wondering what to do in free time? Have you ever heard of retail therapy? 

Relieve your anxiety by shopping your troubles away! And with cashback platforms like Fetch and Rakuten, every qualifying purchase can earn you cash rewards. 

So, while you’re putting together a new outfit or buying that espresso machine you’ve had your eye on, you can rest assured you are simultaneously earning money-saving rewards! What better way to spend your free time than buying the things you’ve always wanted while earning rewards?

6 – Make Deliveries

Another way to make the most of your free time is to make deliveries through companies like DoorDash. Making deliveries is an incredibly flexible way to earn extra dough. You’ll have the ability to choose when and how often you make deliveries. Wouldn’t you love having control of your work schedule?

Not only is making deliveries an easy way to stack cash, but it can also help you stay fit! This side hustle can be an enjoyable alternative to traditional workouts. Picture this: You’re out and moving around, carrying bags of takeout or groceries. You’re walking a lot and maybe even biking. You’re making money and getting exercise! 

Saving money with the Upside app is one of the top answers for “What to do in free time?”
Wondering, “What to do in free time?” Be sure you’re using the Upside app to earn cash back at thousands of gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores.
Source: Apple App Store

For those who want to use their car to conduct their deliveries, Upside offers savings on gas purchases, so you’ll cut less into your delivery earnings. Who knows, you might discover a new favorite restaurant while you’re making the rounds!

7 – Walk Dogs

Speaking of getting fit while making money, how about taking your neighbor’s dog for a walk? 

Platforms like Care.com link dog owners with walkers. In addition to getting to know their dogs, you’ll get to know your neighbors, too!

Beyond the primary purpose of earning some extra cash, interacting with dogs has therapeutic benefits like reduced stress and anxiety. There is a reason dogs are chosen to be emotional support animals! 

Walking dogs is a multifaceted opportunity that offers easy money, improved fitness, and emotional well-being. Find yourself a new furry friend and earn money while you’re out walking!

8 – Meditate

In today’s fast-paced world, slowing down is an absolute necessity. Whether you are new to the concept of meditation or you’re a regular practitioner, platforms like Declutter The Mind can help guide you through your meditation journey.

Through meditation, you will learn to navigate your thoughts and emotions and increase your emotional intelligence. Your anxiety will melt away. You’ll feel grounded and present in a way you haven’t in years. 

Meditation also improves your focus and attention span. If you’re looking to increase your overall well-being and you have some free time on your hands, ask yourself: Why aren’t I meditating?

Commonly Asked Questions About What to Do in Free Time 

What Do Successful People Do in Their Free Time?

Successful people strategically decide what to do in free time. Here are some excellent activities anyone can start with: 

  • Exercise (consider giving yourself an extra push with HealthyWage
  • Meditate (try out a guide with Declutter The Mind) 
  • Find a side hustle (like on DoorDash
  • Invest (check out beginner-friendly platforms like Fundrise)

How Do You Spend Time Productively?

Here are various ways productive people can optimize their time:

Here are some more of the best GPT Sites that pay you for tasks like playing games and taking surveys. There are even apps that pay you to walk!

 And check out these free games that pay real money instantly.

Hobbies to Do in Free Time?

Finding new hobbies can be a rewarding way to spend your free time. You can try out a game like Bowling Battle, Mistplay, or Cashyy. You can exercise, which increases your physical fitness and relieves stress and anxiety. Earn extra cash at the same time by using HealthyWage

Also, check out this guide on how to get paid to watch Netflix. And if you’d like to try out new products for free, learn about Nike product testing and Adidas product testing.

Creative Things to Do in Free Time?

Use your free time to get creative by playing games with Mistplay or Cashyy or building a new workout routine with HealthyWage. Engage in surveys on Survey Junkie and Rewarded Play, or get creative by shopping for something new using Rakuten

Productive Things to Do in Free Time At Home?

While at home, you can be productive by playing games that stimulate your mind and relieve anxiety, like Cashyy and Mistplay. You can participate in online surveys to earn extra income with Survey Junkie (check out surveys for gift cards). Try exploring online shopping deals using Rakuten or practicing mindfulness through meditation with Declutter The Mind. 

Free Time Activities for Adults?

Adults can make the most of their free time by playing games and taking surveys for extra on platforms like Cashyy or Survey Junkie. You can spend your free time investing in financial security on Stash or shopping for deals and cashback rewards through Rakuten.

Hobbies and Free Time Activities?

Here are hobbies and activities you can do during your free time: 

How Do You Spend Your Free Time Examples?

Make the most of your free time with activities like: