Regardless of your age or lifestyle, filling up your free time can be tough if you don’t have a good idea of hobbies you like to do. Consider reading to expand your critical thinking skills and improve your general knowledge of the world. By doing this in your down downtime can further educate yourself and open new doors for the future. You could also keep your mind sharp with word games or a game of Sudoku as a great way to fill your spare time. Or, consider taking on DIY projects around the house. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, by being more hands-on, you’ll have a better chance of determining exactly what it is you like doing and how you might want to spend your time in the future.

Need a way to be more productive in your free time? Put your health first and adopt some simple exercises, like a cardio workout, to keep you in shape and improve your overall quality of life. Volunteering is another great way to stay productive because you can use your time to help the people around you. Explore where your passions lie and find an organization where you can donate your free time (or money) to doing something that makes a difference. And, if you’re someone who is always on the lookout for something new to learn, try your hand at lifelong learning and educate yourself about topics that have always interested you.

Trying to fill free time at work can also be a bit of a tricky situation. If things are slow, you’ve finished your tasks and now you have a little bit of downtime, try researching your field and industry to find out more about the latest news and innovations so you can stay on top of all the need-to-know changes that have been happening. Or, if you’d prefer a more physical task, clean your desk and office space to make it more conducive for thorough, efficient work. Your coworkers will probably appreciate it too! Then, if you still have a bit of time, update your social media accounts, like LinkedIn, so you can stay connected with others in your field.