10 things successful people always do in their free time, according to psychology

There’s a big difference between just ‘killing time’ and wisely using your leisure hours.

This difference, according to psychology, often separates the successful from the rest. Successful people have a knack for using their free time in a way that recharges them and prepares them for their next challenge.

Psychology also suggests that there are ten specific activities these successful people are more likely to engage in during their downtime.

In this article, we’ll be diving into these ten things that successful people always seem to do when they’re not on the clock. 

Let’s get started.

1) Successful people read

If there’s one habit common to a majority of successful people, it’s a voracious appetite for reading.

Psychology suggests that reading, especially non-fiction, provides a wealth of benefits. It broadens your understanding, fuels creativity, and sharpens your critical thinking skills.

Think about some of the most successful people you know. Chances are, they are always recommending their latest read or sharing insights from a thought-provoking book.

It’s not just about gaining knowledge either. It’s about expanding their worldview and getting fresh perspectives, which in turn helps them make better decisions in their professional life.

So, if you’re looking for something to do in your free time, take a leaf out of the successful people’s book- literally. Start reading more and see how it influences your life. Just remember, it’s not about racing through books; it’s about absorbing ideas and learning.

And that’s the beauty of reading. You get to choose what you read, making it a personal journey of growth and discovery.

2) They exercise regularly

Here’s a personal confession. For years, I would start my day directly with work, thinking I was being efficient with my time. But, as the day progressed, I’d often feel drained and less productive.

Then, I read about successful people and their morning routines. A common thread? Regular exercise.

I decided to give it a shot. I started with a simple 20-minute jog every morning. Within a week, the difference was palpable. I felt more energized, my focus improved, and my overall mood was brighter.

Psychology backs this up too. Exercise releases endorphins, the ‘feel-good’ hormones, and helps keep stress at bay. It sharpens your memory and mental skills while boosting your overall brain performance.

3) They value their relationships

In the world of business, networking is often lauded as the key to success. But beyond professional connections, successful people understand the importance of nurturing personal relationships.

They spend quality time with their loved ones, be it family or close friends. This might involve a simple dinner together, a game night, or just sharing a laugh over a cup of coffee.

Research has shown that having strong personal relationships can increase lifespan and improve mental health.

So, while they may be ambitious and driven in their careers, successful people never let their personal relationships take a backseat. They understand that at the end of the day, it’s these bonds that truly enrich one’s life.

4) They engage in hobbies

Successful people are not all work and no play. They understand the importance of having hobbies and engage in them regularly.

Whether it’s playing a musical instrument, painting, hiking, or any other activity that they are passionate about, they make time for it.

Hobbies provide an outlet for stress and offer a change from the daily grind. They allow successful people to relax and refresh their minds.

Moreover, engaging in hobbies often leads to learning new skills or honing existing ones. It stimulates creativity and can provide a new perspective that can be applied to professional challenges.

While hobbies might seem like ‘time off,’ in reality, they contribute significantly to a person’s success by promoting balance and personal growth.

5) They practice mindfulness

In this fast-paced world, successful people understand the value of slowing down and focusing on the present. They practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness is all about being fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings, without any judgment. It could involve meditating, taking a slow walk in nature, or just sitting quietly for a few minutes each day.

Practicing mindfulness reduces stress, enhances focus, and promotes emotional health. It’s been shown to improve memory and concentration, two key traits for success.

Incorporating mindfulness into their routine helps successful people stay grounded and focused on their goals, without getting overwhelmed by the pressures of everyday life.

6) They give back to the community

Successful people understand that true fulfillment doesn’t come from what you get, but what you give.

They make it a point to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. This could be through volunteering, mentoring, or supporting causes they believe in.

Giving back brings a sense of purpose and satisfaction that’s hard to match. It’s about making a difference and knowing that your success has a positive impact on others.

This altruistic act not only benefits the community but also instills a sense of gratitude and perspective in the giver. It’s a heartfelt reminder of the interconnectedness of life and the joy of making a difference.

If you aspire to be successful, remember that it’s not just about personal gain. It’s also about lending a hand and lifting others as you climb.

7) They pursue continuous learning

I’ll never forget the moment when I realized that my education didn’t end when I walked across the stage to receive my diploma. That was just the beginning.

Successful people are lifelong learners. They’re always looking to expand their knowledge and skills, not because they have to, but because they want to. They understand that in a rapidly changing world, continuous learning is the key to staying ahead.

This could involve taking online courses, attending workshops, or simply staying updated with the latest trends and innovations in their field.

This constant pursuit of knowledge keeps them adaptable and open-minded. It fuels their curiosity and drives them to explore new ideas and opportunities.

No matter how successful they become, they never stop learning. Because they know that the moment you stop learning, you stop growing. And growth, after all, is a fundamental part of success.

8) They embrace downtime

In a world that glorifies busyness, successful people understand the importance of doing nothing at all.

Yes, you heard it right. They schedule time for downtime – moments where they’re not working, not learning, not exercising, just being.

This could involve simply sitting quietly, taking a leisurely walk, or enjoying a relaxing bath. The activity itself doesn’t matter as much as the intention behind it – to give the mind a break.

These periods of rest are not wasted time. On the contrary, they are crucial for mental recharge and creativity. They provide space for reflection and introspection, allowing successful people to reconnect with their inner selves and their goals.

While it might seem odd in our hustle culture, embracing downtime is a secret weapon of many successful people. It’s their way of ensuring they’re running on a full tank and not burning out.

9) They set personal goals

Successful people don’t just have professional targets; they set personal goals too. These may include health goals, learning a new skill, or achieving a certain level of proficiency in a hobby.

Setting personal goals gives them a sense of direction and motivates them to use their free time productively. It also helps them maintain balance in their lives by ensuring they’re not solely focused on work.

Achieving these personal goals brings a sense of accomplishment that boosts confidence and self-esteem. It also helps sharpen their goal-setting and problem-solving skills, which are invaluable in their professional lives.

Successful people use their free time not just for relaxation, but also for personal growth and development. They understand that success is a holistic concept that extends beyond the realm of work.

10) They prioritize self-care

Above all, successful people understand the importance of taking care of themselves. They prioritize self-care.

Self-care is not just about spa days or indulgent treats. It’s about ensuring they’re physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. This might involve following a nutritious diet, ensuring adequate sleep, practicing mindfulness, or seeking therapy when needed.

They know that to put their best foot forward in everything they do, they need to be in their best shape first. They understand that they can’t pour from an empty cup.

Prioritizing self-care is not an act of selfishness but a necessary strategy for success. Because at the end of the day, your greatest asset is not your business or your bank account – it’s you.