6 Ways to Spend Your Downtime to Increase Your Success

May 16, 2018

If you’re like most solopreneurs, as much as possible you would avoid doing nothing. Hustle is the name of the game, and downtime is something we claim to be important but fail to do ourselves.

Believe me when I say that even the most successful people like Richard Branson and Elon Musk make time for relaxation. We are humans, not robots! Taking time off from your daily duties allows you to recharge your mind and body.

When you’re fully recharged, you amp up your performance.

So, what are some of the best ways to use your downtime?

Meditate

When was the last time you were able to make a decision you’re 100% confident about? In this fast-paced life, it’s easy to get distracted. No matter what kind of meditation you practice, meditation itself thickens your pre-frontal cortex. This is the area of your brain that’s responsible for decision-making and reasoning. Spending 10 minutes a day in a quiet place already does wonders.

Workout

Exercise doesn’t just improve your physique, more importantly, it improves your performance as a solopreneur. How? Exercise trains you to be in the moment and break free from extra things that take your attention. That way, you get to maximize whatever task you have at hand and get the best outcomes. Start by taking a brisk walk at lunch or signing up for a cardio class.

Volunteer

Entrepreneurs achieve real success not by focusing on earning more but by making a difference in the lives of the audience they serve. When you do that, the financial side of your business improves naturally. But sometimes, we forget the essence of helping because of being bogged down with work. Volunteering (by serving meals, tutoring students, etc.) lets you reconnect with your purpose in business. It also increases feelings of love and happiness, helping you become a better person!

Loved Ones

A valuable life lesson that downtime teaches you is that relationships matter most. Don’t be so tied up with "busyness" that you neglect your spouse, kids, other family members, and friends. There are many ways to spend quality time with your loved ones. You can have a picnic together, engage in meaningful conversations, or join family celebrations.

Meal Prepping

Rarely do you hear busy entrepreneurs invest in their health by making their own meals. While meal delivery services are much more convenient (and they save time), preparing your own food empowers you to take more control over your calorie and nutrient intake. You’re also less likely to make bad choices that result from last-minute decisions. You don’t have to prepare all your meals; start with your snacks. You’ll already see a big difference in your health.

Read

Carving out time for leisure reading, whether it’s during the first hour of the morning or before going to bed, helps you in many ways. It fills your brain with new information (who knows, you can put that to use in the future), broadens your vocabulary, and enhances your analytical skills. Listening to podcasts would be a great alternative for non-readers.

Do these 6 things and you’ll be able to give more of yourself, become healthier and fitter, and make smarter decisions in your solopreneur business. If you can suggest more ways to spend your downtime, feel free to comment below.