I can’t be the only one spending too much time just scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, and other social media websites when I’m bored or when I procrastinate doing things that need to get done, right??

I’m gonna be honest: I love it! It’s just so relaxing and I don’t have to think about anything else. BUT, it’s actually such a waste of time! We all could use this time so much better!

Becoming more confident, improving or learning a new skill, just relaxing and actually being with and by yourself instead of reading or seeing posts about other people’s lives, can improve your life so much! Especially long-term. AND it will make you happier!

So, here are 10 productive and free ways to spend your time to feel happier and more productive.

1. Learn how to do Small Talk

Connecting with people is one of the most essential life skills that you could have. Being good at small talk makes you seem confident, trustworthy, and easy to approach. You can use that skill for work, at parties, in bars… Basically wherever you want to. And it will make you seem like you know what you’re doing!

One of my favorite tips for small talk is this: “You don’t need to be interesting. You just need to be interested.”

Ask questions. Listen to what the other one says. You’ll see that you’ll soon find something that you can talk about together!

2. Join a free online class at Harvard University

Harvard University and several other universities offer free online courses about a lot of different topics on a website called EDX. The only thing you need to do is create a free account, choose one or more courses you are interested in and register. 

There is a paid option, where you could get a certificate at the end of the course if you finished it successfully. It’s amazing! The professors are super motivated, and you’ll get tons of free material about all your interests. Highly recommend!

3. Declutter

Decluttering is one of the most satisfying things you can do. It might look like a lot in the beginning and it will probably look impossible halfway through. 

But if you stick to it and actually see the final result, you’ll feel so much lighter, happier, and motivated again. Living, studying, or working and sleeping in a tidy room makes you feel more productive and relaxed.

4. Read a Book

I love reading! Once I start to read, I’m in a different world and I experience awesome adventures, even though I’m just in my PJs at home. 

You can read a book literally anywhere you want to though! It doesn’t even need to be a book, but reading something calms the mind, helps you focus on something else, and lets you live.

5. Call a Friend

If I have the time, I really love to call my friends! Talking to my family or friends on the phone feels more intimate and comfortable to me than just texting them several times a day. I love being able to hear their voices and being able to tell their emotions when they speak. And we can easily catch up on what’s been going on lately without having to constantly text each other.

For me I try to not use my messenger apps all the time. Instead, I prefer to have more time for myself to read, watch something, cook, or do something else. If you don’t like calling though, why don’t you make plans to meet? Plan a nice friend-date and have fun!

6. Treat yourself and enjoy some Self-Care Time

Take a long bath or a nice hot shower, do your nails, shave… Whatever makes you feel good, DO IT! Take some dedicated time just for yourself without worrying about the drama around you.

7. Join an online Yoga class (YouTube has so many videos too!)

Try Yoga! Honestly! It comes from someone who used to hate sports because it would make me feel super exhausted and tired, instead of energized and happy. But I’m telling you, it’s SO nice!

You’ll feel more flexible and confident in your body after a while and it’s also a great way to feel more relaxed and healthier, without beating the shit out of yourself.

Yoga is closely connected to how you breathe, so for me, it’s actually kind of like meditation, which I really like. 

I recommend starting with a fourteen- or 30-day challenge. It’s especially effective if you can do it with a friend or with a workout partner because you can hold each other accountable. 

8. Start a Journal

If you love making lists as much as I do, starting a journal is long overdue anyway! But even if not, writing a journal helps you to clear out and focus your thoughts. You’ll see that you can concentrate a lot better after writing down what you’ve been struggling with lately. 

In addition, you can organize your day more efficiently, get creative and get more stuff done, if you write it down.

PLUS if you are familiar with the Law Of Attraction already, you’ll know that writing down what you want in the present tense and in a positive sentence (“I am confident”, “I have the newest iPhone” etc.), will get you what you want way faster than if you only think about it. 

9. Go for a Walk

Going for a walk will absolutely boost your mood and energy! I especially love going out with my friends to a park or to a forest close by but going for a walk alone might be better for you. So just try out what you like the best!

Being outside and walking for a bit will also help you build muscles and lose fat as well as it will actually help reduce anxiety, a negative mood, or even depression. 

UV rays, which we thought would only be harmful in direct sunlight or in summer, can actually be pretty strong in winter and even on cloudy days, too. So, you need to take care of your skin. Don’t forget good sunscreen when you go out!

10. Masturbate

Another great way to relax and feel more confident is to masturbate. No like actually! It’s scientifically proven that orgasms release the endorphins dopamine and oxytocin, which help you to improve your mood and make you feel happier. It also helps with releasing stress and can improve your sleep quality. 

Once you explore and get to know your body better, you’ll feel more confident and comfortable in your own body. As it should be! Own your body AND that pleasure!

You deserve to feel good and confident in yourself, so take the time and make the most out of it!

xo Eva