If you know me at all, you probably already know that I love full, productive days. Most of my time is spent at school, work, and clubs, but I always make it a point to find room for the things I genuinely enjoy. Even when my schedule is jam-packed, free time matters to me. It’s how I reset and remind myself that I’m more than just my to-do list.
Most of my days are planned out before they even start. Every night, I open my little notes app and sketch out what the next day should look like. Of course, nothing ever goes according to plan, but having a loose outline helps me feel more prepared. It’s less about sticking to the schedule perfectly and more about knowing what I’m walking into.
I enjoy staying busy for a few reasons. People love to say these are “the best years of my life.” And while I’m not totally sold on that idea, I do know I don’t want to look back and feel like I wasted them. That’s not to say I never have lazy days (because I ABSOLUTELY do.) but if every day is a rest day, at some point it stops feeling relaxing and starts feeling a little unfulfilling. Staying busy gives my days purpose and makes even small moments feel more meaningful.
So, how do I actually spend my free time?
Time Outdoors
If my brain feels cluttered, getting outside is usually the fastest fix. Hiking, walking my dog, doing homework on my deck, playing sports, really anything that gets me some fresh air helps clear my head. I swear I’m more focused and productive when I’m outside. Unfortunately, the frigid, frightful weather lately has made that a bit harder, but I still get out when I can. In fact, a few friends and I recently started a small hiking group where we go on hikes weekly/biweekly, and it’s become one of my favorite ways to catch up with people I care about while also reconnecting with nature.
Pictured: Hikes I went on this summer in Hocking, Ohio.
Art
As someone who jumps from hobby to hobby, it’s honestly impressive that art has stuck around for so long. Creating something is grounding in a way few things are. I’m not the very best at it, but that’s never been the goal. I’m decent enough that it’s fun, not extremely frustrating, and seeing a finished piece is always satisfying. I’ve liked art since I was a wee-little Ellie, so the fact that it’s lasted well over a decade says something. Sometimes I’ll work on art while talking on the phone with a friend or watching TV, which makes both activities feel more enjoyable, and a little more productive. Some of my clubs and classes are art-oriented too, so even when it’s not technically “free time,” it still feels like it.
Pictured: Colored pencil and monotype (left to right) that I completed within this last year.
Baking & Cooking
Baking has always been special to me. My grandma and I used to bake together, and over time it became a way of showing gratitude. I’m very much a “please try this thing I spent hours making” person. I don’t even mind if people don’t love what I make, experimenting is more than half the fun, and not everything is meant to be a 10/10. Cooking is a bit different; that’s more of a daily ritual for me. Almost every day after school or work, I’ll cook something for myself. It’s calming, creative, and honestly one of the best methods to unwind.
Pictured: Maple bourbon cake with a Biscoff-cookie butter filling and a fresh summer fruit cake.
Trying New Things
I’ve already admitted that I’m a hobby-hopper. Sports, clubs, creative projects. You name it, I’ve probably tried it or at least considered it. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day for me to do everything I want, but that doesn’t stop me from trying. From soccer, softball, and volleyball to chess club, mock trial, and theater, the range is wide. One new thing I’ve been enjoying recently is trying restaurants with a certain someone, which is a lot of fun because I really don’t eat out very often (likely due to the aforementioned cooking habit). It’s been exciting, though, mainly because of the company and because I’m trying foods I’d probably never make at home.
Pictured: Mock trial, Charity Ball, Soccer.
Shopping
Stereotypical? Yeah, probably. But what teenage girl doesn’t love shopping? Bring her to me. I shall heal her. I especially love thrifting. It’s a sustainable, affordable way to maintain my drip and often provides a vast array of options which is very appealing to someone like myself who, again, loves to try new things. I like seeing things in person and trying items on. And shopping with friends all the better, because even if you leave empty-handed, the conversations alone make the trip worth it.
Pictures: Really could not find any shopping photos but had to maintain the pattern and flow of this post.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, my free time isn’t about doing the most or staying busy for the sake of it. It’s about choosing things that make my life feel balanced, creative, and full. Find me outside, baking something new, creating art, or just wandering through thrift stores with friends. Whatever I choose, it likely plays a role in helping me stay grounded and excited about what’s next in life. In a world that’s constantly and rapidly moving, free time is when I can slow down a little and reconnect with myself and the people around me.
Alrighty! Thank you once again to anyone that read my post of the week, I hope you enjoyed it and maybe found some ideas to try out in your own free-time! See you all in February. Also, I have decided for the time being that I will not have a specific day/time of the week that I will be posting my blog because I think that putting a deadline on something that I’m doing for fun may add a little bit of unneeded stress or rush. Lots of love, Ellie ;p
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