The holidays are here—you are overflowing with to-do lists, traditions, and the endless stream of calories you’ll probably regret (but not really). Amidst the frenzy, you dream of time to yourself but rarely make it happen.
Here’s the kicker: Americans average over five hours of free time a day. Yet, much of this time is spent unintentionally—think channel surfing, doom-scrolling, and other “meh” activities.
The research also reveals that men tend to have more free time than women (cue every mom rolling her eyes) and spend more of it on physical activities. Women, on the other hand, often use their “free time” for household responsibilities or caregiving.
What’s the lesson here? If you don’t schedule free time for yourself, it’s likely to slip through our fingers like the glitter on your holiday card.
Let’s face it—it’s time to reclaim your downtime! In fact, I just sat down with my friend and colleague Dr. Kevin Christie to talk about our relationship with money, time, purpose, and relationships. Time is one of the topics we tackle—tune in to “booking your freedom.”
Here’s why booking intentional free time, especially during the holidays, is one of the best gifts you can give yourself (and those around you).
1. Recharge Your Holiday Batteries
Between gift-wrapping marathons and trying to find a turkey that fits in your oven, the holidays can leave you running on empty. Free time is your personal pit stop—a chance to rest and recharge. When you take time for yourself, you’re not just surviving the holidays; you’re thriving through them.
2. Spark Creativity (and Maybe Even Solve the Great Gift Dilemma)
Have you ever noticed your best ideas come when you’re in the shower or on a leisurely walk? That’s your brain on free time. When you give your mind some breathing room, creativity flows. So, whether it’s crafting the perfect holiday card message or finally figuring out what to get your picky brother-in-law, a little unstructured time might just save the day.
3. Protect Your Mental Health
The holidays can bring on stress, no matter how festive the decor. Intentional free time helps you decompress, whether it’s a quiet walk, a yoga class, or simply hiding in the walk-in closet for a few moments of silence (we won’t judge). You’ll emerge calmer, happier, and better equipped to deal with holiday chaos.
4. Be More Present with Loved Ones
Family and friends are what make the holidays special—until they’re not. Booking free time helps you show up as your best self, rather than the frazzled version fueled by caffeine and candy canes. P.S. You’re less likely to snap at your partner for hanging the lights unevenly.
5. Discover the Joy of Doing Nothing
When’s the last time you did absolutely nothing? Free time lets you pause and savor simple pleasures: sipping hot cocoa, watching snow fall, or laughing at your dog trying to catch a snowball. This kind of presence is what the holidays are really about.
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of intentional free time. It’s a chance to rest, recharge, and reconnect with what matters most. Plus, when you’re calm and centered, you’re much more likely to survive that third viewing of Elf.
Here’s how to book free time and actually enjoy it.
- Put It on Your Calendar: Treat your free time like an appointment you can’t cancel. Block it off and guard it fiercely.
- Do Something You Love: Whether it’s reading, walking, baking, or watching cheesy holiday movies, engage in activities that you enjoy or want to try.
- Ditch the Guilt: Free time isn’t selfish. It’s essential for your well-being. A happier, less stressed you is a gift to everyone around you.
- Unplug: Turn off notifications and let the world wait. Yes, even that group text about a gift exchange.
- Make It Active (if That’s Your Thing): Channel your inner kid and go sledding, join your friends in a game, or dance to holiday tunes in your living room.
Okay, no excuses. Book that free time. Trust me—you’re worth it.
Be positively altered,
Dr. Cindy
P.S. Check out my new podcast page and a preview of my early episodes! Tune in every Friday for a new episode brimming with great guests, informative chats, and unfiltered fun.