You might be wasting your time – what you should do to be happier and achieve more.

The most precious currency in life is not money, it’s time. Developing your time wealth or organizing your day so that you have lots of free time can increase your overall happiness and well-being. Experiences, for example, are more rewarding than material goods according to studies.

The problem is that many of us are investing our free time in activities that aren’t really making us happy. And it’s significant because happiness is linked to our professional success. If we wish to be successful, we must strive for happiness and perseverance. Leisure does not enhance one’s quality of life unless it is used correctly.

Leisure time is any time spent away from work or chores, paid or unpaid. It’s the equivalent of ‘disposable income’ in terms of time.

On average, British adults have around 36 to 40 hours of free time each week. So, what is the greatest way to make the most out of this free time? While there is no such thing as a perfect activity for everyone, some activities are junk experiences and others are like superfoods.

Flow is a state of optimal experience that comes from intense engagement in an activity that is pleasurable. Finding activities that bring you into a state of flow is critical if you want to boost your creativity and happiness.

You can experience flow when your abilities are put to good use, you’re enthusiastic about what you’re doing, and you don’t feel self-conscious. The possibility of attaining the mythical flow state that so many people search for exists in any exciting activity that truly tests us. Flow is all about being in the present moment and having a great time

When it comes to selecting which sorts of activities to devote your time and energy into, there are a few things to consider:

1. Does it have a narrative?

Creating memories through experiences allows us to tell stories. For example, going on a walk with a friend may produce a better “story” than re-watching your favorite TV program in solitude in your living room.

These tales allow us to form connections with others, which gives our lives structure and meaning. As a result of telling your story with someone else, you develop a relationship that makes you even happier.

2. What effect does it have on you?

Personal growth is aided by anything that compels you to grow or gives you meaning. “Transformative” activities are those that teach you new skills or enhance your capabilities, change your worldview, produce epiphanies, or move you toward a larger goal. This might be as simple as learning a new recipe to as complex as taking an improvisation class

3. Is it possible to disconnect?

When you’re not using digital devices, unplugging and turning them off can help you get back into reality. When you pull your phone out, it has the ability to instantly bring you out of flow and into the real world. Spending 120 minutes a week in nature has also been shown to improve one’s health and well-being.

4. Is it beneficial to your personal connections?

According to a Harvard research that has been going on for 80 years, happiness and health were best predicted by relationships, not money. Spending quality time with friends and family members, or keeping in touch via phone, enhances your connections while also allowing you to share your joy with others.

5. Do you find it difficult?

Leisure activities should still be engaging enough for you to use your talents and interests since we’re happier when we are fully engaged in something that demands all of our focus. One method to increase the level of intensity is to eliminate distractions while performing a task or activity.

6. Is it good for your social standing?

Humans are concerned with their social standing. Instead of striving for more material goods or keeping up with your neighbours, giving back to your community by volunteering is one way to make your social status more meaningful and feel like you’re having an impact on society.