That restless feeling, that antsy energy when you’ve got too much time on your hands? I’ve definitely been there. Sometimes an empty day can feel more daunting than a packed one. It’s easy to drift, to fall into old habits, or just feel plain bored. But keeping busy isn’t just about filling time. It’s about engaging with life, finding joy, and maybe even discovering something new about yourself.
Many of us struggle with this. Maybe you’re trying to break free from habits that no longer serve you, like endless gaming or mindless snacking. Our founder, Stephen Montagne, often talks about his own journey. He overcame challenges like gaming, binge eating, and laziness to lose over 110 pounds and build a life filled with purpose. His experiences show that change is possible, and it often starts with finding positive ways to engage your mind and body.
So, how do we do it? How do we keep ourselves busy in ways that feel good and productive? It's not about frantic activity, but about intentional engagement. Here are ten effective strategies that have helped many of us at GoodExistence find more purpose and joy in our days:
- Find Your Focus with Small Goals
- Learn Something New Every Day
- Get Moving Your Way
- Connect with Your People
- Tackle One Thing on Your List
- Dive into a Hobby You Love
- Quiet Your Mind with Purpose
- Create a Calmer Space
- Swap Scrolling for Doing
- Sketch Out Your Day (Lightly!)
Let's explore these ideas a bit more.
Find Your Focus with Small Goals
Big ambitions are great. But sometimes they feel so far away they paralyze us. Instead, try setting tiny, achievable goals. Want to write a book? Start with one paragraph. Want to get fit? Start with a five-minute walk. Stephen often shares how celebrating small wins was crucial when he lost over 110 pounds. It wasn't about a massive diet overhaul overnight. It was about that first healthier meal, that first short walk, and acknowledging those small victories. Each small win builds momentum and keeps you moving forward. What’s one tiny thing you can aim for today?
Learn Something New Every Day
Curiosity is a wonderful antidote to boredom. Challenge yourself to learn something new, no matter how small. It could be a new word, a historical fact, a simple recipe, or a skill like knitting or coding. There are so many free resources online. Podcasts, documentaries, educational apps – the world is full of knowledge waiting for you. This keeps your mind active and engaged. You might even discover a new passion.
Get Moving Your Way
Our bodies are designed to move. When we’re stagnant, our energy dips and our mood can follow. You don’t need an intense gym session to reap the benefits. A brisk walk, some stretching, dancing in your living room, or gardening can make a world of difference. Stephen found that incorporating regular physical activity was key not just for his weight loss, but for his overall well-being and energy levels. Find an activity you actually enjoy. This makes it feel less like a chore and more like a welcome break.
Connect with Your People
Loneliness can creep in when we have too much unstructured time. Reach out to someone. Call a friend. Have a meaningful conversation with a family member. Volunteer in your community. Meaningful connections enrich our lives and give us a sense of belonging. Sometimes just talking to someone can shift your whole perspective and fill your day with warmth.
Tackle One Thing on Your List
We all have that nagging to-do list. Sometimes it feels overwhelming. Instead of letting it loom, pick just one small task and get it done. Maybe it’s paying a bill, making an appointment, or cleaning out that junk drawer. The satisfaction of crossing something off your list can be incredibly motivating and provide a sense of accomplishment that brightens your day.
Dive into a Hobby You Love
What makes you lose track of time in a good way? Hobbies are fantastic for keeping busy because they engage your passion and creativity. Whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, writing, crafting, cooking, or collecting, hobbies provide an outlet for self-expression and enjoyment. If you don’t have one, now is a great time to explore some possibilities. Think about what you enjoyed as a child or something you’ve always been curious about.
Quiet Your Mind with Purpose
Being "busy" doesn't always mean external activity. Sometimes, the most productive thing we can do is to quiet our minds. This could be through meditation, prayer, or simply spending a few minutes in quiet reflection and practicing gratitude. Stephen found that strengthening his Christian Orthodox faith and dedicating time to prayer brought him immense peace and purpose. This kind of intentional "busyness" for the soul can be incredibly grounding and help you find clarity. Daily gratitude, just noting down a few things you're thankful for, can also shift your focus to the positive.
Create a Calmer Space
Our environment affects our mood and productivity. If you're feeling restless, try channeling that energy into organizing or tidying up a small part of your home or workspace. A decluttered space can lead to a decluttered mind. You don’t have to overhaul your entire house. Just pick one corner, one shelf, or one drawer. The process itself can be quite therapeutic.
Swap Scrolling for Doing
It's so easy to lose hours scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows. While a little relaxation is fine, too much passive consumption can leave us feeling drained and unproductive. Stephen knows this well from his experience overcoming gaming. He realized that those hours, once gone, were truly lost. Try to consciously swap some of that screen time for an active pursuit. Read a book. Work on a puzzle. Write a letter. Do anything that involves active participation rather than passive observation.
Sketch Out Your Day (Lightly!)
Having a loose plan can prevent that aimless feeling. This doesn’t mean a rigid, minute-by-minute schedule. It’s more about having a few anchor points in your day. Stephen found success with short bursts of deep work, typically 2-4 hours, rather than trying to grind all day. Maybe you decide to dedicate the morning to a specific project, the afternoon to errands and exercise, and the evening to relaxation or a hobby. A little structure can provide a framework for a fulfilling day.
Keeping busy in a meaningful way is about finding a balance that works for you. It’s about progress not perfection. It’s about choosing activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit.
So, what’s one small thing you’ll do today to engage with your life more fully? Pick one idea from this list, or come up with your own, and give it a try. You might be surprised at how a little intentional action can transform your day.
