Few working professionals would likely say they could not use more leisure time. People spend their leisure time in various ways, and many would prefer more time to pursue their passions away from the workplace. While they may not be able to create more time in the day, working women can take various steps to create more time for leisure.
■ Spend free time more wisely. According to the 2015 American Time Use Survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, people age 15 and over averaged four hours and 59 minutes of leisure time per day. That figure may come as a surprise to working professionals who feel they never have enough time to pursue their passions. But such people may just be spending their leisure time in ways that don't incorporate their passions. For instance, the American Time Use Survey found that more than half of the nearly five hours of leisure time people 15 and over enjoyed each day was spent watching television. Women who want to make the most of their free time can note the amount of time they spend watching television, ultimately skipping their binge-watching sessions in favor of pursuing their passions.
■ Consider downsizing. Empty nesters, working professionals with no children or even parents whose kids still live at home may benefit by downsizing their homes. The American Time Use Survey found that men spend an average of 22 minutes per day doing housework, while women spend 50 minutes per day doing housework. Downsizing to smaller homes that don't require as much daily maintenance can provide women with more leisure time.
■ Get out of the kitchen. Cooking is a favorite leisure activity for many people. But for those who prefer to be out and about rather than preparing meals in the kitchen, cooking can be more of a time-consuming chore than a rewarding passion. The American Time Use Survey found that women spend 70 minutes per day on food preparation and cleanup. Meal delivery services can cut down on the time it takes to prepare meals, opening up more leisure time for people who want to spend less time in the kitchen each day.
■ Make an effort to split chores down the middle. As evidenced by the time men and women spend on housework and cooking, the American Time Use Survey found that household chores are not always divided equitably among men and women. Adults who feel they do not have enough leisure time in their day can work with their spouses or significant others to ensure both partners are doing an equal amount of work around the house.
Leisure time that's spent well can contribute to a higher quality of life. Many people may be surprised to learn just how much leisure time they can enjoy each day by making a few simple tweaks to their daily routines.
