Best Things to Do in Free Time at Home: Relax, Recharge, and Enjoy
Discover the best things to do in free time at home—from stress-relieving activities to fun hobbies that boost your mood, focus, and wellbeing.
Having free time can feel overwhelming in today’s fast-paced world. We’re so accustomed to being busy, ticking off tasks, and filling our schedules that when a quiet moment appears, we don’t know how to enjoy it.
Free time isn’t about a short pause between meetings or chores—it’s about genuine leisure, where nothing is pressing and you’re free to simply be.
For me, free time is precious. Saturday mornings on the couch, or an evening after work with no plans, are the moments I value most.
These aren’t obligations—they’re opportunities to reconnect with myself, unwind, and do things that bring me joy. Free time is leisure time, and it deserves as much care as any other part of life.
Things to Do in Your Free Time at Home
Free time is marvelous. After a week of work and chores, I love having a moment to either do something meaningful or, sometimes, absolutely nothing.
Yet many people resist doing nothing, fearing it’s wasted time. The truth is, stopping is vital for both mental and physical health.
If you’re stressed, tired, or overwhelmed, here are 20 ideas for how to spend your free time at home:
20 Free Time Activities at Home
1.Play card games
Relax your mind with a round of Solitaire or UNO, two classics that let you step away from reality for a little while. These games are simple, engaging, and the perfect way to fill free time without pressure. A short session can feel like a reset button, helping you let go of work stress and everyday worries.
Card games aren’t just entertainment—they’re mental exercise. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology (2017) [1] found that mentally stimulating leisure activities, including card games, are linked to better memory, sharper attention, and slower cognitive decline in older adults.
2. Read a book
Escape into a different world and let your imagination reset while giving your mind a soothing break from screens. A good story can lower stress levels, improve focus, and even spark creativity.
If you’re into thrillers, try The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager. For fantasy lovers, Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree brings cozy, magical vibes.
Non-fiction fans might enjoy Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker for insights into health, while romance readers can dive into Book Lovers by Emily Henry. No matter the genre, reading turns free time into an enriching escape.
3. Meditate
Just 10 minutes can clear mental clutter and boost focus, giving your brain a chance to reset. Short daily sessions reduce stress and improve emotional balance. Over time, meditation builds resilience, helping you stay grounded even in chaotic moments.
4. Cook something new
Try a recipe you’ve never made before and enjoy the process of discovery. Cooking stimulates creativity while rewarding you with a delicious meal.
5. Do a puzzle
Crosswords, Sudoku, or jigsaws sharpen focus, memory, and problem-solving skills while keeping the brain engaged.
A 2019 study in International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry [2] found that adults who regularly did puzzles had better attention, reasoning, and memory performance than those who didn’t.
Puzzles are both fun and mentally stimulating, making them one of the best free time activities at home. Whether you tackle a crossword with coffee or a jigsaw on the weekend, it’s a workout for your mind.
6. Take a bubble bath
Perfect for relaxation and easing tension from the day, a warm soak calms muscles and lowers stress. Add candles or bath salts for extra comfort.
7. Journal your thoughts
Writing clears the mind and helps process emotions.
8. Practice yoga
Gentle stretches improve circulation and reduce stress, giving both body and mind a reset. Just 15 minutes can release built-up tension and improve posture. Over time, yoga builds strength, balance, and mental clarity, making it an ideal free time habit.
9. Nap mindfully
A short 20-minute nap refreshes energy without grogginess, boosting alertness and mood. It’s the perfect midday reset for both mind and body.
10. Listen to music
Put on lo-fi, jazz, or your favorite playlist to relax and shift your mood instantly. Music reduces stress, boosts focus, and even improves sleep quality.
For a cozy vibe, try the Late Night Jazz playlist on Spotify—it’s smooth, calming, and perfect for winding down. Whether you’re working, cooking, or simply sitting back, the right soundtrack makes free time more restorative.
11. Paint or draw
Creative outlets are therapeutic and rewarding, helping you express emotions you can’t always put into words. Even simple doodles can calm the mind.
12. Declutter a small space
Organizing gives a sense of calm and control.
13. Knitting
Knitting is a soothing hobby that combines focus with creativity, making it a perfect free time activity. The repetitive motions calm the nervous system and ease stress, almost like a moving meditation.
Plus, you end up with something cozy—whether it’s a scarf, blanket, or a heartfelt handmade gift.
14. Tend to plants
Watering and caring for greenery brings peace, grounding, and a sense of connection with nature.
Having a small vegetable garden at home makes it even more rewarding—you can nurture tomatoes, lettuce, or aromatic herbs. Watching them grow gives you a daily reminder of patience and care.
And when it’s time to harvest, you get the joy of adding fresh, homegrown food to your meals.
15. Watch a comfort movie
Revisit a film that always makes you smile and let nostalgia lift your spirits.
Whether it’s the animated wonder of Inside Out, the rom-com charm of Crazy Rich Asians, the adventure of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, or the heartwarming drama of The Pursuit of Happyness, movies can instantly reset your mood.
Free time feels richer when paired with stories that comfort and inspire.
16. Pamper Yourself
Doing your nails, applying a face mask, or following a simple skincare routine can turn free time into a mini spa session.
These small rituals don’t just enhance appearance—they also relax the mind and release daily stress. It’s self-care that leaves you refreshed, glowing, and ready to face the week.
17. Stretch before bed
Helps release tension and improves sleep quality by calming both body and mind. A few gentle stretches signal your system that it's time to rest.
18. Play a cozy video game
Games like Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley feel like home, offering calm, creativity, and connection at your own pace.
You can design spaces, tend to crops, or simply enjoy the slow rhythm of digital life. These games replace stress with comfort, giving you control over a small, welcoming world. They’re perfect for winding down and finding joy in simplicity.
19. Try mindfulness coloring
Coloring books can lower anxiety and improve focus by giving your mind a simple, calming task. It’s a playful way to unwind while boosting creativity.
20. Write a gratitude list – Reflecting on positives improves mood and mental wellbeing.
Why Are Free Time Activities Important to an Individual?
Free time isn’t wasted time, it’s essential. When we engage in leisure activities at home, whether it’s reading, stretching, or playing games, we allow our minds and bodies to recharge. Studies show that downtime improves creativity, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
Free things to do when you’re bored—like journaling, listening to music, or meditating—help balance the overstimulation we face daily. Instead of scrolling endlessly on social media, simple activities in spare time can reduce stress, strengthen memory, and even improve sleep quality.
A 2019 study published in Journal of Happiness Studies [3] found that people who regularly engaged in leisure activities reported higher life satisfaction and lower stress. Free time is not indulgence; it’s a fundamental ingredient for health and happiness.
Free Time, Free Conscience
Often, we feel guilty about free time, as if every moment must be productive. Whether we work from home, spend hours at the office, or take care of chores, too much of our energy is spent on obligations. But free time allows us to reclaim moments for ourselves.
Solo dates are a wonderful way to embrace free time. Treat yourself to a cozy meal, take a long bath, or simply play a favorite game. For me, free time is not just about rest—it’s about joy.
Personally, playing Solitaire is my favorite way to enjoy free time. Whether I’m bored or need to disconnect, I put on music, open Solitaire Home Story, and help Alice renovate her home. It feels productive yet relaxing, playful yet comforting—a reminder that free time is best spent doing what makes us feel alive.
References
[1] Kuo, C.-Y., Huang, Y.-M., & Yeh, Y.-Y. (2018, December 6). Let’s play cards: Multi‑component cognitive training with social engagement enhances executive control in older adults. Frontiers in Psychology, 9. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02482/full?
[2] Neuroscience News. (2019, May 16). Regular crosswords and number puzzles linked to sharper brain in later life. Neuroscience News. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://neurosciencenews.com/puzzles-aging-brain-14005/?
[3] Author(s). (n.d.). The relationships between leisure and happiness—A graphic elicitation method. ResearchGate. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361493303_The_relationships_between_leisure_and_happiness-A_graphic_elicitation_method