unpublished alpha

Is “all” time for adults free time?

How much free time is optimal?

Can you have free time at your job?

For many, including myself, the notion of free time is fraught with internal conflict. My mind, always in optimization mode, pressures me to pursue activities deemed “productive.” This could mean watching a film or attending a concert—activities that are enjoyable and ostensibly leisurely, yet sometimes feel more like obligations than choices. This “should” over “want” mindset can diminish the joy of free time, making it feel less like a personal choice and more like a societal imposition.

In my quest to reclaim my free time and make it feel more “mine,” I’ve discovered several strategies that help me stay present and enjoy the moment. Taking leisurely walks, savoring meals, meditating, and appreciating the calm after a workout are practices that ground me in the now, transforming ordinary moments into ones of genuine relaxation and enjoyment.

Yet, I don’t do these activites for the “sheer joy they bring, devoid of any utilitarian purpose” (Bertrand Russell’s definition of liesure). There’s always a voice in my head about self-improvement and growth. While beneficial, I hope to better manage these impulses.

To revisit my initial questions: not all adult time is free; ideally, 30 to 60 minutes daily should be dedicated to leisure, and true free time cannot be found within job hours. Do you agree?