30 Ways to Spend 30 Minutes

Ever wonder what you could do with just half an hour? Lots. Whether you choose to rejuvenate, make someone’s day or tackle a nagging project, a lot can be accomplished in just 30.

1. Recharge yourself spiritually. Meditate, attend a religious or spiritual study class, read something inspirational or connect with your spiritual self in whatever way works for you.
2. Invest in your primary relationship. Set aside sacred time for just you and your partner. It’s more important than any business appointment.
3. Get a reflexology session. Even a 30-minute session will make you feel like a new you. And it’s a great relaxer.
4. Catch some daytime zzzz’s.
5. Walk your way to good health. Thirty minutes of walking a day improves your physical health, helps you manage stress and boosts self-image.
6. Pick out a beautiful card and write a letter of appreciation to someone special. Send it the old-fashioned way – through the mail.
7. Call an old friend. Reconnect with someone who has supported you through the good times and the bad.
8. Take a bath. Light the candles. Pour yourself a cool glass of fruit-flavored sparkly water, and lock the door!
9. Clarify your goals. Seeing your goals in black and white may inspire you to take action in the direction of your dreams.
10. Grab a book and get lost. Head to your favorite café, order a tall latte, and sit back and relax.
11. Hold a family meeting. Let everyone air their grievances, work together to solve problems and make plans for the future.
12. Write your partner a love letter, and leave it somewhere s/he’ll find it when away from you.
13. Ask your massage therapist to stretch your body out. In addition to feeling very flexible and limber, you will be surprised at how energized you will feel afterwards.
14. Play a (ongoing) board game with some children.
15. Turn the music up loud and dance!
16. Do a crossword or Sudoku puzzle. Studies show that puzzles are one of the best ways to keep the brain functioning.
17. Plant some flowers – or a tree. The fresh air and the satisfaction of contributing to the earth’s beauty are very rewarding.
18. Stare at the stars, and let your mind wonder freely about what it’s like up there.
19. Totally turn yourself over to a yoga class.
20. Paint or sketch an image that comes to your mind. (Don’t show anyone!)
21. Walk a dog – yours or the neighbor’s.
22. Get a pedicure or manicure. You’ll feel special.
23. Drive outside your city or town and marvel at the wild kingdom in which you live.
24. Put photos in an album. Watch your heart soar with fond memories.
25. Share an ice cream cone with a friend.
26. Put a care package together and send it with love anonymously to an organization or family that could use it.
27. Set up online connections to have regular monthly payments automatically deducted from your bank account. The half hour it takes to set these up will save you from having to write checks, address, stamp and mail envelopes every month.
28. Chip away at chores. Set a timer and ignore all distractions until it rings.
29. Write about what’s important to you. Pick up a beautiful journal and record your dreams, your musings on the world or yourself.
30. Make a new friend. Offer to visit residents in nursing homes who don’t have family or friends to drop by. Not only will you be spreading a little kindness, but you may gain important insights by talking with someone who has traveled this planet longer than you.

And for good measure, here’s one more: Go outside and play!