Anyone who’s ever played an escape room knows that they have a time to beat: an hour is the max limit. It seems pretty daunting at first when you begin to encounter the tougher puzzles. For a moment, you might even think 60 minutes is way too short an amount of time to solve every clue and find the escape route. But in our busy day-to-day lives, an hour can actually feel like tons of time. There are plenty of beneficial things you can do with a spare hour, and those 60 minutes spent wisely can have a tremendous positive impact on the rest of your day.
Here are some useful activities you can do in 60 minutes and their benefits:
- TAKE A NAP
I wish I had appreciated naptime more when I was in preschool. When I know I’m going to have a long night after a busy day, I’ll squeeze in an afternoon nap to help keep me energized. According to the National Sleep Foundation, “Naps can restore alertness, enhance performance, and reduce mistakes and accidents. A study at NASA on sleepy military pilots and astronauts found that a 40-minute nap improved performance by 34% and alertness 100%.” And according to Bachelor alum Corinne Olympios, “Abraham Lincoln took naps.” Well if astronauts and presidents napped, it must be a good thing. - MEAL PREP
Did you know that meal prepping can help you save money, save time, and save you from overeating? When you plan your meals out in advance you’re less likely to overspend on food and grocery items that you won’t actually use. And when your food is already prepared, you not only get to eat as soon as you want to eat but you can control your portions and maintain your nutritional health. Check out these meal prep ideas or this meal prep help for my vegans! - READ A BOOK
I know a lot of people who don’t like reading. But reading can actually be so good for you in so many ways. Reading can stimulate your brain, reduce stress, improve memory and focus, and even make you smarter! But overall, a good story can just be purely entertaining. Fun education? Sign me up! - PRACTICE YOUR CRAFT
Whether it’s a talent or a budding hobby, no skill improves without consistent practice. If you’ve got extra time, sit down and work on practicing your instrument, or shooting free throws, or baking sweets. Whatever your craft may be, always remember to take time to develop it. - EXERCISE
It’s not news that regular exercise is very good for your health, both physical and mental. Not only can an hour speed-walk or jog get your heart rate going, but it can put you in a better and more productive mood. Regular exercise can also help offset the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Seems like a good incentive for a 60-minute workout.
Now that you know all the things you can do in 60 minutes, maybe beating an escape room doesn’t seem so impossible anymore. Regardless, time is very precious in our fast-paced world. Whenever you have extra time, consider how you can use it effectively and think about how you can growby using your time wisely.
