Italian language course: Plan your free time, experts say

August 10 2006 at 01:04PM

By Britta Schmeis

Cologne - It's nearly home time and a question arises: What to do with valuable free time?

While some people spend their time pursuing activities, others are quite happy to use the evening hours taking care of ordinary tasks or sit in front of the television. There's not much cost involved in the latter two options. This is a challenge for marketing strategists who have long recognised that when it comes to recreational activities, simplicity is the way to go.

"Often what's missing is a desire to have a hobby more than the time to have one. Or the ability to take time for oneself," said professor Henning Allmer, a psychologist specialising in leisure issues at the German sports academy in Cologne. In addition it's accepted in the society to be constantly under stress. But that's no key to happiness.

Shut down the issues of the day
"The longer a person has denied himself or herself some relaxation, the more difficult it becomes to relax at some time," Allmer said.

Relaxation doesn't happen by itself at the end of the work day. Author Tania Konnerth of Zernien says many people try desperately to leave their work, although the stress of the day is still with them after hours. She recommends taking a bit of time to really shut down the issues of the day. The best way to do that is to write out all frustrations, all the important things and all the lovely things that occurred during the day.

Imagination and setting appointments are already the keys to fulfilling evening hours, according to experts.

"Someone who cannot bring themselves to do sports, meet friends or take an Italian language course should imagine how pleased and satisfied he would be afterward," said Lothar Seiwert, who coaches people on how to best use their time and is co-author of the best-selling book Simplify Your Life.

There are some people who can take their sports clothes with them to work or who set firm appointments with friends to ensure they spend their free time constructively. It's best to create an incentive to place the activity directly on one's calendar, Allmer said.

Time management programme
Then there's the excuse of burdensome chores such as cleaning and shopping. Time management expert Seiwert encourages people to give themselves the necessary push. Make a plan to do those kinds of tasks for an hour and afterward do what you like to do, he said.

Seiwert considers a commitment to doing something for oneself part of a clear time management programme. For example, he says when someone simply wants to stay home and read a book, he or she should make a date to do that, almost like signing a contract.

However, free-time experts warn people about activities.

"Everyone has to find out for himself what activity brings the most relaxation," Allmer said.

Some are into jogging; others are better off taking up yoga. And it's important to keep priorities clearly defined. "It's okay to hang out or watch television," Konnerth said. But it's important to enjoy whatever the activity is and not have a bad conscience later about having wasted time. - Sapa-dpa