Now here’s a little something to toss up my other article on Time Management. You had time, you made use of it, and now you’ve got lots of it.

Firstly: Games. How can you not see games as a perfect way to kill time? Whether it’s a board game, an online game, or a video game – they are one of the best ways to kill time. There are many games on the internet in which you can earn points, and eventually up your levels or even use those points to gain prizes in the real world. Virtual prizes are also pretty cool. I used to play games like Runescape and Moshimonsters and reap the benefits, though most of the time it was only levelling up or getting more points or qualities. You kind of had to keep at it.

I’ve come across many puzzle games in my time on the internet that have become really addictive. Marbles games are one kind. I was trying to look for a marble game for my dad, and the next thing you knew, I was playing a marble game for hours, trying to beat this particular level. I kept getting stuck.

While there are free games, there are also paid options. Some games require you to subscribe. I’m not too familiar with many of these but one example is World of Warcraft. Not everyone is willing to fork out money for games, but when there are many benefits, what’s the harm? For example, there are bingo websites where you pay to play – but that amount you pay is given right back to you. It’s good value for money. Foxy Bingo is one of those websites that also has a community surrounding it. Communities are often a vital part of many online games and keep the game alive. A lot of online video games have it, and multiplayer mode allows you to interact with other people.

Some people, me included, like to participate in surveys to earn points. Later, these points can be traded for cash and you can get the money deposited in your account. I have earned about $100 from this over the last few years. It’s not a lot, but when you have 20 free minutes, it’s not so bad.

YouTube. I don’t know about you, but I get stuck on YouTube so much, it gets to a point where I hate it. If you’re one of those people who finds themselves with a lot of free time, YouTube could be for you. The possibilities are endless. And if you find a YouTuber that you like, subscribe to their videos. If you like one of their videos, chances are that you’ll like the rest, or most of them, at least. Getting stuck on YouTube is one of my biggest fears. There’s something there for everyone, whether you’re looking for something educational, humourous, music-related, real-life, or just plain stupid. I guess I fear it because one I start watching, I can’t stop. It’s probably one of the best ways to waste time, but you might end up mad at yourself.

Same goes for Tumblr, which really just started as easy blogging, but is now spam-land. There is a community there for many topics, and depending on what you like, you may find a group of people with similar interests. Browse the tags, follow who you’re recommended to follow, and you could be sitting there for six hours non-stop scrolling through your dashboard looking at all the hilarious images that come up.

But, enough about the internet.

Go for a hike in your neighbourhood, or even out in the mountains completely away from the internet. I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to visit a natural park and just walk through it. It’s like you’re miles away. And the feeling of lying down in a large open space and closing your eyes is incredible. You don’t even need to be in a natural park or some big mountain. You could be in the backyard. Fields are nice though. Sometimes, napping or sleeping is a wonderful way to kill time.

Reading. I don’t know how many people have told me that reading takes up sooooo much of their time, but if you’re looking to kill time, then read. Not many people like reading, which is fair enough, but you can always revert to comics if you must. Some people like magazines; others like newspapers, and some people like me like to read blogs. I also love reading novels but I know novels aren’t for everyone.

Fold paper stars! Origami! Something creative. I took up scrapbooking for a short time while I had a lot of time on my hands. It wasn’t something I stuck with, but while I did it, it was fun. You could be into painting or doodling… and don’t forget, photography is also a creative art. Some people might prefer the culinary arts, and want to bake a cake and decorate it. But let yourself free.

I like to walk around browsing the shops if I have free time. Sometimes I don’t intend to spend money and I do. Other times I promise myself that it’s strictly window shopping, and that’s it. But I do like walking around and looking in all the shops, maybe planning for my next shopping visit. (Note: This is different from sitting in front of eBay and bidding on everything I see. )

The Simpsons re-runs. I mean, not every show does re-runs, and sometimes you have to fish out your DVDs. But sometimes, a movie marathon or a television series marathon is a fantastic way to kill time. I’ve known people who have watched the entire Star Wars saga or Lord of the Rings trilogy in one go. Or, Harry Potter. I can’t say movies are for me, but if you enjoy something a lot, or you haven’t watched something, jump on a couch with a friend and just watch the day away with some hilarious show.

Try something new. Sometimes the best way to kill time is to waste it.