Running a business is busy work. Your time is your most valuable asset, and a truly free hour can feel like a rare luxury. But here’s the thing: how you use that hour, whether for yourself or your business, can have a huge impact on how productive, creative and calm you feel for the rest of the week. So, if you ever find yourself with a magical, unscheduled hour, here’s how to make it count.
1. Pick Up a Book (and Switch Off Your Brain)
Reading isn’t just relaxing - it’s one of the easiest ways to reset your mind. Studies show just six minutes of reading can reduce stress by up to 68%.
And it doesn’t matter what you read. A business book can spark new ideas, while a crime thriller simply helps you unwind. Either way, giving your brain a break boosts creativity, concentration and decision-making when you head back to work.
2. Go for a Walk
A simple walk is one of the best business tools you’re probably not using. It clears mental fog, improves your mood and gives your brain the space to join the dots on tricky problems.
Leave your phone behind if you can and just let your thoughts wander—you might come back with your next big idea.
3. Listen to Something Inspiring
Podcasts and audiobooks are great for busy entrepreneurs because they let you learn while you move. Listen to industry leaders share their stories, pick up tips on business strategy, or simply get inspired by someone else’s success.
Pop one on while walking, cooking or even tidying your desk.
4. Phone a Friend (or Have a Proper Chat)
When was the last time you had a real, unhurried conversation that wasn’t about work? Business ownership can feel lonely, and studies show that isolation affects performance and mental health.
Use that free hour to call a friend, meet someone for coffee or have a proper catch-up. The mental boost will help more than you think.
5. Plan Ahead (Future You Will Thank You)
It’s not glamorous, but spending a quiet hour clearing your workspace and planning the week ahead can make a huge difference.
A tidy desk reduces stress and boosts focus, while a clear plan for tomorrow means you can start the day running, not dithering.
6. Delegate Something (and Buy Back Even More Time)
If you found this free hour because you delegated something - brilliant. Now ask yourself, what else could I hand over?
The smartest use of your time is to delegate recurring admin tasks that eat away at your week, things like inbox management, scheduling or chasing invoices. Freeing just 20 minutes a day adds up to three full workdays a year. Imagine what you could do with that.
And yes, this is exactly where I can help.
Want More Free Hours Like This?
I help busy business owners clear their to-do lists, streamline their systems and get back their evenings, weekends and focus.
With over 30 years’ experience as a PA and business manager (including working with military leaders, school heads and managing teams of 19 staff), I know how to make your business run smoothly behind the scenes so you can focus on growth—and maybe even enjoy a bit more life outside of work.
👉 Book a call with me today and let’s start buying you back some time.
Authored by Lisa Jackson