Success isn’t just about what you do when you’re working, but also what you don’t do in your downtime.

It’s easy to think that the most successful women spend every spare minute being productive. But the reality is different, according to psychology.

Highly successful women know the importance of using their free time wisely and there are certain things they avoid doing.

In this article, we’re going to dive into the eight things that highly successful women never do in their free time. 

1) They don’t spend all their free time working

Sure, highly successful women are hard workers. But they also understand the importance of balance.

Constant work without any downtime can lead to burnout, which is not just harmful to mental health but also detrimental to productivity and success in the long run.

Highly successful women make sure they’re not always “on.” Instead, they allocate time for relaxation and activities that recharge them.

They might love their work, but they know it’s essential to step away from it occasionally. This balance allows them to return to their tasks with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.

All work and no play doesn’t lead to success. It leads to exhaustion.

If you want to be highly successful, remember to give yourself a break every now and then.

2) They never neglect their health

I’ve noticed that highly successful women always make time for their health, even in their free time.

There was a time in my life when I thought success meant working tirelessly, often at the expense of my health.

But then I looked at the lives of highly successful women I admired. They all had one thing in common: they prioritized their health.

Whether it was a morning run, a yoga class, or simply choosing a healthy meal over fast food, they made sure their bodies were well taken care of.

This shift in my perspective changed my life. I began to prioritize my health too, and not only did I feel better physically, but I saw a significant improvement in my productivity and overall happiness.

Taking care of your health is a crucial step towards achieving success.

3) They don’t waste time on unproductive activities

In the age of technology, distractions are everywhere. From social media to TV shows, it’s easy to lose hours in activities that don’t contribute to our growth or success.

Highly successful women, however, are very mindful of how they spend their free time.

They avoid getting sucked into digital black holes and instead, use their time on activities that enrich their lives.

According to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends over 2 hours a day watching television.

That’s around 15 hours a week, which could be invested in self-improvement activities like reading, learning a new skill, exercising, or even networking.

So next time you reach for the remote or feel the urge to mindlessly scroll through social media, remember how valuable your time is. Every minute counts towards your journey to success.

4) They don’t neglect their relationships

Success isn’t solely defined by professional achievements. Human connection and strong relationships contribute greatly to a fulfilled and successful life.

Highly successful women understand this. They don’t spend all their free time focusing on work-related tasks.

They also invest in their relationships, whether it’s spending quality time with their family, catching up with old friends, or nurturing their personal relationships.

These meaningful interactions not only provide emotional support but also broaden their perspectives and help them stay grounded.

Building and maintaining strong relationships is a crucial part of success that is often overlooked.

Give time and energy to the people who matter most to you. After all, success is best shared with those you love.

5) They never stop learning

One thing that sets highly successful women apart is their insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge. They never consider themselves as ‘finished products.’

There is a beautiful quote by Albert Einstein that goes, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.”

This resonates strongly with the ethos of successful women. They always find time, even in their off hours, to feed their minds.

Whether it’s reading a book, listening to an educational podcast, or taking an online course on a subject they’re passionate about, they’re always looking for ways to grow and improve.

The act of learning isn’t just about gaining new information or skills. It’s also about embracing a state of openness and humility.

Acknowledging that there’s always more to learn can be both humbling and empowering.

Keep growing. Keep learning — the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth is a journey that never truly ends.

6) They don’t ignore their passions

Growing up, I loved painting. It was an outlet for my creativity and a way for me to express my thoughts and emotions. But as I got busier with school and then work, I found less and less time for it.

I realized that this is something many of us do. We let our passions take a backseat as we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life.

But highly successful women, they do things differently. They make time for what they love. They understand that their passions not only bring joy but also contribute to their overall success.

Reconnecting with my love for painting rekindled a spark in me. It gave me a sense of fulfillment that transcended into other areas of my life, making me happier and more productive.

Don’t let your passions fade away. Make time for them. Because in the end, it’s not just about success, it’s about living a life that you truly love.

7) They don’t neglect self-care

The hustle culture may glorify being busy as a sign of success, but highly successful women know better. They understand that self-care isn’t an indulgence, it’s a necessity.

Whether it’s taking a relaxing bath, going for a serene walk, meditating, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in silence, they make sure to incorporate activities in their free time that help them unwind and rejuvenate.

Psychologists suggest that self-care activities not only help in reducing stress but also boost productivity and creativity.

So remember to take care of yourself. Because you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing self-care is not just good for your well-being, but also for your journey towards success.

8) They never forget their ‘why’

The most successful women never lose sight of their purpose, their ‘why’. This guiding force is what drives them towards their goals, even when the going gets tough.

They remind themselves of why they started, what they’re working for, and who they’re becoming. This sense of purpose fuels their passion and keeps them motivated.

Always remember your ‘why’. It’s your compass in the journey of success. It keeps you grounded, provides direction, and is a constant reminder of what truly matters to you.

The balance behind success

Highly successful women understand that true success is about more than constant productivity—it’s about finding balance.

In their free time, they prioritize their health, relationships, passions, and personal growth, knowing that these are the pillars that support long-term success.

By avoiding burnout, neglecting self-care, or losing sight of their “why,” they create space to thrive both personally and professionally.

If you want to follow in their footsteps, take note: success isn’t just what you do during work hours—it’s how you recharge, learn, and live with purpose in your downtime.