Freelance work always comes in waves. You’ll be the talk of the town one week, and then there will be nothing but silence in your inbox the next. Freelance dry spells are almost inevitable. So, what is there to do during the downtime?

Keep a Schedule

Even without regular work, you should maintain a regular schedule. Wake up at the same time every morning, get ready for work, and get settled in front of your desk. This discipline gives you the structure to seek out work, touch up your portfolio, and still leaves room for a well-deserved afternoon break.

Stay Connected

Reach out to friends and colleagues in the business. If you are a freelance writer and know others in the field, get in touch with them. They might have ideas for your dry spell or extra work to throw your way. Additionally, contact old clients you haven’t heard from in a while and offer them a 10% discount; you never know what kind of business you can drum up just by keeping in connected.

Straighten Up

When you’re super busy, your desk probably reflects it. If your workspace is loaded down with papers, books, and pens, use this time for some deep cleaning. File away important documents, straighten the bookshelves, and don’t forget to dust!

Refine Your Portfolio

How long has it been since you reviewed your website, blog, social media, or portfolio? Ensure all your information is completely up to date. Outdated information can make you look less professional and might scare off potential clients.

Learn New Skills

There are countless places to take short, informational courses. You could explore Photoshop on Udemy, SEO classes at Skillshare, or web development tutorials on YouTube. Many of these are affordable or even free. You’ll never be short of something to do when you are learning new things!

Evaluate Your Business Model

Are you charging enough? Is your blog professional? Should you update your Facebook page to reflect new niches? A few free hours can help you evaluate your business model and see if your plan needs tweaks. Also, consider your contracts; if you’ve been burnt by missed payments in the past, use this time to update your terms for future clients.

Take Some Time Off

Maybe you’ve been working too hard. If the work isn't there today, take the day to recharge. Go to a movie, go bowling, or just take a stroll. When was the last time you played Daytona USA? There is a whole world out there, and you can tackle your work problems with fresh energy tomorrow.