Good thinking. Really pleased to see someone realise this.

I don't know about the "best" way, but here's what I get up to:

I've been learning German, for the past few years. If I feel the need, I'll do some studying up on new words, new grammar usages, brush up on what I already know, or practice typing it somewhere, like with my German friend, type out a German diary entry, or something like that.

I'm a guitarist of just over 11 years, so that keeps me pretty busy, when I'm having a good guitar phase, which I'm currently in. I've been spending many, many hours ever day, lately, learning and practicing new pieces (recently learned Tears in Heaven, and Ain't No Sunshine, and I'm working on the Godfather theme tune, fingerstyle Jingle Bells.. hah.. and also Classical Gas, which is on hold until I can sort out my 1st or 2nd fret 'cause it's buzzing a lot, making it irritating as hell) new blues licks, scales, arpeggios, or just getting my head around some of the lingo.

I like to research, sometimes, so I'll study up on something that interests me; I sometimes lose track of time doing this.

I've been somewhat of a computer geek, since I was a young kid, but I got stuck in to hardware for the past 11-12 years, so both of those can bring up many, many interesting subjects, and plenty to learn. Sometimes I'll fix, upgrade, look up parts, manage my Facebook page (technology-focused) and so on.

A few years ago, I used exercise as a way to distract myself and deal with the abundance of stress; I don't do it, now, due to personal reasons that would take too long to explain, but I definitely recommend it.

It can be productive, if it helps you relax and cheer up, so I'll add that I also like to watch programmes and movies, ... mainly programmes, these days, as movies tend to have a higher chance of triggering my OCD/anxiety. I'm currently working through Stargate Atlantis, which I'm loving very much.

Probably a good few other things, like gaming (currently into Borderlands 2 quite a bit), of course chatting to friends, and whatever else.

I don't get out much ("disabled" by my MH problems) so I guess I've learned to amuse myself. xD