If you were handed an extra half-hour a day, what would you do with it? Read? Nap? Have coffee with a friend? Work out? Or just work?

Recently, Canadians across the country were asked that question as part of the annual Sun Life Canadian Health Index. The response was overwhelmingly in favour of more “me” time: 43% said they would do something for themselves, such as reading, watching TV or napping. Another 32% said they’d do something active, such as taking a walk or going for a bike ride. Only 17% said they would spend that extra time with family and friends. And a scant 9% said they would catch up on work (at home or on the job).

These results suggest a lot of Canadians want to add some “life” to their work/life balance. With that in mind, Brighter Life asked some popular family, finance and career bloggers — who have themselves been known to write about work/life balance — to answer the same question in a little more detail. Here’s what they said:

Justin Bouchard, personal finance blogger at Young and Thrifty:
I would spend an extra 30 minutes a day curled up with a good book!

Founder of a self-titled website for entrepreneurs, Evan Carmichael:
As an entrepreneur you grow a successful business by pouring your heart into doing something you love that also helps people. If I had an extra 30 minutes in my day I’d spend it doing something I’m passionate about that could also have a major positive impact on people’s lives.

Sara Hodge, blogger at Mums ‘n’ Chums:
Any time I have an extra 30 minutes in my day, I am sure to use that time for myself, guilt-free. More often than not, I spend that time on a quick siesta or power nap! I see a huge benefit in all aspects of my life when I give myself permission to recharge.

Eileen Chadnick, work-life coach and principal of Big Cheese Coaching and blogger:
I can think of at least 12 things to do in that time but if I had to choose one, I just might just try to do nothing. I’m good at doing, doing, doing but seem to have lost the art of “not doing,” which is important for renewal now and again. Maybe I’d try a “do-nothing meditation” or simply just relax and let my mind wander and see where my imagination takes me. Ahhh, that sounds nice. I feel a little renewed and more creative just thinking about it.

Marci O’Connor, lifestyle blogger at Being Marci:
As much as I’d like to add shopping, eating pie or catching up on TV to my wish list, if I had an extra 30 minutes in my day, I’d spend it walking, preferably with my husband! Walking just 30 minutes a day has been shown to reduce stress, improve energy levels and generally help to keep people nimble. If there happened to be a few minutes left over, I would definitely dedicate it to eating the pie, though.

Amrita Singh, personal finance and lifestyle blogger at the Frugalista Files:
I’d do something meaningful that costs very little (or no) money! Time is such a precious commodity these days! Thirty minutes could mean an awesome Skype or FaceTime call with my cute nieces and nephew in California. Or, I could knock on my neighbour’s door and ask to take her dog for a walk . . . just for fun! I’d also love to clean out my pantry and donate all the duplicate, non-perishable foods I might have.

Do any of these ideas for using bonus time sound good to you? Share your comments below.