Sometimes it can feel like you don’t have enough free time to relax or even to take care of chores and responsibilities, so understandably you may think you don’t have time to try new things. But a very important part of self care and taking care of your mental health is to make sure you take time to do things you enjoy. Even if you really like a certain activity, it can get old after a while.
Many people found this out last year after receiving stay at home orders. There is only so much television you can watch, home workouts you can do, or baking recipes you can try! There are lots of different hobbies out there that you should consider trying in your free time before you reach retirement age.
Writing
Even if you don’t fancy yourself a wordy person, you should definitely give writing a try at some point. You don’t have to write professionally, and no one other than you ever even has to read your writing. You can start by just journaling and writing down your thoughts and feelings. This can be really freeing and healing for people and is actually recommended by many therapists as a way to let things go. Write them down and they’re not in your head anymore. Plus, writing can be fun! You might find you enjoy it more than you expected to.
Pottery
Making things with your own two hands can be really gratifying and fulfilling. Start simple, especially if you don’t consider yourself a “creative” type, and start with something you will be able to get some use out of. Make a mug or a small bowl with clay and see how it turns out! Remember that handmade things are supposed to have variations and don’t need to be perfect. Who knows, you may find your new favorite hobby and end up selling your own pottery line one day!
Hiking
Getting out into nature is not only great for your mental well-being, it can also be great exercise. Try bringing a friend or family member along and go someplace you’ve never been before. The great thing is that no matter where you live there should be at least a couple of hiking options within driving distance, and they’ll probably be totally different scenery than you are used to seeing at home. You’ll get to see all kinds of wildlife and plants that you don’t normally get to, and the best part is it’s free!
Trying different things in your spare time could be just what you need to get out of a slump, or just a great way to expand your mind. Try the ideas above and then add in some more of your own.