Coloring provides many of the health benefits drawing or sketching provides, in addition to being more accessible if you feel you can’t draw well. Many stores sell adult coloring books that provide complex patterns for the older artist. Painting is a great creative outlet if you have the materials and time necessary. [2] X Expert Source Erin Conlon, PCC, JDExecutive Life Coach Expert Interview. 31 August 2021. Painting allows you to work with color, which exercises different creative muscles than drawing.
Write a book or short story. Working on a longer project will keep you occupied for a long period of time and ensures you always have something you could work on. There are writing events and communities available to offer you advice and keep you on track. [3] X Research source Start a gratitude journal[4] X Expert Source Erin Conlon, PCC, JDExecutive Life Coach Expert Interview. 31 August 2021. Draw pictures to go with your story to combine several fun creative skills into one activity. Write a letter. A handwritten letter shows a degree of effort and thought and can make a friend’s day, particularly if you haven’t seen them in a long time. Find a pen pal. Writing to someone in a different country is a great way of understanding different cultures, and meeting new and interesting people.
Vlogging, gaming, and live streaming are a few video genres that are popular on the web. YouTube, Twitch, and other similar video hosting/live streaming sites can let you earn money for attracting an audience with your videos. Your new hobby could turn into your new career. [5] X Research source
Pick up some cook books from the library or buy some at the book store for some ideas. The Internet has plenty of websites dedicated to the art of cooking. Pick up a new recipe or upload your own to get feedback.
Rediscover subjects or activities you enjoyed in high school or college, such as a foreign language or photography. You may even have old textbooks or materials that can help get you started.
Choose a genre that you find exciting. Romance, thriller, non-fiction and supernatural are just a few of the options available. If you want to try a genre you are unfamiliar with, borrow a few books from the library to avoid paying for something you may not enjoy! Read the news to help keep you abreast of the current world events and broaden your horizons.
Parks, pools, playgrounds or museums are just a few of the places that are within walking distance from most neighborhoods. Pinpoint walking routes or places of interest to visit while on your walk with your phone’s GPS app. Be careful when walking in unfamiliar or dangerous areas of town. Plan ahead and lead others know where you are going.
Join a gym if you want to meet new people while working out. Gyms offer a trial period you can take advantage of to see if it’s a good fit. Try meditating. [10] X Expert Source Erin Conlon, PCC, JDExecutive Life Coach Expert Interview. 31 August 2021. Download an application that helps track your exercise or makes a “game” out of the activity. These apps may give you the nudge you need to start exercising and stay exercising. [11] X Research source
Look through fashion magazines and websites for some inspiration in where to take your next look. Invite a friend over to exchange fashion tips or suggestions. Or take a trip to the mall and do a little window shopping for a little visual help.
Old toys, clothes, furniture and accessories are good options for clearing space from your house. Use the internet to sell items. Websites such as eBay and Craigslist help connect you with those who want to buy your old items. Social website such as Facebook have local community groups that can be used to sell your items to those in your neighborhood. Donate your old items to charity if you can’t find a way to sell them. Good Will or other charitable organizations will gladly take your items, and you may be able to write off some donations for a tax break. [12] X Research source
The Internet is a great place to show off your creative endeavors, such as writing, painting or drawing. Sign up for forums or other user groups that share similar interests to make new friends and exchange ideas.
You’ll find a lot of fun outdoor activities when you take regular walks, so get outside! Check your neighborhood bulletin board if available to see a calendar of upcoming events. Outdoor concerts, wine tasting or hay rides are just a few of the local activities you might find in your neighborhood. Visit local history. Your local historic district will have plaques and monuments on display highlighting important historic events that can offer an afternoon of education.
Keep an eye out for game sales on the App Store or game service of your choice. Purchase used games to save money. Games for video game consoles or the computer can be expensive. Card games, Sudoku or jigsaw puzzles are also a great way of killing time while keeping your brain alert and healthy. [13] X Research source
Take your dog (or cat) out for a walk. Both you and your pet will get exercise, and you’ll run into plenty of animal lovers who will love to come over and chat. Teach your pet new tricks. Some pets love learning new tricks. Teaching them how to do something new provides a few long term goals for the both of you. Take your pet to an animal park. These parks are designed to give the pet an open area to play, and their owners a place to socialize. Check your state website for a list of parks and their locations.
Set up a group chat and add several friends’ phone number to the contact list. Text is a great way of contacting everyone at once if you are setting up a time to hang out. Give your parents or siblings a call to see how they’ve been. Family members are friends too! Ask about your extended family and see if there are any family events being planned that you can attend.
Head to a restaurant. Getting food is a fun and important social experience that brings people together and strengthens social ties. Just make sure everyone puts down the cell phone. [15] X Research source Let everyone have some input. Just because you arranged the hang out doesn’t mean that you own the floor. Find out what sounds agreeable for everyone and come to a consensus on what to do next.
Sign up for online communities such as Meetup, Tribe, and Picatic to find existing communities located close to your area. Clubs exist even for activities which are considered solo activities, such as reading or painting. You can get together to discuss the reading or share techniques. College is a great place to join a club and meet people to hang out with on a regular basis.
Make sure you party responsibly. Don’t get too carried away and respect the environment if you aren’t holding the party. If you are hosting the party, set some rules for the party guests to keep things from getting out of control. For example, set a drink limit or make sure they have a safe way home if they plan on drinking. Use a taxi service such as Uber or Lyft if you need to get home from a party, but don’t have a designated driver who can give you a ride.
Make sure everyone has enough time to see the trip through from start to finish. If taking a longer trip or road trip, make sure you have enough money and supplies to last the expected time the trip will last, as well as an emergency stash just in case. Plan ahead. The more complicated the trip, the more research you should perform ahead of time. Plan a general route and take note of important stops such as gas stations, hotels and hospitals. [16] X Research source Let others close to you know where you are going if you are going to be gone for an extended period of time.
