Summer isn't quite over yet and if you’re anything like me, you just want to be outside, packing in your days with as many fun activities as possible. The issue I have been facing this year though is that due to some personal issues, I have been facing a real slump. If you’re struggling to find the motivation to get back out there, then this post is for you.
Whenever life throws curveballs your way, it can be hard to adapt. You may find yourself more anxious or perhaps generally miserable. What does your life look like anymore? What do you do when your whole daily routine changes? This change can come about from the loss of a loved one, a job change, moving house or after a break up.
Firstly, it’s important not to neglect yourself or your responsibilities. It’s so easy to fall into a depressive state when something bad happens in your life, but holding onto the basics is crucial in not letting yourself fall. After that, the rest should be pretty fun. The best way for building a new routine is trying out different things that you think you’ll enjoy and seeing what sticks, so here are five ideas to try out…
Gym - this isn’t something I personally enjoyed that much as it’s all indoors BUT it is a great place to not only develop a new routine, but take care of your fitness too. You pay a monthly membership so you can go as many times as you want. You will meet other people who in time may become your friends, especially if you go at the same times weekly. Exercising in the gym is also a great way to take your mind off things. You don’t need to focus on anything else except what you’re doing in the moment.
A new hobby - this could be joining a sports club like tennis, rowing (or my personal favourite horse-riding) but it could also mean joining a film club, book club, art class, etc. There are so many different things to try out and it’s a great way of meeting new people with similar interests. The easiest way to get started is by asking in a community Facebook page as someone will know what’s happening locally. There are also local newspapers or there may be adverts on notice boards in local businesses but it can be harder to find what you’re looking for. The best way is to ask people or see what people recommend. The only downside, is that a lot of clubs require membership so again, it costs money.
Photography walks - this could constitute as a club but the best thing is it is something you can do by yourself or with friends without needing to spend any money. Focusing on taking photographs when you go out for walks, you’ll be paying more attention to the beauty that surrounds you (which should help improve your mood). Sometimes I would struggle with prompts but this is where apps like Gurushots are perfect. They have different competitions where you submit photos and each competition has a theme. As well as that, you vote for other people’s photos and that can be inspiring as you see other people’s artistic view.
Local Fayres - The good thing about summer time to get out of a slump is that there are usually a lot of local events going on. Facebook is great here as well as most people will set up events there so you can see what is going on near you and when it is. Going to these even for an hour or so is a great way to see what’s going on, possibly meet some new people and even come away with a souvenir. Entry for local carnivals or fayres is usually pretty cheap, but bigger events (with bands, food, entertainment) are more expensive so take a look around to see which events are the most interesting to you and that you would gain the most from.
Heritage sites - For about the last year, I’ve been an English Heritage member and although it’s a paid membership, it’s a great feeling going on sporadic days out and not having to pay anything then and there. It also motivates you to go out and visit different sites when otherwise, it may not interest you as much. It’s a great way to meet people and learn a bit about history. The volunteers there are always very friendly and often have great stories (even spooky ones).
The thing is, getting back out there and rebuilding your life is hard at any age. It’s difficult dealing with grief and trying to move forwards from a prominent chapter of your life. The best thing you can do, is allow yourself time to be sad, but also challenge yourself to go and do things you wouldn’t normally do. It doesn’t have to solve all of your problems, but it should help you heal and feel happier, if only a little bit.
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