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I recognise most people here are still intending to get into romantic relationships, while I’m feeling that ship might have sailed for me. However, whether temporary or permanent, I’d love to know how people spend their leisure time at home that makes them happy. I thought I had found a good new hobby in reading wellbeing magazines, but the unread ones are starting to pile up, so I might only renew one or two subcriptions. I do like the movies, but prefer to see them at the cinema as that’s the main thing that gets me out of the house (other than going to coffee shops). I like reading but am quite particular about the books I enjoy, and take a long time to get through them. Other than having a pet, which I don’t fancy, what are some other good pastimes for this 48 year old guy to have? Are there any other online communities that are worthwhile? Podcasts or Audible audiobooks which speak to the single life experience? Ways to make one’s home nicer and make it feel more of a sanctuary (I already plan to keep my fridge stocked with things like chocolate milk and a few treats by planning my shopping better). Anyone followed the program in a book. for example Writing Down The Bones or The Artist’s Way, and found it therapeutic? I find myself with lots of spare time, a little disposable income, but not sure what to do at home but spending a lot of time here by default because there’s lots of outdoors activities that I don’t enjoy going to by myself. Homebodies and introverts especially, give me your tips for activities I can enjoy even if extroverts would see them as a waste of time!
Since you like reading, what about joining a book club? I joined one about a year ago and have really enjoyed it – it’s given a greater purpose to my reading and the social aspect has motivated me to read books I might not have picked up otherwise. If you can’t find one locally that seems like a good fit, you could always look for one online that’s geared towards the types of books you like.
Or what about taking a course online? Sites like Udemy seem to have lots of courses that are more hobby-ish than academic in nature, and many aren’t very expensive. I’ve never done one through them so no idea if they’re actually good, but might be something worth looking into.
For me, I’ve come to enjoy and appreciate cooking a lot more over the past year or so. I like trying new recipes, and no longer feel bad about cooking for one (before I just didn’t really think it was worth my time unless I was having people over, but I was wrong about that). I freeze the leftovers in individual portions for quick meals later, and i’ve come to really appreciate that on busy days too.
Just a few ideas. Hopefully others will have some suggestions as well, and I hope you find something that’s a good fit! Keep us posted!
How about volunteering? It costs should only your time and is a great way to both spend your free time meaningfully while helping someone who needs it. You can look into getting involved with an animal shelter or your church or a local food pantry or food kitchen.
And I agree with @marioosa about cooking and not denying yourself a “good” meal just because it’s for one.
Thanks for the replies. My book reading is a bit slow these days to keep up with the pace of a book club, but I have heard of “book salons” where people just talk about their reading lives, without having needed to read any particular book, those sound heaven!
I do like the idea of volunteering if I found a place that was a good match for me. I check the local volunteering web site from time to time but I’m a bit lacking in confidence so I’m not sure what skils I have to offer. I have read that research shows single people are often more engaged in the community and do more volunteering than those in couples, which contradicts the myth that single people are selfish.
Does anyone know of good online forums where a middle-aged guy would fit in with the chat? I enjoy reading the reader comments online at The Guardian newspaper so anywhere like that, such as a North American paper that allowed reader comments, might be a source of online socialising for me. All ideas welcome though!
Just a quick update. As a birthday present to myself I finally got a Blu Ray player for the first time. The picture quality looks good as my TV is quite modern too. I found a great article on foreign language cinema and my plan is to watch some of the classics from this list, as well as my existing DVD collection. I just wish I could be better company for myself when alone though and stop that nagging inner critic!
http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20181029-the-100-greatest-foreign-language-films
They say life is what happens while you are busy making other plans … I am waiting to see my GP practice nurse to discuss blood results which I already know show elevated blood sugar levels. While I am not jumping to the conclusion that I’m diabetic, I’m possibly at least pre-diabetic, and so will need to spend a fair bit of time both adjusting my diet and getting more exercise. Maybe it will be the wakeup call I needed so I am trying to be positive about it.
In other news, just keeping my apartment tidy is a struggle with my bipolar. My occupational therapist is referring me to a third sector organisation for a time for a big declutter (I won’t just be standing and watching, I will be participating too) because she said my home had become unmanageable. So even getting to the point of everyday life for most people will tax me sufficiently but I am hopeful about living in a nice environment again.
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