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Original poster

Staying sharp academically without sudoku.

135 replies

DoItTooJulia · 02/02/2015 21:27

I'm 35. Im busy, with demanding career, kids yada yada, and I just feel a bit, well, I don't know, is it bored? sluggish of brain? Out of the loop?

Basically, I miss having interesting stuff to learn about/get into.

Part of my problem is a reading drought, I'm just not reading for fun like I used to and I miss it, but I do read some journals like New Scientist and the New Humanist. I do get the odd London Review of Books, but tbh, I've found it a bit impenetrable at times. I'm not hugely cultured (theatre is a huge turnoff for me). I read the news, I'm interested in politics, but still this feeling of brain lethargy persists.

What do you do to stave this off? What can I try?

OP posts:
RosyAuroch · 03/02/2015 22:45

Try learning a mindfulness based meditation, great for general clarity and sharpness. Helps you notice all sorts of new things about familiar places/objects/tasks/routines that means your life ends up being much more stimulating.

meandjulio · 03/02/2015 22:08

My dh struggles to find the right book club as well - try the Radio 4 one - or the Mumsnet one in fact

meandjulio · 03/02/2015 22:07

I'm listening to spoken word podcasts while running - doesn't give you the 'oomph' of music but it's great nonetheless - am devouring Serial at the moment but the 100 objects might be good

DandyHighwayman · 02/02/2015 22:24

Thumbs up!

Original poster
DoItTooJulia · 02/02/2015 22:00

Oh, and what a wonderful link Dandy thank you, I'll get stuck into that for sure!

OP posts:
Bonbonchance · 02/02/2015 21:59

Have you looked at Futurelearn courses? All free, really flexible & on a variety of topics. You just sign up on the website, it tells you how many weeks it takes & how long you should spend each week. I'm currently on course 3,4,5 at the same time!

Original poster
DoItTooJulia · 02/02/2015 21:59

I do feel a bit stagnant with work, but for lots of reasons, I'm staying where I am progression wise/ job wise for a few years yet. I have been exploring my options a little bit re work, wondering if it's part of the problem.

I did do a book club, but I found the book choices dull. I'm difficult to please! I like books that aren't chick lit, but not terribly highbrow. (Although I do read both, I prefer a weightier book. Iyswim?) and I think the drought isn't helping. I have a stack of books I want to read, so I don't want to read a book that isn't in that pile! Maybe it was the group.

I've started running, but it doesn't help with the intellectual stuff I'm missing.

I have a friend who is a parliamentary candidate. Maybe I should do more for her, great idea meandjulio

OP posts:
DandyHighwayman · 02/02/2015 21:40

Also, have Radio 4 in the background, in the car

Download the 100 objects series here

yy to taking up music, rock up and sing/community choir to start

meandjulio · 02/02/2015 21:37

I'd agree with Parietal.

Have you tried a book club? May seem like a cliche but it's the absolute highlight of my month, every month.

What's your next step at work? Do you have a mentor?

Could you volunteer for a parliamentary candidate? Maybe some phone calls for them? Having to argue/debate with people could get you feeling terrified more engaged with life.

Parietal · 02/02/2015 21:34

I'm in a similar position. I do an evening class one evening per week (art) and it just refreshes me for the whole week. other friends of mine do choir or sewing classes or book group for the same effect. you need something that gets you out of the house and talking to people who have no connection to work or kids. It keeps you sane.