How to start to enjoy life again.

[EvaDene]

Feeling just ...

Bored, anxious, unmotivated.

Feel life is passing me by.

How do I start to live again.

Would really appreciate some ideas and tips. Some small steps.

Sorry no tips, but following with interest.

@CitrusPocket - sorry you feel like this too.

Go for a walk. Just a brief one round the area, greeting anyone you pass (nothing spectacular, just a vaguely cheery "morning!" or whatever)

Put on some jolly socks, without caring whether they go with today's shirt.

Make the bed, with clean sheets if you have some.

Drink some fizzy water (I put a bit of PLJ in mine for flavouring).

Thanks.

I do walk each morning, but COVID positive at the minute.

My flunk doesn't link to COVID though. I sway from, small steps like making arrangements to meet a friend or see family...to something massive...move house, learn to surf...work abroad. Completely unachievable...

Join an evening class - college or dance/ singing, something creative? Learn an instrument?

I empathise

I feel like a shrunken jumper, which has been accidentally tumble dried in the wash. My life has contracted to a shadow of what it once was.

I need to expand my life again. Make it bigger. It just feels so empty without all the interactions from commuting to work, being in the office and meeting friends/family.

It feels like no one does anything anymore!

I’m thinking of volunteering just to get out and meet people. I don’t have much time, so it will evenings meetings (helping to organise community projects) and attending the odd weekend events. So low commitment - but could be more if I get into it. Is there anything like this available to you locally?

I have been working my way through a podcast called The Happiness Lab. I would recommend it if you are looking for small ways to improve your outlook

@Copasetic I did this in my 20s to meet people. But no one really talks in such classes, it sort of made me feel worse! Although have heard others making friends through pregnancy yoga, so definitely some groups are geared up to be sociable.

Echo the idea of volunteering. Try Meetup - company for walks and some other activities.

Volunteering.

Paddle-boarding? Much easier than surfing and you're not as limited where you can do it.
Pay between £30-45 for a beginner lesson, if you never do it again at least you've had a go.
Maybe wait a month or two more though, end of March maybe.

Get a dog?
Evening class/ online training?
Holiday?

If you are on social media, look up Paul Mort. Now, if you are offended by swearing, he's not for you but he talks a lot about how to motivate yourself & finding the excitement/enjoyment in life. He's got a coaching course coming up in February that's online for the month (Unstoppable 28) that might interest you. His story & take on things is interesting/insightful.

I hope you soon feel better OP

I'm glad you started this thread.

My personal circumstances are objectively very good, yet I too have this feeling of life passing me by. Some of this is exacerbated by being in Australia and the problems of travel to my UK family. Some of it the resentment at health problems resulting from teaching remotely for two years, on and off, that I'm grappling with.

I have a dog, book club, and volunteer once a week.

Bugger. I'm an advert for ingratitude.

[quote Toomuchnow]@Copasetic I did this in my 20s to meet people. But no one really talks in such classes, it sort of made me feel worse! Although have heard others making friends through pregnancy yoga, so definitely some groups are geared up to be sociable.[/quote]
I go to a beginners tap class. I'm rubbish at making friends (a bit socially awkward) and my friends are usually a bit more outgoing (the sort who make friends with everyone) and just swept me along with them, but I find everyone at that very friendly and it's really fun. Perhaps have a think about what type of thing might attract your sort of people and whether it might be the sort of thing people can mix with others well.

I feel this too. I know I can 'do' lots - I just don't. That is the problem - motivation.

I work long hours, I 'give' all day in a public sector job. I feel I've nothing left for me.

Some good tips I'll try above though.