How do we get more out of life?

[sumnus]

So, Sunday night ponderings. I'm wondering how I can get more out of my life and spend my time more wisely.

(Am mid-forties, work full time, limited budget, no kids and have a DP who is pretty much occupied 24-7 with a doctorate).

Any inspiring stories or advice on how to get more out of my evenings, weekends and annual leave?

I'd really recommend reading a book called "4000 weeks", it changed how I think about time and how I spend it.

Hello
I know how you feel. I am in the same boat.
Mid 40s need a better job (have spent the day looking online for vacancies)
Need to focus on my own health want to take kids more places but stuck due to COL too.

@Shipsafeinharbour could you give us a synopsis

What do you enjoy? What are your passions? Where do you want to be in life. What do you want to change about your life?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Thousand_Weeks:_Time_Management_for_Mortals

From Wikipedia, if that helps?

What do you want more of? Start there and work backwards.

Some things you could do

• start a side business
• book a retreat
• evening classes
• write a book

The threads about people do alone at weekends have lots of ideas too.

Yes, I'm familiar with Oliver Burkeman's work. His ideas are certainly a factor in my thoughts this evening :)

• start a side business
• book a retreat
• evening classes
• write a book

I do all of those things already. My last retreat was last week as I had annual leave, it's not something I can afford to do often.

In a year from now how would you like life to be different?

Or split a piece of paper in 2 and write things you want less of on one side and more of on another side. For example one of mine is less screen time (a work in progress!) more fresh air.

The last few days I have spent time writing a list of what is important to me, but also noting how I spend my time in ways that don't serve me. I definitely want to spend less time scrolling or in front of screens.

Or split a piece of paper in 2 and write things you want less of on one side and more of on another side. For example one of mine is less screen time (a work in progress!) more fresh air. Snap!

Write a 'bucket list' of all the things you would like to do. Pick your top three and start working on how you can achieve those. Gradually work through the rest of your list . . .

I don't know if I have much of a bucket list. I took a career break no so long ago and got a few things out of my system. But I draw a bit of a blank now and feel a bit boring.

How to Do Everything and Be Happy by Peter Jones is a similarly interesting book for those looking for recommendations.

It's interesting because I want less screen time
But i also Seek connections hence looking on social media, even MN

@FatAndFiftySomething thank you.

It looks very depressing

Why don't you get yourself a sociable hobby? Spots or yoga classes,
Book club, something you could do a bit of competing like archery?
.... the possibilities are endless!

I've recently ditched a lot of stuff (my bike, gym membership, water colour supplies...) to focus on one hobby 3x week lessons plus "homework" with the view to start competing in autumn. So the one thing I am doing, I will do to the best of my abilities.
Do Less, but do it well is my motto now.
As before I did 101 things but never to a level I was fully satisfied. Now I am reaching for the stars and will definitely get a pop at grabbing them!

Hiking - friends/solo or with a group.
I honestly love it.
I do the shorter ones alone (less than 15 miles) but longer I go away with a friend who is as in to it as me.

You get the great mix of nature, exercise and chat if with people or podcasts/music or just silence if alone.

Just come back from one with a friend but have a solo mission of walking Welsh coast (not all in one go).

Makes me appreciate being able enough to do it currently as I don't take health for granted and also home comforts when I finish as well especially after a long one.

Why don't you get yourself a sociable hobby? I have a sociable hobby :) It is a bit out of my comfort zone but comes with a social side too.

Makes me appreciate being able enough to do it currently as I don't take health for granted and also home comforts when I finish as well especially after a long one.

Yes, I agree, especially a hot bath after a walk with inclement weather! Normally a short one on a Saturday morning for me, or longer ones on a Sunday. I think with walking, I feel like everything in striking distance is getting a bit "samey". I've even thought this is why it's important to move house a few times in your life, just to have somewhere new to exhaust.

You do sound to have a lot going on, OP. Might it be worth considering dedicated time each day to rest and relax, which might help?

@BottomlessBrunch maybe a dumb question but how do you get into hiking properly? We have so many nice walks around here, I can step out of my front door and walk for miles but like, where do I go? How do I know I’m doing it right? At some point do you just turn around and head back? I always feel like I’m missing the best bits because I have no idea what I’m doing haha.

OP I discovered ‘Outdoor Adventure Girls’ groups this weekend, trips away to home Snowdon etc. If only I had the fitness and time! A goal for me.

I feel you as I really want to squeeze the juice out of life. I feel like I do, I am depleted, but is life ever depleted? There is sooooo much to do and so much fun to be had and so many possibilities. It’s impossible to do everything I want to!

You do sound to have a lot going on, OP. Might it be worth considering dedicated time each day to rest and relax, which might help?

Yes, absolutely. I've learned that at this age I can't ignore the need for good sleep and proper rest and relaxation. I could get away with being 100% on it in my 20s and 30s, but nowadays I need proper downtime every week, a daily meditation routine, good sleep hygiene etc.

i walk loads and love it, but would like to do some on my own as i always feel frustrated if others aren’t free for a walk. Do you walk rurally on your own- i know this may sound abit pathetic but do you get nervous alone if you are in the middle of nowhere or do you not worry?