How to have fun without spending money?

[Erinsmol]

Just after some tips and inspiration really! I became disabled two years ago after being an athletic and outdoorsy person all my life and I just still haven’t really learnt how to have fun without being active. I can walk medium distances like round a large shop (as long as I rest for a few days before and after) so I pass the time buying things and going to restaurants, which I really can’t afford so I end up bored and miserable about a week after payday because I’ve run out of ‘fun’ money. I have a young DD and I take her to play centres and the like on weekends, but I throughout the week I really struggle with boredom. Any ideas?

I love cleaning and decluttering but I’m a bit sick of it after two years straight, same with tv shows and other things that I can do while stuck in the house. I do have a bit of money spare, if I can find cheaper things to do then I can stretch it out for the whole month hopefully.

Thanks!

Sorry to hear about your long COVID. I have myasthenia gravis and it's similar in that fluctuates wildly. Before I had it I was always active and if nothing else a happy activity would just be a long walk somewhere. It's so hard find a new way of being.

I would definitely say consider becoming a trustee. This is one of the best things I have done this year. I can read the paperwork etc in bed if needed and everyone understands that we won't make every meeting. Your skills would be really beneficial.

I am also finding activities like swimming slowly work as I know I can get out of the pool whenever I am hitting my limit (whereas walks etc are hard as once my symptoms get bad I simply can't send a message to my muscles to work)

Other hobbies might be things like photography?

Or a book group (I don't always make it to mine but I join in the chats in our online group)

But in all honesty I am struggling for ideas for the myself so am also following this thread with interest. So many things I used to love feel out of reach

What about something like bird watching if you like the outdoors? Many nature reserves you can sit in the car or they have nearby picnic benches where you can get good view but not have to go far from the car.

Or fishkeeping? start with a small tank of community fish. If money is an issue there is always loads of cheap stuff on facebook marketplace.

Community choir? Nothing gives me more joy than singing, it's so good for your mental health. I also second a local book club, attend in person when you can for the social contact, and join in online when you're having a bad day? Good luck x

How about puzzles? I have just got in to them and I am really enjoying them. I pick them up from charity shops for next to nothing.

I have an idetic memory and I’m good at maths, problem solving and reading people.

I play chess. You can play online or in person, casually or competitively, fast or slow. My friend at the club who has CFS/ME can't participate in all the events he might like, but there are many he can do. It's a very cheap hobby unless you are a top-level player who needs to travel in order to lock horns with suitable opponents.

You might also like poker or bridge.

You can have some quite cheap evenings out going to school plays (secondary schools) and amateur productions. Might make your money go further? School fetes and things also always need people to come and spend their money. You'd be supporting the community and getting out somewhere different for not too much cash.

Board games?

I like reading and get most of my books from charity shops. Puzzles in newspapers are free and puzzle books aren't too expensive. I can't leave a jigsaw puzzle alone when I start and they're fairly cheap in places like the Works so if for you, you can get a few and rotate.

If you don't want to stand too much, Tai Chi can be done sitting - search online classes for seated tai chi.

You might feel it's important to get yourself out, even if you're not looking to make friends.

re: gardening worth keeping an eye on what comes into supermarkets as plants of cheaper, especially in spring/summer when. Have a quick google and see if it's the right size for a certain location and what level of sunlight it needs.

As the weather gets nicer, taking a sandwich/snack to a local park is nice - doesn't have to be loads of walking once you're there, just sit and watch the world go by.

If you like puzzles, have you thought about family history? It's like being a detective. You may be able to access subscription sites for free at your local library, and there's plenty of information on the internet as well. If your family are local, you may find information at the local archives.

I write a blog for a charity and I often struggle to get content from other volunteers. If you can't manage the physical side of volunteering, could you find a charity that has social media accounts and be a solid contributor ? e.g. one post a week on Instagram, a photo story for a blog/Facebook, one article a month for a blog? I know I and my manager would absolutely love this sort of contribution!

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/jan/19/you-have-to-set-time-aside-for-friendship-the-radical-power-of-hanging-out#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=16741476907643&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Flifeandstyle%2F2023%2Fjan%2F19%2Fyou-have-to-set-time-aside-for-friendship-the-radical-power-of-hanging-out

I found this an uplifting read and am thinking of organising more days out with friends where we do normal every day things rather than a meal out or even coffees out. I don't need a meal out, but I want and need to see friends and family so next week am planning a day where I will go over to a friends so we can trim each other's hair, thereby saving about 20 quid each as well as having a catch up over coffee at home. She's also invited me to stay for dinner on the day, bonus!

With another friend, we arrange to go into town once in a while when needing to pick up odds and ends, always nice to have a browse together and we leave feeling we've had a proper catch up.

Bring a dish meals are good ways to get together without it costing anyone too much. Or even popping round to a friends just for a cup of tea and taking some extra special biscuits or cake as contribution.

I realise I'm quite lonely and these are all ways to make life more meaningful and joyful, for me anyway.

Something that makes me feel on top of the world regardless of what's going on is exercise. A 15 or 20 minute workout, (YouTube and free) makes me feel buoyant for the rest of the day, and is an escape from my own overthinking, anxious, stressed brain. Having some work issues atm so doing things that are healthy distractions is a good outlet for pent up feelings.

If I'm struggling financially for example, it doesn't make the problem go away however I do feel able to think clearly and more in control. If I can move my body for exercise, I feel better able to cope with everything else.

Op states in their first post that they are disabled though. That they used to be active but can't be (same issue I am facing right now - I used to be non stop sporty, now walking to the kitchen is a challenge)

@SweetSakura yes thats true. I can't relate to the disability, however was hoping she could see what elements work for her from my posts.

You mention that you're interested in learning about gardening but don't know where to start. Do you have a garden? If so - there is a gardening forum on Mumsnet, and contributors are very helpful and knowledgeable. Why not post about your circumstances and your garden (or even a small outdoor area that could house some pots), and ask for ideas on how to start?

Gardening is very rewarding, always something new to learn - and it can be started on very little outlay.

Sex. But it can turn out expensive without the right precautions. Sorry I couldn’t resist.

Check out your local trip advisor for free things. We were amazed at the free things that people were recommending on there. If you’re willing to invest a small amount then things like card/board games are always a winner for rainy days (they are in our house anyway) You can pick them up cheaply in charity shops or car boot sales.

Can you swim or do hydro-therapy? Sometimes that can be really good and you don't have to go for long to get some benefit. I know it is becoming more expensive though.

If you can drive, can you get anywhere within a short distance with a flask of coffee just so you are outside for a bit. Leaving home everyday helps make you less restless.

Getting into your own garden with a coffee can be good especially if you have shelter. Layer up and it is pretty good.

Can you get a mobility scooter or electric bike for when walking is too much and still get out for a ride on that?

Could you volunteer for Cubs/Brownies etc? There is a lot more to it than hikes and camps! The activities my Cubs did diversified massively when I started working with a disabled assistant leader.