There are many situations that can suddenly provide a person with much more free time than they are used to having. Perhaps you have become recently unemployed. Perhaps you have retired. Or, perhaps you work seasonally, and are now in the off season. Whatever the reason, you may need activities to fill your time, such as quilting classes, hiking, or something else you enjoy.
For the first few days, you might appreciate having nothing to do but lie around in your pajamas watching reruns of old sitcoms. However, this gets old very quickly. If you do not figure out some ways of staying active and productive, boredom and depression can settle in. You will need to have a plan in mind to combat those things.
While some people have the type of personality where they easily stay active and find things to keep them occupied, others need a push. If you are the second type, it helps to make commitments that will require you to to be there, like taking a class. Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to structure your time.
1. Don't be afraid to try new things. Think about all of the things you have always wanted to do: making quilts, knitting sweaters, writing poetry. If you need someone to teach you the skill, sign up for a class. This may be the only time that your schedule will allow for that. This can be a great way to learn, and to meet new people.
2. Ask a friend to join you. If you have a friend or family member who is also unoccupied, ask them to come along. While classes are a great way to meet new people and make new friends, it can also be helpful to have someone you know along for moral support. And the bonus is, you will be helping that person to occupy their time, too.
3. Get out of the house every day. The occasional day spent indoors is harmless, especially when the weather calls for it. However, you should generally find a reason to get outdoors and out into public for at least a small part of each day. This will help to prevent feelings of isolation, which can also contribute to depression. Take a quick walk to the store, or a jog around the block.
4. Work on projects around the house. This is a perfect time to make sure your house is spotless. It is also a perfect time to tackle any repairs or home improvement projects you've been putting off. You can finally pain the kitchen, or clean out the garage. If you don't, you will kick yourself later for not doing these things when you had all that time on your hands.
Regardless of the reason for your sudden free time, it can be a gift, especially if you have savings or unemployment insurance that will help to get you through financially. Instead of being upset about your situation, look at it as the opportunity to finally take those quilting classes or write that mystery novel you've always wanted to write. Appreciate the time, and make good use of it.
For the first few days, you might appreciate having nothing to do but lie around in your pajamas watching reruns of old sitcoms. However, this gets old very quickly. If you do not figure out some ways of staying active and productive, boredom and depression can settle in. You will need to have a plan in mind to combat those things.
While some people have the type of personality where they easily stay active and find things to keep them occupied, others need a push. If you are the second type, it helps to make commitments that will require you to to be there, like taking a class. Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to structure your time.
1. Don't be afraid to try new things. Think about all of the things you have always wanted to do: making quilts, knitting sweaters, writing poetry. If you need someone to teach you the skill, sign up for a class. This may be the only time that your schedule will allow for that. This can be a great way to learn, and to meet new people.
2. Ask a friend to join you. If you have a friend or family member who is also unoccupied, ask them to come along. While classes are a great way to meet new people and make new friends, it can also be helpful to have someone you know along for moral support. And the bonus is, you will be helping that person to occupy their time, too.
3. Get out of the house every day. The occasional day spent indoors is harmless, especially when the weather calls for it. However, you should generally find a reason to get outdoors and out into public for at least a small part of each day. This will help to prevent feelings of isolation, which can also contribute to depression. Take a quick walk to the store, or a jog around the block.
4. Work on projects around the house. This is a perfect time to make sure your house is spotless. It is also a perfect time to tackle any repairs or home improvement projects you've been putting off. You can finally pain the kitchen, or clean out the garage. If you don't, you will kick yourself later for not doing these things when you had all that time on your hands.
Regardless of the reason for your sudden free time, it can be a gift, especially if you have savings or unemployment insurance that will help to get you through financially. Instead of being upset about your situation, look at it as the opportunity to finally take those quilting classes or write that mystery novel you've always wanted to write. Appreciate the time, and make good use of it.
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