Free time at home is a STRUGGLE

Hi @Ot2

I struggled with this for a long, long time as well... still do. But I now try to deal with it a bit differently. I still find things I enjoy doing by myself. One of them for example is 3D printing. So i now try to do prints for other people, sometime just as a surprise. It helps me to stay connected to other people and it makes me feel not so alone when i'm doing a hobby at home by myself, Because i'm doing it for someone else.

I also try to now look at time alone as improving my relationship with myself. It was suggested to me and does help, but only so much.

Also, try not to put pressure on yourself that everything we need to do has to have some big and meaningful purpose. There's no reason why it needs to be. A day of where there is no meaning other than just to relax is purpose enough a lot of the time. You could also look at some local community clubs or groups to join if you would prefer some time not by yourself in your free time. I joined a board game group which gives me a chance to get out, have a bit of fun, and spend some time with other people.

Hi @Ot2,

Ah I can really relate to this, I ruminate a lot too, for the first two days off work I was revelling in the chance to relax, then as the days passed the anxiety and pressure on myself to be 'productive' and doing 'worthwhile' things increased.

One new thing I've been doing is small crafting related things, like paint by numbers or puzzles or learning things off YouTube (which is how I started crocheting). I think what's helpful for me is that it can be something I focus on and be more present with, but at the end I'll also have a product to hang up, and feel like it was time spent that was worthwhile.

What do you do in terms of physical activity? That's something we can look at after and say it was helpful for our bodies, and helps with mood as well. Though I totally get that there can be a huge barrier to initiating it.

I hope you're able to find something that helps

@IceSkater @MJG017

I used to make music and share it on YouTube but I don't enjoy doing that anymore. I am really stuck again today with after work, feeling like I want to do something meaningful. I can't even describe that though. Like if someone is to ask, what gives meaning to something that you do, I wouldn't have an answer. I feel like I'm unaware of an overthinking cycle that I'm in, until someone gives me a fresh perspective. I feel exhausted continually looking for deeper meaning in things, in what people say, in what they do, in what I say and do, their facial expressions; I want there to be less pressure existing.

Hi @Ot2

That does sound tough. I'm also an overthinker, and what helps for me is being able to take specific steps or actions.

Maybe a starting point is just giving yourself permission to experiment? Exploring new things is something that's meaningful in terms of stretching yourself and experiencing more of life. Maybe if you used to make music you could try a different instrument, listen to artists you usually wouldn't, and see how that goes?