There is no denying that, nowadays, people live at a faster pace than ever before. Everyone gets bombarded with endless smartphone notifications, trying to juggle career and familial responsibilities. Life, today, can be super overwhelming, coming at people from multiple angles, forcing everyone to have much-needed downtime now and again, so as to avoid burning out. One can say that the need to unwind is now mandatory for most, as various types of stress gnaw at our mental and physical well-being daily.
In the past, most individuals associated leisure with indulgence, such as going on lavish holidays, preferably to a sun-soaked beach. Or treating themselves to a night out at a fancy restaurant. Going on a weekend escape to a countryside retreat was another popular choice. While these things still are cherished escapes for most, we think that leisure in modern times is not limited to them. Evolving cultural trends and tech advancements have given us opportunities to attain novel experiences that resonate with us in different ways. There are also ones that have always been here, but which we have somewhat forgotten, because of societal shifts.
Some of these things we wish to present below, giving ideas on how readers can enjoy themselves in new or neglected forms of leisure. Read on to discover four ways to unwind, grow, and connect, while taking a break from fast-paced living.
Mindfulness – Recharge at Home
Without question, current Western culture celebrates the hustle. The grind. The quest for monetary wealth and status, at the cost of spending massive amounts of our human resources, which depletes our physical and mental energy. That is where mindfulness and wellness practices can come in as antidotes to the chaos modern needs have imposed on us. By these, we primarily refer to activities like meditation, yoga, and soothing baths. They require nothing more than time, a quiet corner/bathroom, and an open mind.
If one is unsure how to engage in these, a range of established apps used by millions worldwide, such as Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer, are here to help. There are also local studios in most areas offering in-person sessions, and some even virtual ones. These let downtime turn into an opportunity for inner exploration/rejuvenation. They lower cortisol levels, improve focus, and enhance emotional resilience. So, their benefits are immense, and they surpass the restorative power most weekend getaways deliver, without asking for much of a monetary investment. Plus, they foster a sense of self-care and accomplishment.
Online Activities – Learning/Playing in the Digital Realm
The internet has changed many things. It is probably accurate to say that it has changed all things, as it has morphed screens into gateways for growth, discovery, connection, and so much more.
Going to some of the above-mentioned workshops in a physical place can provide different social perks. Yet, some people do not have the time to make the trip, or are too introverted to sit for hours in a space packed with strangers. That is where enrolling in online courses comes in. The Web has ones on anything, and they are all highly immersive games, often featuring virtual communities. Video gardening guides can be surprisingly satisfying to watch, on account of time-lapse videos and viewing normal people work with their hands to create life, lush plants that start off as mere seeds.
Without argument, platforms like Skillshare, Coursera, and MasterClass have made learning from masters accessible to all. And, if someone does not find acquiring new skills appealing, then there is always playing games. Gaming has evolved into a pursuit that stretches beyond mindless entertainment. Narrative-driven titles like The Last of Us deliver emotional storytelling that rival a great novel. For those looking for a dose of excitement, there are plenty of gambling picks, like the Aviator game at NetBet or other online casino products. High-end gambling platforms have thousands of gaming options, most of which can get enjoyed in demo mode and on phones for those not willing to take any financial risk, but just wanting to get a taste of Vegas-style fun.
Creative Workshops - Self-Expression Through Art
We all have a creative side. It is just that most of us have not dared to explore it. The easiest way to start is by taking courses in pottery, painting, mixology, and the like. Fields where most people taking beginner classes are likely to be total newbies. Accordingly, everyone participating is equally inept at these things but highly enthusiastic about learning. That means – no pressure.
They are also tactile pursuits, giving hands-on experiences, which are a great departure from digital ones, which too have their place, and we will get into them below. Pottery classes, for instance, invite participants to mold raw clay into art, and functional objects. That can also be meditative and super empowering. Shaping clay can induce a flow state, where time and stress fade away. Painting can do the same, especially abstract expressionism, where painters get encouraged to channel their feelings, and not attempt to copy something, painting it as lifelike as possible. No judgment is present in creating the abstract, only blended colors or experimental brushstrokes.
These are only a few ideas for workshops one can attend. We are sure readers can come up with loads more, which offer a tangible reminder that leisure can be both productive and soul-satisfying.
Performance Arts - A Dose of Local Cultural Sophistication
In most cities in the UK, there are quality cultural happenings taking place every week. These are not limited to theater or concert halls, but too occur at bars, museums, galleries, or historical sites, and the like, delivering the same emotional and sensory impact that one can get from live music shows at prestigious venues, like, let us say, an opera house.
Even hosting neighborhood nights outside, where friends share playlists or strum guitars, can be an intimate, yet vibrant way to unwind. Though it may be hard to come by, they are around, and the best way to discover what lies around the corner, what cultural riches are in one’s backyard, is to check dedicated tourist sites or Facebook event listings. Attending live performances of any kind is sure to boost mood. The entertainment should only be heartfelt and honest, and that is enough to serve as a cultural counterpoint to the everyday grind.
