This is a selfish question. I want the answer for myself. I'm a workaholic. I need suggestions, recommendations, maybe a little push, to get away from that computer and do something not even remotely related to work.
What do YOU do to relax?
I have worked remotely for almost 20 years. It can be very isolating and in my experience, a lot of people who work remotely and/or own a business know that anytime tends to be 'work' time (No 8 to 5 M-F, more like 5a to 8p and weekends too). To combat that, I have always made sure to have outside interests that require my presence - currently a women's Bible study group, a philanthropic sorority, and Elkettes. I have also been in book clubs and Kiwanis in the past. Some of these groups meet weekly, others monthly. This gets me out of the house and also gives me much needed time away from work and homework. I run/walk a few miles each morning from 5 to 6 with a neighbor (someone to keep me accountable, otherwise I'd never do it). I make it a point to go out to lunch at least one day every 2 weeks with friends.My kids are now grown and my husband travels frequently for work. I need the other activities to balance me out - otherwise I tend towards workaholic status too.
I do a lot of "guy" things: hunting, fishing, shooting etc. that may or may not interest you, but I also sew my own clothes (with a few exceptions like suits that I am not up to that skill level), cook, and dine out. I also go to mass every morning and belong to the Knight of Columbus. There are many clubs (even religious based ones like Eastern Star) that are for ladies. A nature walk down trails in a park would not only give great exercise, but you can see a lot of wildlife and interesting plants. Rachael mentioned book clubs, and I've done that too. They are great and you can search for one that meets your interest. I have also been a amateur radio (ham) operator and not only is that a great hobby in itself, but there are clubs based around it. You might even have a mall walking club in your community that gets together every morning when the mall is empty to walk. It's a great way to exercise and they talk about stuff as they walk around, and since it's indoors it's always good weather. If your children are grown or you don't have any, consider becoming a big sister with big brothers big sisters. I am going to be a big brother as soon as I get established with a new job I have. There is so many kids that need someone to do stuff with them that it's sad. The best part of that is that when you are done for the day the kid goes back home. :-)
All of the information has been fascinating! I love to hear about all of these interests. It's inspiring.
I'm a pet lover, although right now I'm refusing to go to the shelter to choose another one since my wonderful friend Baron died a few months ago at the age of approximately 14. Then we had to euthanize my son's 14+-year-old dog who visited me often. Can't bring myself to visit the shelter again yet. We'll see.
As a side-note, Bill, I was a Rainbow as a teenager. I would say that it was a great improvement to my teenage behavior, but then there was that incident at Grand Assembly when I poured a soft drink in my friend's hair after she deflated my mattress in the barracks. Not one of my better moments. My parents were not pleased. :(
I served on the Board of Directors for the Central Oklahoma Big Brothers and Big Sisters for years and was Big Sister to a beautiful little girl named Lori that I met when she was around 6 years old. I enjoyed that experience very much.
I love to read and belong to a club where they send me selections to choose from including experienced and brand new authors. I've always loved reading and grew up with the habit of having an average of 4 books going at one time. I'm back into that habit again recently, reading a chapter of this, a chapter from another, and one usually catches on so much that I can't put it down until I'm finished with it. Others are more the slog-through-it kind that I read because they have some information that I really want to dig out, but it's not particularly compelling.
Right now I work with 2 clubs where children learn about the Bible. Some of the Southern Baptists here probably know about AWANAS, which stands for "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed," from 2 Timothy 2:15.
This week I have been inspired to get on my rowing machine, even just for a few minutes. I only require from myself that I get on it, but once there, I usually do more than that.
Keep all these inspirational messages coming! They really are helpful.
I mentioned this in the facebook group, but I do enjoy actually going to the gym and taking the classes. It gets me out of the house and around people, even if just for an hour every few days. I am currently at home with my kids and my husband works a lot of awful hours, so this is how I have kept my sanity over the past several years. I also volunteer at their schools and in the community.
And I must admit, my coding studies have been an escape for me. I love learning and school in general, so I have really enjoyed being a student again.
When I am not studying I love to garden. I am an avid gardener. I have several large gardens here that bloom at different times of the year so I have flowers almost all year round. Gardening is very relaxing and soothing for me and sometimes my best thoughts occur when I am working in the dirt with my plants.
I like to read as well. I am currently doing some historical reading about a local town near my home. I grew up in an old town in a 200 year old house so old homes fascinate me and I love looking into their history.
I haven't had much down time recently due to the fact I have been in charge of setting up a blood drive every year at our church. I do all the publicity for it, (which is a lot of work) and contacting possible donors and lots of networking. It's a project my dad started 19 years ago and 4 years ago he passed away so we (my mom and I) have continued his legacy. Its planning starts in December and by May we are up and running. So now that it is done for this year (May 9th), I can take a break and catch up on all the other stuff that needs to be done and play in the dirt when I am not studying.