I need a hobby!

[Jwp]

Hi guys. First time poster, long time sufferer of depression and anxiety (10 years).

I find myself lost. I'm about to turn 38 and due to injuries and a body that it aging at a very fast rate, I no longer have the ability to do the things I love. So, I've lost my "escape" or my "happy place"

I have played rugby league my whole life, finally gave it away at 36. That was winter sorted. For summer, it was water skiing/wakeboarding.
My wife and I recently packed up our lives and moved from Canberra to Toowoomba, so not knowing anyone up here and the costs of owning a ski boat, we sold the boat 12 months ago.

Due to shortage of money, I have found it very difficult to find "something to do". My wife owns 2 horses, so she has her happy place. I enjoy camping, but it's not something I'm able to do all the time (work some Saturdays, chores at home, lack of money).

Getting old sucks!

My question is to people that have played/enjoyed sport their whole lives, what did you do when the sport stopped???

I've tried photography. Which I enjoy, but it's not overly fun/exciting.

I used to be good at going out and meeting people, but my anxiety has put a stop to that.

Any help/feedback/suggestions woukd be very much appreciated!!

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

well done in identifying a problem and being proactive in finding a remedy.

Your problem is no different to someone retiring and have to rely on low income.

Most hobbies cost a lot of money. I can attest to that with my previous hobby of model airplanes.

What stands out for me is the possibility of your wife’s horses and camping combined plus a bit of fishing etc. Imagine, floating two horses to a suitable place, pack tent, sleeping bags and easy cook dinners etc for two days of riding and camping.

worth a try?

Use search bar top of the page

- camping

- Distraction and variety.

TonyWK

[TheBigBlue]

Hi Jwp,

Do you follow any sports teams? Perhaps you could go watch some live games sometimes?

What about coaching a kids league team? That would enable you to still be really involved in the sport without being the one on the field. This could also get you involved with the club & you might meet like minded people & find new mates this way.

Do you follow the NRL? I’m sure if you start an NRL thread in the social section I would post in it often.

[Rob851]

Hi jwp

your story sounds like mine. There’s 2 hobbies I have picked up, if your mechanically minded I bought an old car and learning the basics to restore it.

another is an aquarium, might sound stupid but it can get complicated sometimes and how far you go plus it’s a nice look. I went down the path of a saltwater tank and it’s just as busy as some hobbies, setting up, testing water, making the salt water and tonnes of fish and coral to look into.

good luck