Activities that fill the gap.

[FrankA]

Hi BB contributor,

I am not a person who likes labels. However, having a diagnosis to a particular set of symptoms increases the opportunities for recovery or at a minimum remission. I believe that I have a particular set of character traits that predisposed to developing dependencies and/or addictions.

Due to my recent exposure to debilitating illness, I have been force to flip my lifestyle 180 degrees. You know what? If the outcome is to live a healthy lifestyle, then what do I have to complain about!

So, the reason for this thread is to share the activities that you have added to your life to achieve your adrenaline rush or just for fun... I need to fill the gaps that remain from old lifestyle choices and the new normal. Any suggestions are welcome.

BTW- For me, I am not currently healthy enough to take advantage of all activities. That is not to say I won't try them out when I am further down the road to recovery.

Now share away. Franka x

[james1]

Hey Frank,

I'm sorry to hear about the illness, but here are some things I like:

- Ice skating

- Running

- Writing

- Learning an instrument

- Going on the swings at playgrounds

- Crafty things, even if basic like simple origami, preferably with friends

- Drawing

- Just going for a drive

- Snorkelling

The common thread amongst all of them is they're pretty relaxing so I'm not stressed, but they keep me occupied enough to not get stuck in my head!

James

[Quiettall]

Hi Frank

I have used the following to fill in the gap:

1. walking,

2. bike riding

3. learning to garden, to grow vegies, flowers, herbs and fruit, and how we can do it organically and economically to reduce our consumption from supermarkets etc

4. taking an interest in communities less well off than ours...such as third world countries, doing voluntary work, either locally, or even as far as voluntary overseas aid work, which can be funded by agencies rather than out of your own pocket

5. rekindle old relationships, friendships, family ties

Hope these help

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi,

This is a great thread, thank you for starting it!

From my experience the most important thing is to try and find a routine. That doesn't have to mean work or study but it is one of the things I absolutely have to do.

Okay, so here's my list -

- read

- listen to music

- listen to podcasts

- draw or paint

- journal

- take photos

- tidy up

- sort through things and declutter

- go to the library

- write letters or emails

- browse social media

- baking

- find a new app to play

- play computer games

- watch movies or tv shows

- browse the internet

- online shopping or browsing

- walk the dog

- ring or text family or friends

- go out for lunch

[girl_interrupted]

Hey Frank. Great topic! Some people have posted some great ideas to try. Can I suggest also, things that are more low key.. things that bring us back "down to earth" like meditation - very grounding and helpful to tame the unquiet mind. Being in nature is also good - even if you just go for a walk to the local park/duck pond/lookout etc. Just sitting under a tree and people watching is very peaceful and calming and you may even have conversations with people and start up new friendships. Do some volunteer work - walk dogs, pet the animals in shelters, do some fundraising for charity, visit the elderly etc. Very rewarding. You do sound like a thrill seeker, but you have said that you can't participate in high-impact activities until you are over your illness. So in the meantime, maybe focus on some new things you haven't tried, that aren't necessarily high risk? You can always do high risk stuff later as you say. If you're really bored, maybe get creative with an art project, whether it be painting, drawing, sketching, colouring or something crafty - putting together a wooden table/refurbishing something, new coat of paint on the wall, touching up the floorboards/skirting etc, or some other "Bunnings" type project. Are you close to public transport? If you usually drive, maybe ride your bike to the train/bus station (if there is one nearby) and take the train/bus somewhere different. Just take in all the sights and sounds (and smells) and enjoy being somewhere new, just observing everything from afar. Have you played pool or golf? Both are social activities. One more suggestion is writing - whether it be poetry, song, journal, blog, or a letter to someone. Try something new! Good luck and enjoy your new adventures.

[FrankA]

Hi James, Quiettall, Romantic & Girl Interrupted,

Thank you to all of you for contributing to this thread. Your activity ideas that are designed to fill the gap are thought provoking. James, I do love a good drive and I am exploring my writing abilities. Learning guitar is on my to do list.

Quiettall, I love the emphasis on family ties. I live regional and my illness has allowed me to reconnect with my city relatives. I should keep this connection.

Romantic, ​wow! Love the list, esp. declutter and Girl Interrupted, you are right about the need for grounding and balance.

What I got most from reading your suggestions is a level of acknowledgement for activities. I have always measured work as my primary activity and everything else was something undertaken unconsciously. I have been stripped back. All activities can be seen as an achievement. My perspective is altered. Franka