MoodSurfing regularly publishes our “80 Pleasurable Things” article, including one during the pandemic with “80 pleasurable things you can do at home”. And what’s the point of that? Sometimes it’s hard to get moving, to just do something instead of sitting around wishing something would happen. Sometimes it’s hard to stop doomscrolling if there’s nothing else to do. We all know there are lots of fun things to do in the world, but sometimes we just can’t get started. Going over a list of ideas can spark a feeling of fun all on its own. Then you can pick one, even if you don’t feel super motivated, just trying to start something can get the ball rolling and make the difference between a fun afternoon and boredom.
So here, with inspiration from the Guardian, U.K. is a NEW list of 40 MORE things you can do to have fun that didn’t appear on the earlier lists! Pick one (or more) and have at it!
- Go back in time to when you could turn cartwheels and somersaults on the grass and reawaken the old skills.
- Have a kitchen disco: blast the music and dance like it’s 1980.
- Pancakes for breakfast. Treats are for having, not for hoarding. Go all out.
- Get lost. Take a walk somewhere you’ve never been and wander. New discoveries await.
- Cook something you didn’t think could be done at home: sushi, ravioli, granola bars, jelly babies or eclairs. It’s worth a try.
- Communal artwork. This is a group activity, where you put a big piece of paper on a table and everyone walks around and adds their own bit in different places. Afterwards you can hang it up in some community space, or cut it up and give each person a piece to keep.
- Go to a new restaurant and order the “cook’s choice” let them serve you what they think you need today. You will meet up with new favorites, or a new way to experience the old ones.
- Go to an arcade. Pinball machines! Whiffle ball! Claw machines! Revert to childhood for an hour or so.
- Try the “national theatre from home app” This has a subscription fee, but it just might be worthwhile to get access to original stage productions.
- Try unconventional ice cream or gelato flavors. Forget strawberry, try one you normally wouldn’t consider, like sweet potato, cheese, avocado, or corn.
- Compose music using apps such as Koala, Dubler and Ableton Note. I haven’t tried it myself, but it sounds like a blast.
- Go to a sauna. Many community centers and community pools have inexpensive saunas for newbies.
- Take lessons: tango, chess, knitting, piano… Never stop learning.
- Go to a movie alone. It’s a whole different experience. And it’s dark, so no one can tell you’re alone.
- Watch dogs in the park. Even, or especially, if you don’t have one. Just sitting and watching them play gives you the fun of a dog without the responsibility.
- Try Pinterest. No political contest, just people doing stuff or teaching you how to do it.
- Watch old TV shows and movies. This way, you don’t have to wait for next season’s production, you can see the whole series at once.
- Run through the sprinkler, or squirt yourself with a hose. Did I mention going back to childhood? Let loose!
- Pick up the guitar again. So what if you haven’t touched it since learning 3 chords at summer camp back in the ‘90’s. Give it another shot.
- Join a book club. This, of course, requires other people. You may have to try a few to find a really good fit.
- Dress up: have a Jane Austen night with friends. Or Star Wars, or whatever. No need to wait for Halloween.
- Join a choir or glee club. Singing in a group is really, really good for you and for your whole community.
- Play ping-pong. Need I say more?
- Draw your nose. You need a group for this, too. Each person tries to draw their own nose without looking in the mirror. Then you cut out the drawing and compare it to your real nose. Whoever gets closest should get a prize, like a photo of a pug or something.
- Walk on the beach. Negative ions are your friend.
- Bake cookies and bring them to a neighbor. Sharing is the way to restore an older sense of community and solidarity.
- Write letters to friends. Just think of the thrill they will get when it shows up in their mailbox! It doesn’t have to be long, it just has to be done and mailed.
- Join a march or demonstration. There are lots to choose from these days.
- Volunteer. A great way to meet people and create a deeper sense of community.
- Go outside when it’s raining and get soaked.
- Learn to identify dandelions, or other edible “weeds” and make a salad. It’s amazing how many weeds you can find growing around you that are actually food or medicine.
- Get a manicure/pedicure. Why not have a specialist do this job?
- Visit a tourist site in your home town. Don’t wait until you have guests, see your local area first.
- Go for a drive. Just driving around aimlessly can be very relaxing.
- Attend an ethnic festival or restaurant of a place you don’t know anything about. Discover your new favorite food.
- Play charades. You may have less trouble than you expect in getting a bunch of friends to join it.
- Take a nap in a hammock. Let time slide by.
- Wear colorful underwear. No more whites and grays. Live it up.
- Try a tracking game: one person goes ahead and lays a trail and the others try to follow it.
- Read old novels: detective, romance, or science fiction, from before 1950. Often they are less emotionally demanding than what you get nowadays. Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Georgette Heyer, Isaac Asimov. The library is full of wonderful books!