Here’s a list of 80 fun or pleasurable things to do. Some of them are simple to arrange and quick to accomplish, and some require some planning and preparation, or even money. But all of them can be enjoyable experiences. Remember that motivation is less important than just doing it. Even if you don’t feel like it, or don’t think it will be fun, it’s better to do it anyway, and let the motivation follow, not lead.
First, go through the list and cross off things that really don’t look like fun to you. For some people, swimming, for example is never a fun thing to do or to contemplate doing. Then choose a few that you can go ahead and do right away: listen to music, or light up a candle or two. Then choose a few that you might like to try with a bit of planning: call a friend, fix the burned out lightbulbs, go to a restaurant. Set achievable goals. If you think you will take a 30 minute walk every day, set a goal of 15 minutes each morning. That way you can celebrate reaching your goal instead of feeling bad about missing it.
Often, when we feel bad, we can’t even imagine doing something fun. So use the list (you don’t have to think of a fun thing to do, it’s all here), then go out and take a first step. It’s the first step that gives the motivation for the next step, and so on. Enjoy!
- Soaking in the bathtub
- Going away for the weekend
- Going to a movie, alone or with a date
- Listening to music
- Recalling past parties/fun times
- Hobbies (collections, crafts, etc)
- Spending an evening with good friends
- Eating favorite foods
- Repairing things around the house/refinishing furniture
- Working on my car (bicycle)
- Taking care of plants/gardening
- Going swimming
- Exercise: gym, jogging, walking, dancing, etc.
- Planning a party, going to a party
- Playing golf, tennis, basketball, other sports
- Flying kites
- Having family get-togethers
- Riding a motorbike
- Sex
- Going camping
- Singing around the house
- Arranging flowers
- Going to church, praying (practising religion)
- Ice skating, roller skating/blading
- Sailing
- Travelling abroad, or to new places
- Sketching, painting
- Doing something spontaneously
- Birdwatching
- Singing with groups
- Playing musical instruments
- Doing arts and crafts
- Making a gift for someone
- Cooking, baking
- Hiking or walking out in nature: forest, river, beach, etc
- Eating out
- Sightseeing
- Going to the beauty salon
- Early morning coffee and newspaper
- Kissing someone I love
- Watching my children play
- Going to plays and concerts
- Taking classes or courses in a new subject
- Playing with a kitten or puppy
- Going bike riding
- Going to a sports event
- Photography
- Going fishing
- Staying on a diet/losing weight
- Star gazing
- Writing: letters, stories, memoirs, etc.
- Taking children places
- Dancing
- Going on a picnic
- Meditating
- Remembering happy moments in my childhood
- Playing cards
- Having a political discussion
- Looking at or showing photos or slides
- Doing crossword puzzles, sudoku, etc.
- Dressing up and looking nice
- Going to museums, art galleries
- Lighting candles or incence
- Having coffee at a cafe
- Getting/giving a massage
- Saying “I love you” to someone special
- Going to the library, reading good books
- Going to a spa, or sauna
- Going canoeing or white-water rafting
- Going bowling
- Doing woodworking
- Having an aquarium, watching fish
- Erotica (sex books, movies)
- Going horseback riding
- Becoming active in the community
- Making jigsaw puzzles
- Playing with my pets
- Having a barbecue
- Rearranging the furniture in my house
- Going window shopping