Easily Doing Something Fun After Work To Feel Alive Again
A month of ideas to easily do something fun after work to feel alive again. For the most part, these after work activities are screen-free.
I recently read a post by a friend who shared how her life revolves around work and so other aspects of her life receive little attention. She met up with a friend who passionately spoke of his creative progress and enjoyment in his art class. My friend realised she had nothing like to share, no creative outlet or hobby to speak of. This then reminded me of a TikTok where someone committed to doing something fun after work to feel alive again. And it all got me thinking – how ‘alive’ do we really feel in our day-to-day lives?
A study in Canada looked at time spent at work over 20 years (1986 – 2005) and found that the average number of hours workers spent with family decreased, and time spent with friends decreased by more than half. Two decades later, I dread to think what the time hours are now. We spend so much time at work that it’s often hard to leave work stresses and pressures behind. For those working remotely, blurred work boundaries and constant deadlines can steal even more quality time. Instead of cuddling on the couch, you’re working on the proposal. Rather than reading an extra bedtime story to the children, you’re checking the report.
There is constant talk of work-life balance, but is there such a thing? I don’t know and I don’t care to get into that debate here. But I will advocate for strong work-life boundaries to avoid burnout. This year silence work apps on your phone or silence the work phone out of hours, prioritise social outings with friends over colleagues, and plan things to look forward to.
I know what it’s like to tie your self-worth to your work, and when you’re not in the right environment or headspace, it can be quite damaging to your psyche. Giving attention to other things like hobbies, exercise, or learning can be a light to stay close to when things are looking a little dark and grim. With that in mind, I created this list that will cover a month of doing something fun after work to feel alive again. Let’s start embracing joy, rediscovering creativity, and becoming every-day adventurers.
A Month of Easily Doing Something Fun After Work To Feel Alive Again
Week 1: Gently Reconnecting with Yourself
Dance it out: Put on your favourite playlist and just dance. It’s freeing, fun, and boosts your mood instantly because moving your body moves energy around your body. Dance is a form of play and can help discharge excess energy (releasing anxiety energy – there’s a reason for the saying ‘shake it off’) and leave you feeling energised.
Try a new recipe: Cooking can be a creative outlet. Try making something you’ve never cooked before, even if it’s as simple as a fun smoothie or simple salad.
Go for an evening stroll: A mindful walk involves noticing the little things – the colours of the sky, the surrounding sounds, the rhythm of your footsteps. Another idea is to make it a photography walk – looking to capture beauty in the ordinary. If it’s not safe outside, try walking on a treadmill with nature sounds, imagining you’re walking on the beach or along a forest path (depending on what you're listening to).
Watch a feel-good movie or show: Go to your comfort movies and shows and choose one that will make you smile. Think about your favourite animated series, Christmas classic, or Halloween masterpiece. Silence or switch off your phone and just be.
Call or video chat with a loved one: Reconnect and share your day with someone who lifts your spirits. It could be a catch-up with a school friend, chatting with your best friend as you both cook dinner, or a call expressing your gratitude to a family member.
Week 2: Adding Some Happy Variety
Have a picnic: Grab some snacks, a blanket, and enjoy eating under the open sky. It could be in your backyard, at the park, or at the beach. Do it alone, with your partner, or with friends – see how you’re feeling and go with it.
Spend time writing: Start a journal or simply write on a piece of paper and reflect on your day, what made you smile, 3 things you’re grateful for, or set intentions for tomorrow. Alternatively, write about your dream day and what it entails. Otherwise, you could brain-dump different ideas or how you're feeling, or engage in stream of consciousness writing. Other ideas are to write a creative short story or express yourself through poetry. Join a writing group (online or in-person). There is some evidence that writing can improve both your physical and mental health.
Learn a quick new skill: Watch a tutorial and try something fun, like origami, basic sketching, or a magic trick.
Play a game: Whether it’s a board game, a video game, or even a quick round of cards, let yourself enjoy a playful escape. This WikiHow shares different solo card games and how to play them.
Plant something: Adding a little greenery to your home or balcony can be immensely rewarding. Gardening is not only a great hobby to get into (this includes growing herbs on the windowsill) but is also a way to bring biophilic design aspects into your home.
Week 3: Get Creative Again
Create a mini mood board: Cut out pictures and words that inspire you and glue them onto a page or pin them digitally. Maybe make a collage of your favourite things or a vibe you like based on a favourite colour. It’s all about fun and unserious creativity.
DIY something: Whether it’s crafting, organising your space creatively, or upcycling an item – revel in the satisfaction of making something (candles, scrapbooking, photo frames, pottery, ceramics, put up shelves). I saw the idea of knitting or crocheting a granny square for each book you read and then joining them to make a blanket at the end of the year. Another idea could be to embroider a little image for each week of the year.
Host an impromptu dinner or snack night: Invite a friend or two and keep it simple. Enjoy a toasted cheese, savour a bowl of soup, or each bring something to share or enjoy their own favourite take-away. It’s about connection, not perfection.
Do a mindful activity: Colouring, knitting, or assembling a puzzle can be joy-filled, relaxing ways to spend an evening. These activities require concentration, but not excessive skill or focus. These types of activities have enough structured-unstructure to relieve you of serious decision-making and allow for creative flow to enter a mindful state.
Write a letter to your future self: Capture your thoughts, hopes, and dreams (for the month, semester, year) and then seal it for later. Similarly, writing love letters to yourself is a beautifully powerful self-care practice that inspires self-love and self-acceptance.
Week 4: Invite small adventures
Explore a new route home: Take a detour and notice things you’ve never seen before. Humans are creatures of habit and once you find a quick way home, it’s the one you typically always take. Trying a different bus route home may help you come across a new café or restaurant. Taking a detour may take you longer to get but it could also be more scenic, reminding you how fortunate you are live somewhere so beautiful.
Try an evening yoga or stretch session: Focus on your body and its incredible ability to move. Try a laughter yoga class online because we all probably need to laugh more. Tai Chi or Qigong are series of gentle movements that promote inner peace. Finding joy in movement benefits your mind, body, and soul.
Have a theme night: Whether it’s a movie marathon, a cuisine, or dressing up just for fun, make your evening special. For example, have a French night - dress in red, white, and blue and put on a French film as you indulge in a crêpe (or two). You can make Coq au Vin, French onion soup, or even try making Ratatouille with the movie playing in the background.
Volunteer for an hour: Doing something kind for others can take you out of head and get you into your heart. It creates a beautiful harmony between service to others and self-care.
Take yourself on a date: Go to a café, a park, or anywhere that makes you feel at peace. Bring a book, sip your tea and people-watch, or simply enjoy your own company.
Bonus Ideas for Extra Joy
Explore Museums: Take in inspiring art or immerse yourself in ancient human and natural history.
Meditate or try breathwork: A calming way to reset your energy is to sit quietly and breathe deeply for a few minutes each day. Breathwork is an accessible mindfulness practice for beginners and experts alike.
Rediscover an old hobby: Dust off your guitar, pick up that half-read book, or revisit a craft project. Spending time on hobbies benefits for your mind, body, and soul.
Exercise outdoors: Hire a bicycle if you don’t have one and get to know your area differently. Try rollerblading or roller skating. Take a surf or stand-up-paddle lessons or go for a sea swim.
Stargaze: Find a quiet spot, lay down, and let the stars remind you of the universe’s beauty. If the stars aren’t visible, explore the wonders of astronomy and learn about constellations, planets, and celestial events.
Learn something new: Perhaps you’ve always wanted to bake or play guitar. Maybe there’s a language you’ve always thought to learn. Start learning skills online through informal means like YouTube or formal means like enrolling in classes - all depending on the skills you’re learning. Take painting or pottery classes with a friend.
Check out a local theatre: The theatre offers a chance to escape to a new place through storytelling. There could be an opera, a ballet, or drama playing out on stage just 15 minutes away.
Indoor fun: Try different fun indoor activities that are screen-free and human connection supported, like playing bowling and billiards, taking on ninja warrior type courses, go ice skating.
Read a new book: Escape into a fictional world or learn something new.
Engage in childlike fun: Build a blanket fort, play with LEGO, or doodle.
Join a meetup group: Whether it's hiking, book clubs, or board games.
It may be hard at first because you may feel like you don’t have the energy for anything, but even five minutes of fun and happiness could transform your day. Remember the law of conservation of energy: energy cannot be created nor destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. Doing something fun after work to feel alive again is about creating moments of happiness and recharging your spirit. It’s about reminding yourself of what makes you happy, or discovering new joys along the way. Sometimes you may need to allow yourself to feel bored again. Let your imagination and creativity guide you as you grow more into the beautiful, brave person you are.
Play as an adult is incredibly important, as is understanding the 7 types of rest and how to recharge. There are different aspects that make up your personal wellness. There is no harm in checking-in with yourself and seeing which areas need more attention.
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Affirmation: I create moments of joy and embrace the vibrancy of life each day.
To-Do: Take five minutes today to try a fun activity, such as dancing to a favourite song or taking a short, mindful walk.
Journal Prompt: What small activities bring you joy, and how can you integrate them into your after-work routine this week?
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