In the last blog, I wrote about why meaningful activities are essential for helping you overcome burnout. No play = depression. Play is as essential for you as it is for kids and puppies, maybe more so if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
But I know you’re busy and your day is packed. How do you find time to play when there’s so much work to be done? Here are 3 questions to help you discover what meaningful activities would work in your life while still attending to life’s tasks.
1. Can you engage in an activity that creatively helps you handle a task (that you don’t particularly like) with a loved one? Do you have a spouse? Got kids? Do you have some close friends who you haven’t seen in awhile? Is there a neighbour or colleague who you’ve wanted to get to know better? Get them on board to do the activity with you! You get to maximize your leisure time by building connections while you learn something new together.
For example, I don’t particularly love to cook, but I want the health benefits of home cooking. So my kids and I enjoy researching how to recreate restaurant favourites at home together! This is budget-friendly especially if you DIY with a FoodTuber, is great for your health, great for your lifestyle, teaches your kids that knife skills = life skills AND you get to eat the results of your efforts while hearing about your loved one’s day. Plus it’s a huge BONUS if you batch cook your creations and freeze the leftovers for a future lunch.
My favourite FoodTubers are Made with Lau (traditional Cantonese), Maangchi (Korean–her galbi jim is my go-to recipe for my husband), Pick Up Limes (vegan–loved her bubble tea recipes and udon edamame mushroom recipe), and Marion’s Kitchen (especially her easy Dan Dan noodle recipe)!
2. Can you engage in an activity that gets you moving more in the day? Physical exertion is the most effective way to burn off the accumulated stress of the day and has numerous physical and emotional benefits. The activity could be as simple as a 10-minute walk in nature before you start work. Or participate in virtual meetings and phone calls while walking outside. I especially love a walk after a meal to help with digestion.
Why not learn how to play a sport with someone you love instead of watching from the sidelines? Or join a local amateur sports team? Pickle ball is the rage in my neighbourhood so there’s never a lack of partners. Does your child love KPOP Demon Hunters? Learn how to dance to your favourite KPOP star while you sing at the top of your lungs then enjoy your best sleep you’ve had in a long time.
3. Can you find an activity that gives back to others? Of course, being in a helping profession means you give and care everyday. But if you’re like me, you often don’t get thanked for that help. Maybe some context switching can be meaningful? One of the biggest challenges for me as a mother is to make sure my kids have a great start but also not be spoiled by their privilege. Are your kids asking for a puppy? Why not volunteer at the local shelter? Do you have picky eaters? Maybe consider volunteering at the local food bank together. Your kids are probably privileged like mine. Why not help them experience the joy of giving back to their community while addressing your city’s food scarcity? That quality time spent together will feel so great because you know you’re contributing to a better community.
Meaningful activities are everywhere.
Creative activities, athletic activities, and activities that give back are some of the best ways I know to get started.
Question: “What meaningful activity sounds interesting to you? What is one small thing you can do this afternoon to make that happen?”
