Senior Downtime

When you enter an age where you no longer have children in the home to care for, you begin to wonder what you are supposed to do in order to fill your time. Boredom cannot become an option when the sunshine and warm weather are so inviting. Sure, you can go and visit your children or your grandchildren; if you have them. But for those of you that do not or for those of you that are not living locally with your extended family; there are options for you to fill your free time!

Below are just a few ideas that you can implement into your days to beat the boredom. And there is no reason to only enjoy one, enjoy as many as you like! After all; the time you have to fill is yours.

Cooking

Trying out new recipes and new foods is always a fun addition to anyone's day. If you already enjoy cooking then spin it a little bit and make something that you've never tried before. This is quite often a huge pick-me-up on a boring day. Cooking quite simply provides a person with a specific sense of purpose or accomplishment. The summer is an amazing time to put your culinary achievements to the test. Simply because the range of fresh fruit and vegetables is surprisingly inexpensive. This is because they are also lucrative due to the change of season. If cooking alone does not interest you then you may very well benefit from a cooking class.

Gardening

If you do not already have a garden at your home then starting one is a perfect idea. Gardening not only benefits your physical health but your emotional health as well. You do not have to have a green thumb to be a good gardener. Enjoying the outside is the first step in enjoying a garden. By pursuing gardening you are looking into a relaxing and creative way to go from inside to outside. If the climate is just too hot where you live then you can always have a small garden indoors. By using clay pots and indoor potting soil you can really grow anything you would like!

Volunteering

Quite often people are not sure where to volunteer. If you are not sure then this is a perfect opportunity to reach out to your city council. Cities generally have numerous areas of volunteer opportunities for all walks of age and lifestyles. Volunteering can be short-term or long-term; it just depends on what program you choose. Quite often there are specific programs that run through the summertime because this is when the children are out of school and may need a little extra attention.

Filling your day with activities to keep you busy can be so beneficial; not only for emotional, and social, but also for mental health. Even just sitting outside with a cold drink and a treat can put a smile on someone's face that could last an extremely long time. Cities often host ice cream socials or gatherings at parks where communities and neighbors can come together and socialize with one another. These events often include all walks of age and lifestyles. Which is exactly why they are so crucial to neighborhoods.

Above all else; just do everything in a responsible manner. If it is hot outside then be responsible and drink plenty of water. If the weather calls for rain, then take an umbrella. These are all things that for other people may just be common sense. But for that one person who is not familiar with going out of their comfort zone, this is not common. These may be things that they need to be reminded of. And that is okay. No one is faulting anyone else for that.

Whether you do a new activity with someone or by yourself; just make sure you get out and do it. There is no reason to stay indoors, cooped up. Get outside and breathe in some fresh air. It might just do you a world of good!

Until Next Time! #KristinaWrites