Lifestyle | Things to Pass the Time

Hi, it's Andrea! This past week I feel like I've been really productive (for once in my life), so I've decided to base this week's article on some pass times that I have. I hope this list inspires you to do something fun when you're bored instead of doomscrolling- which I'm still guilty of tbh. 

1. Colouring

Let's be honest, who hasn't seen those cute colouring books with bears on tiktok and wanted one? I feel like every couple of scrolls I see these videos where people are testing out alcohol markers or making their page themed by a film; and these have really really made me want to get a cute bear colouring book. However, I also have about a million colouring books and never use them because it tires my hand out (I know it sounds lazy but whatever). So instead I decided to find a pdf on google and do some digital colouring on my ipad and honestly, it is so so much fun. You still get a cute result, a good way to pass time and it's free- what more could someone want? Although I do know that some people like to do colouring on the page obviously, so here are some links to colouring books I have in print/pdf version along with one of my own digital colourings.

2. Mind Games

We've all seen our grandparents do the crossword on the back of the newspaper and honestly I don't know why everyone doesn't do their daily crossword. New York Times Games has a specific app with about 8 different mind games per day: crossord, wordle, spelling bee and sudoku (my personal favourite), just to name a few. There's a free version for anyone but also extra games and stats for NYT subscribers- which means anyone can play free of charge if they want to. In addition to these mini games online I also highly recommend getting a paper copy of your favourite mind game. For example, I own a book with 1000+ sudoku's in which I think may keep me busy forever and ever. These mind games not only pass the time but also keep your brain sharp in so many different aspects which is what I love.

3. Walks 

This one is honestly so simple; going for a walk around the block, in the local park or even just wandering with friends. Sometimes sending a quick text to a friend that lives nearby and going for a yap session whilst walking can lead to 3 hours, an ice cream, 15000 steps and 4 new gossip discoveries. However, even going on a walk alone for 30 minutes and your headphones can be a great pass time, means of exercise and reduce stress. I personally try to go on a walk once a week, alone, with a friends or even with family. Again, this sounds so simple but so many people forget about going for a walk when they're bored and at home. 

4. Reading 

This one is by far my most commonly used because I simply love a good book. It doesn't have to be life changing or have an incredible plot, my favourite kind are the quick reads about people's everday lives- and sometimes, these books turn out to be life changing. Some books I'd recommend to anyone (even if they don't like reading) are: Goodnight Tokyo- Atsuhiro Yoshida, The Perks of Being a Wallflower- Stephen Chbosky, Are you there God? It's me, Margaret- Judy Blume, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo- Taylor Jenkins Reid, Before the Coffee Gets Cold- Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Animal Farm- George Orwell. These books are gripping, ranging from easily understood stories to ones you have to think about and take innp a little bit more. Like I said, curling up at the end of the day with a tea is literally my favourite thing to do instead of going on my phone and I think everyone should try it at least once. 

5. Journaling

Again, another one I prefer to do online rather than on paper. However, I do really want to try and get into bullet journaling eventually so maybe I'll do a post all about that soon. For now though, I'm going to talk about my favourite 2 apps for journaling: Daylio and Reflectly. Daylio is the app that I have used for multiple years and have even put some of my friends on (so you know it's good). This is app is so simple yet so good. Everyday, I log in my mood, what I'm doing/what I've done and write a few notes about my day. This is so good for thought dumps, taking things off my mind but also logging down super important memories I'll want to look back on in the future. 
The other app I use (Reflecly) is a bit different. Each day, a small prompt appears and all you have to do is fill it in. There are different types of prompts (wisdom, gratitude, etc.) and I love filling them in everyday. This app really makes me think and reflect on my life and every aspect of it!

6. Sewing/crotcheting/knitting

Now see this one's a bit different because I actually don't do these in my spare time. Therefore, I can't actually say much about them. Although, both of my Nan's do these skills and they keep them both busy- so that must mean something, right? Honestly, I have tried knitting before but it's just a bit too fiddly for me (the same reason I can't play an instrument) and crocheting would probably be the same story if I ever gave it a go. But sewing on the other hand, I can actually do. I mean it's a very basic level of skill but it does mean I can fix a hole and hem a t-shirt; in the future I would love to get better at sewing and make a simple garment, but for now we can only dream.

I hope this list gave you inspiration for some hobbies and pass times- or even just some book recommendations. Please send in a request if there's any topics you'd like me to discuss and ratings of blog are always appreciated.
Hope you come again soon, Andrea xx