Sometimes it’s enjoyable to do something different, change things up and have a fun time without falling back on the same things we always do. After working hard in the week, when the weekend comes it can be tempting to just binge-watch something new on TV or chill out in the garden – both of which are entirely acceptable ways to use our free time. However, doing something different can be genuinely enjoyable, broadening our horizons and reminding us that we have a choice in all things.
Of course, one of the key arguments against this kind of change is that broadening your horizons in such a way can come at a cost. If you’re trying to save or just to keep a tight rein on spending, then it’s understandable that we re-entrench to such solutions as the aforementioned binge-watch. So below, we have a few ideas for no-cost options that can really put the “free” into free time!
Get involved in civic events
A lot of us in this day and age are increasingly isolated from the places where we live – meaning our community is more just something we include in our address without ever really becoming part of it. That’s a shame – but fortunately it is easy to remedy. Towns and cities the length and breadth of the country have civic events on a regular basis, and by joining in you’ll have the chance to learn something and play a part in your town – and this kind of involvement is great for kids, too.
Dig out a board game or two
These days, playing a game tends to involve an electronic device and a lot of bright, moving graphics. Which is all well and good, but does tend to make it a less positive choice for relaxation than many people think. What can work a whole lot better is something a bit more analog. Board games like Scrabble, Monopoly or Trivial Pursuit are still widely available and more innovative than ever before. You can implement your own rules if you feel the game might be unfair, like allowing the use of a word unscrambler in Scrabble or asking two questions instead of one for the “cheese” if someone is especially good at Trivial Pursuit.
Find a new podcast
Binge-watching something on TV can be fine, but it has its disadvantages, of which the main one is that it encourages you to be sedentary for prolonged spells. It’s hard to watch TV while preparing lunch or tidying up. However, pop in your ear buds and fire up a podcast, and you can listen while you work. Whatever your area of interest, there will be a plethora of podcasts you can check out, and they offer the chance to learn, laugh or let the gentle conversation wash over you while you catch up with basic chores or even on the drive to do something else cool in your town.
You don’t need to spend money to have fun, so why not pledge to do something enjoyable and free with when next you have time off?
