Do you find yourself coming out of weeknights or weekends feeling tired and drained? We’ve been there.
We all know by now that down time is a key factor in optimizing your productivity. And yet, a majority of us spend our down time engaging in activities that may not be giving us the relaxation and nourishment that we need.
As a result, we feel less happy and continue down a path of reactive behavior. We feel less in control over our lives and resort to quick hits of stimulation or indulgence to trudge through the work week. No matter how much down time we muster throughout the day, we still emerge feeling deprived of time and energy.
In this article, we discuss six hobbies or activities that may secretly be making you feel off balance and unhappy.
1. Passive media consumption.
When was the last time you felt refreshed and recharged after watching TV for six hours? We thought so. While there is nothing wrong with curling up with an episode from your favorite show after a long work day, watching TV simply because it’s on or scrolling through social media aimlessly are both forms of passive media consumption that deprive you of your time and leave you feeling needlessly stimulated when you’re supposed to be relaxing.
2. Brunch.
Meeting up with friends and connecting with your loved ones is crucial for your mental health. But when these regular catch-ups become bottomless-mimosa-induced pity parties where you complain endlessly about workplace drama and relationships, it’s time to cut the cord. While you may feel like you’re blowing off steam from the onset, these get-togethers are not solution-oriented by nature and tend to magnify existing problems.
3. Doom-scrolling.
In the past, we have written at length about Stephen R. Covey’s theory regarding your circle of concern vs. circle of influence. While staying on top of current events is crucial to understanding the world around you, doom-scrolling in excess can magnify the gap between your circle of concern and influence, making you feel powerless and less in control over your life. Set aside a time slot everyday to catch up on the news. Avoid hanging out in your newsfeed all day.
4. Chasing other peoples’ narratives.
During this age of over-sharing and hyper-connectivity, it can be easy to become invested in the lives of strangers. Whether it’s a celebrity, YouTuber or a friend of a friend, spending exorbitant amounts of time following other people’s feeds is not only detrimental to your mental health, but it also robs you of your time to be working on you and increasing the quality of your life. Spend less time chasing other people’s narratives, and start developing your own.
5. Following the herd.
We’re all unique creatures with unique personalities and interests. And yet, some of us spend time doing activities simply because they’re in vogue – like going to bars, for example. Engaging in hobbies that aren’t a good fit for your personality or disposition can be extremely draining. Instead, find an activity that you wholeheartedly enjoy and invite a friend to join you. Chances are, your outings will be a lot more memorable than yet another Friday night at the bar.
6. Drinking.
Speaking of bars, drinking alcohol or indulging other vices regularly can feel like the reset you need after a long work week. Still, overindulging is not compatible with long-term happiness. While pampering yourself may trigger a jolt of dopamine, what ultimately leads to fulfillment is feeling more in control over your life circumstances. Leverage that control by being selective over what you put into your body, first and foremost.