Embracing Free Joys for Mental Wellness and Connection
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Chapter 1: Discovering Balance Through Free Activities
Before delving into my top four cost-free practices for mental well-being, it's essential to share the journey that led me to these routines. In the spring of 2021, after a challenging year in education, I made the difficult choice to reduce my teaching load. These precious moments of joy emerged as a result of a financial decision I made a couple of years prior.
I opted for a part-time position, working approximately 20 hours a week. However, the reality is that I often dedicate about 25–30 hours weekly for a paycheck meant for 20 hours. Despite being part-time, I acknowledge my tendency to overcommit and pour my heart into everything I do. To counterbalance this aspect of my character, I have established practices that allow me to relish the finer aspects of life.
Section 1.1: Health and Movement
A daily walk after work has become a cherished routine for me. On days when time is limited, I make it a point to stroll around our cul-de-sac while my kids play outside. Walking provides me with a sense of grounding.
During my walks, I often enjoy listening to a podcast or audiobook. At times, I prefer the silence, allowing my thoughts to flow freely. I’ve managed to reach 10,000 steps at least twice in the past month, which is impressive considering I had a total hip replacement just six months ago (a story for another time).
Engaging in physical activity outdoors offers a dual benefit: I enjoy the happy endorphins from exercise while soaking up vitamin D from the sun.
Section 1.2: Cultivating Hobbies
With my part-time schedule, I’ve embraced new hobbies. Writing is one of my passions (as you can see here on Medium), and I’ve rekindled my love for reading purely for enjoyment. Though I’ve always been fond of books, I hadn’t always given myself the pleasure of reading for fun. My Goodreads list of books to read has grown considerably, and I’ve joined a book club, making regular visits to the library a part of my weekly routine.
Section 1.3: Building Friendships
Finding my community has been a significant effort since relocating to a new city five years ago. I’ve learned not to take it personally when friendships fade, and I’ve become open to forming connections in various contexts. Recently, I’ve struck up friendships with some of my children's friends’ parents and have also connected with colleagues.
Although I wouldn’t yet say I have a close-knit group, I’m actively working on expanding my social circle while reminding myself that these connections take time and effort.
Chapter 2: Fostering Family Connections
Connection with family is just as vital as friendships. We prioritize hosting meals, accepting invitations, and inviting family to our children’s events. These connections ground us as a family. If our schedules were overly packed with work, we wouldn't have the energy to invest in these family gatherings.
I also ensure that I connect with my children every day. We dedicate time to reading together, playing outdoors, or enjoying board games. This daily connection is invaluable for our family’s overall well-being.
The first video, "Luther Vandross & Janet Jackson - The Best Things In Life Are Free," captures the essence of appreciating life's simple pleasures.
The second video, "The Best Things In Life Are Free," reinforces the message that true richness comes from our relationships and experiences.
These four practices provide our family with stability. While they require a significant investment of time—which can translate to money—the benefits for our overall health and wellness are priceless. Thankfully, we don’t have any extra funds to spare!
Thank you for taking the time to read! If you’ve discovered a successful work-life balance, I’d love to hear your insights.