Life seems to continuously get busier as we age. Between work and other responsibilities, there seldom seems to be enough time to enjoy ourselves like we used to when we were younger.
This is why choosing to imbue fun into necessary activities is a must. And if you need some suggestions as to how to achieve this, then you have found yourself in the right place.
Blending Self-Care and Gaming
How many times have you found yourself aimlessly waiting for a face mask to fully absorb into your skin? Or opted to scroll through social media as you let your hair oil sit before a shower?
Rather than simply waste precious free time while doing these necessary self-care routines, you could fit in a quick gaming session. Of course, choosing the right option is highly important as you need something that you can easily put down.
Here, we’d suggest taking a look through games that don’t require you to reach a checkpoint to save your progress. This will allow you to quickly jump onto the next task on your list once you’re done with your planned pampering. For instance, you could check out an online casino as they have a whole host of browser games that can be picked up and put down quickly.
This is also perfect if you don’t own a gaming device, as you can simply play on your phone or tablet. One popular option you could consider is playing a game of poker online for real money. If you haven’t played poker online before, the digitized version brings all the allure of the classic card game in a more convenient format.
And as this is a strategy game, it will make the time fly as you work out how to build the best hand possible using the cards dealt to you and the community cards – especially if you start thinking of different strategies you could implement to increase your odds.
When perusing the online poker section, you’ll quickly notice that there are several different variants to pick from. While the core rules remain pretty unchanged, they do have fun additions that can keep things interesting.
If you want something a bit simpler and more traditional, you can’t go wrong with Caribbean Hold’Em. Alternatively, there’s always Pai Gow, which is an interesting Chinese twist to the game.
And the only thing you have to do to enjoy these games is simply register with the platform and go through the proper verification steps. Then, it’s time to place a deposit via payment methods like crypto or credit/debit card and play away.
Pairing Chores and Audiobooks
Few things feel like as big of a drag as doing household chores, especially when you have to do a whole house clean with an endless list of tasks.
To change this, you’ll just need an audiobook app and a pair of headphones. This will leave your hands completely free for whatever needs to get done and your brain will be able to immerse itself in a completely different realm.
Imagine folding the laundry while listening to an epic fantasy like The Priory of the Orange Tree. Or cooking away in your kitchen and being transported to the past with Gone with the Wind.
There are thousands of options you can check out through platforms like Audible. And if you already have a Spotify subscription, they also have a small library of audiobooks available to users.
Exercising with Podcasts
One of the simplest lifestyle changes that can boost your serotonin is adding more physical activities. So, if this is next on your to-do list of the day and you’re dreading it, it’s time to make it more enjoyable by adding podcasts to the mix.
After all, if you take one look through social media, you’ll find countless videos showcasing people lifting heavy weights. And although not all of them go for headphones and podcasts as a way of getting through it – those who need to listen to personal trainers like in the video below can’t, after all – it tends to be a great way to get through a tough physical challenge!
Listening to music can help make heavier tasks more tolerable. So, it stands to reason that listening to podcasts can be just as distracting and offer something more enjoyable to focus on than your set.
Listening to podcasts is also great not only when lifting but for running too, be it at the gym or from home. Regardless of the type of movement you choose for your body, podcasts will provide you with plenty of mental stimulation.
And just like books and games, podcasts come in all flavors. From comedy to self-improvement, you’ll certainly find something that will appeal to you with one quick search on apps like YouTube Music or Apple Podcasts.
Conclusion
Next time you’re planning your day or week, make sure to take the time to consider what you can add to your responsibilities to make them more fun. As the aforementioned examples reflect, it really doesn’t take much to make the mundane more magnificent!