05-06-2017, 12:46 PM
I totally agree with all the comments about physical activities. I was never into BMX, but was quite a good mountain biker until a bad crash
Anyway, I got into photography. I find it forces me to go out which is good if I'm in a low mood. Even if I'm only doing street photography, it still means I'm doing something for a few hours. It can also start interactions with total strangers. Most people are genuinely interested in what I'm up to, and it is nice to get that social connection that wouldn't happen otherwise. It is best when I go on a mission to get a particular photo and plan how I'm going to achieve it. I'm certainly not the best photographer, but I am good at getting access to things/places. Two real highlights were photographing a bank vault, and being inside Stonehenge at dawn.
In a sense it could be any artistic project. I'm sure painting or writing could be just as therapeutic (and probably cheaper!). I think the real challenge is finding the motivation to start, which is obviously hard you are feeling low. To some extent I find that if I publicly commit myself to doing something, I'm more likely to follow through.
Anyway, I got into photography. I find it forces me to go out which is good if I'm in a low mood. Even if I'm only doing street photography, it still means I'm doing something for a few hours. It can also start interactions with total strangers. Most people are genuinely interested in what I'm up to, and it is nice to get that social connection that wouldn't happen otherwise. It is best when I go on a mission to get a particular photo and plan how I'm going to achieve it. I'm certainly not the best photographer, but I am good at getting access to things/places. Two real highlights were photographing a bank vault, and being inside Stonehenge at dawn.
In a sense it could be any artistic project. I'm sure painting or writing could be just as therapeutic (and probably cheaper!). I think the real challenge is finding the motivation to start, which is obviously hard you are feeling low. To some extent I find that if I publicly commit myself to doing something, I'm more likely to follow through.