Inspirational Ideas for a 50 something male stuck in a rut.

passatrider

Long story short. I turn 52 later this month and currently on long term disability benefits, due to life long mental health issues. I’m in a place now where my mental health has stabilised, with the help of medication and counselling. I will never be cured as such, it’s just everything is stable. My finances were affected by my erratic work life so took Bankruptcy in October 2020, This will give me a clean slate once I’m discharged in October 2021. 

The problem is I have no direction in my life at the moment. Each day is the same - lockdowns are just the same to me. When we do come out of all the restrictions life will still feel the same. I’m lucky, I live in a nice area of the U.K. and have a reasonably nice house. No children, just me and the dog. 

I’ve been looking at the next 5 to 10 years when I’ll be nearer 60. I want to make some changes but don’t know where to begin. I have interests but no hobbies as such. I’d love to own my own house, but that won’t ever happen now. I’m not very good at making plans long term and sticking to them. This has been my problem most of my life and I just seem to get distracted. 

Have you been in a similar place in life? If so how did you overcome this and what was the outcome? What advice if any can you offer maybe to give me some inspiration? 

CookieMonster

75+ Hobby Ideas For Men | The Art of Manliness
50 Hobbies for Men You Can Start at Home - The Trend Spotter
Consider expanding on the interests that you already have, learn to cook better and see that you're getting enough fresh air and exercise. That's a start. And be realistic in your expectations: it may take a few years until find a direction.

pickledonionspaceraider

Hi there OP
I am sorry to hear this and pleased to hear you feel more stable now

Could you develop your interests, into hobbies? This could lead to meeting like minded folk 

Are you in a stable enough place to look in to work - doesn't have to be full time, or voluntary work.  I think the main question is 'Do you think you could cope at work i.e stick it out' - and if the answer is no, why not and how to overcome this?  (and i mean this in a sincere way) for some, it might mean that home working actually works better for them.  Or start a small hustle yourself, selling stuff online for example 

If you are able bodied - Exercise, try to get out of the house as often as possible for walks or follow an indoor programme. Explore your local green areas. Count your blessings you live in a nice area and go for a walk round places you haven't seen in a while. Enjoy your garden, order some plants online and get out there digging your bulbs in 

Find people in your local area, support groups etc.

Do you have friends or family you could start video calling during lockdown, there are online quiz and things you can do for a laugh together

Even during lockdown it is possible to develop a healthy routine of good food, meditation, (if you are able bodied)  exercise (although you may already be doing this) but these are things I have focused on a lot lately and do feel it is benefitting for me personally

I wish you luck - you have done a good thing posting on here for ideas - there are quite a few people inc myself who suffer with MH issues and we each perhaps have different ideas how to manage the long term future.  It is hard though, very hard

all the best

purple45

I'd like to recommend you take up the couch to 5k running.  I never thought I could run but did this in my late 40s and have now been running for 2 years.  Something good to aim for.  It gives you some daily structure and a reason to get up in the morning.  Excellent for mental and physical health and the buzz you get from it is incredible.  There is a great forum for support too.  You can find all the details on the NHS website if you look it up.  I alternate running with either a weights workout or a you tube exercise video so that I have some form of exercise every day.  
As for other things....just keep trying things until you find what suits you!  I taught myself saxophone a few years ago and last year took up oil painting!  You never know what you can do and these have all been massive surprises to me when I find I'm capable!

justworriedabit

Exercise is the key. By that I mean jut walking is a very good start gets you out of the house and you dress up for it. Return home, have a cool or hot drink, have a bath or shower, then relax for a while. Try a hobby
To make changes now is much easier when you are more able so set yourself some goals for the short term. If
you do not meet some of them in your set times, don't worry as its a good start you are trying.
If you are a bit like me, go out when less people are around.
If possible, a walk by the sea on a nice day does wonders.
Good luck.

Dark_Star

See if there is a "men's shed" group in your area. They are groups for blokes who get together & make stuff & chat . You probably don't need to be able to make stuff. Bit hard to explain but here's a link https://menssheds.org.uk/ 

Why are they needed?

For a long time research has shown the negative impact of loneliness and isolation on a person’s health and wellbeing. Recently we have seen more evidence come to light that shows loneliness and isolation can be as hazardous to our health as obesity and excessive smoking. Surveys from mental health charities are finding that millions of people report feeling lonely on a daily basis.

Men typically find it more difficult to build social connections than women, and unlike women of a similar age, less older men have networks of friends and rarely share personal concerns about health and personal worries. It is not the case for all men, but for some, when retirement comes, it can feel like personal identity and purpose is lost. Men’s Sheds can change all of that.

Sheds are about meeting like-minded people and having someone to share your worries with. They are about having fun, sharing skills and knowledge with like-minded people and gaining a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. As a by-product of all of that they reduce isolation and feelings of loneliness, they allow men to deal with mental health challenges more easily and remain independent, they rebuild communities and in many cases, they save men’s lives.

Men’s Sheds are vital.

Hope that helps & it's not some barking mad pseudo religious group either  

pinkshoes

Definitely go for exercise.

A friend of mine (same age as you) took up Martial Arts a couple of years ago to help with his anxiety and depression issues. He to notices on difference from lockdown to normal life, but the Martial Arts gives him something to focus on.

Make sure you pick something that's a challenge.