Your evenings should be a relaxing time to take your mind off work. Whatever your idea of fun is, try to spend the evening hours doing activities that leave you feeling recharged and ready for the next day.
If you’re considering taking up a new hobby or interest after work, check out our ideas below for inspiration.
Dive into the World of Streaming and On-Demand Entertainment
A vast array of British and international films, television series, and documentaries is available on UK streaming platforms. With so much to choose from, it can be challenging to make up your mind. ITVX and Channel 4 are free and celebrated for their British and American box sets, with series like Grand Designs, Peep Show, The West Wing, and Shetland.
For years, Netflix was the go-to streaming platform for British households, but its recent loss of much of its licensed back catalogue has dampened its appeal. Many people turn to Disney+ instead for its selection of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars shows and films. Amazon Prime Video is a budget-friendly option that allows you to buy and rent content that is not included in the service.
Unleash Your Inner Gamer: From Consoles to Casual Fun
There are almost endless video game genres to choose from. You don’t need a console; you can access services like Steam to download and play games with your partner in person or with friends over the internet.
Gaming is a fun and entertaining way to try new things. These are easily accessible too, with many games available on your phone, such as deal or no deal online games where you can even win cash prizes.
Get Creative: Hobbies and Hands-On Activities
Engaging in new hobbies can be immensely satisfying. Whether tending to the back garden or practising shots on the pool table, seeing improvements will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep improving.
You can get your partner and kids involved with your new hobby. They could be taste testers for your baked creations or painting models for the latest waterworks. You might find that your hobby brings your family closer together in addition to getting you off scrolling social media.
Explore the Literary Landscape: Books, Audiobooks, and Podcasts
There’s nothing like getting hooked on a good book. Immersing yourself in a new world filled with unique characters or discovering intricate historical and political details in a non-fiction title will leave you excited for some alone time in the evenings.
The tactile experience of turning the pages of a paper book can lead to a deep engagement with the story that is free from the distractions of notifications and emails. Audiobooks are a good choice if you want to multitask while enjoying a novel. They allow you to listen to narration while working out or tackling chores.
Connect and Socialise: Virtual and Real-World Interactions
Social connections are essential for well-being, especially after the isolation many of us experienced during the pandemic. You could host a dinner party to share your culinary skills with friends or a games night where you test your darts and table football abilities.
The hours after work are also a good opportunity to catch up with friends and family in other parts of the country or overseas. Schedule a video call for a meaningful conversation—you’ll get more out of it than a text exchange.
