Do you also have that déjà-vu* feeling, as if all this has happened before and we are in a loop where everything starts over? That it all started a year ago and now we are back in the same place... Well, why everything is as it is right now... let's leave that for now. Instead, try to think with me about how we could do something cool when we're not allowed to do much.
You've certainly heard recommendations – go for a walk, go into nature, and so on. But why don't you go? Moving in nature is free and not at all a difficult activity. Besides, it's allowed to do it in pairs with a 2-meter distance. Find a specific spot for yourself. There's nature in the city too. For example, near my home, there's a light traffic road that partially runs through a green area. And this is not some rural area, but a city. Make it a routine, push yourself. Even 15 minutes a day. It's a good time to clear your thoughts. Believe me, many things that seemed unsolvable will be untangled. Additionally, listen to birdsong, observe nature awakening, or even just watch other people walking by.
Do something cool or new. Now you're probably wondering what I consider a cool or new thing/activity. I'll tell you what I find cool, or at least new to me. For example, it's cool to make something with your own hands. For me, that's handicrafts – specifically, repurposing old fabrics. So, I sew new items from old jeans, curtains, etc., be it a hair tie, a shopping bag, a pillowcase, or similar. You can get ideas from YouTube channels, for example. At some point, I discovered that I've also started using various tools a lot – a saw, an axe, a cordless drill, a screwdriver, and so on. Oh no, you're probably thinking now – a complete horror movie. Well, I also teach the young people at the youth center how to use a saw, an axe, and even a knife. Always with the idea of how to survive in nature (building a shelter, making a fire) and how to safely use hiking tools. In my opinion, young people are generally taught too little about how to use tools and how to repair things with their own hands. But no worries, if you're interested, at Ilmatsalu Youth Center we often learn to repair things and handle tools. The last new thing for me, for example, was restoring a burnt-out electrical appliance. And confidentially, I'll tell you that I also had a personal instructor for that.
Did you get inspiration for your awesome activity? Of course, it doesn't have to be crafts; it could be yoga, drawing, writing a poem, or cloud gazing. The main thing is that you try and find that new and exciting activity for yourself.
What else... Oh right, at the youth centers, under the guidance of a youth worker, you can also engage in exciting activities – sports, health, lifestyle, nature – all topics are covered. But why not something even cooler – come show the youth worker (outdoors 2+2) what your awesome hobbies, activities, extreme pursuits, or peaceful pastimes are... Or what new things you've learned this year.
Did you follow my thoughts? Did you get any ideas from this little bit? If not, please contact me, and we can discuss this topic further, as these were just a few thoughts I shared with you in this article. The world is vast and wide, and hopefully, it will soon be healthy again.
*The feeling of having experienced something before is an experience in which the current experience is perceived as having been experienced previously.
Additional information:
Jaanika Palm
jaanika.palm@raad.tartu.ee
