From painting to candle making, so many viable businesses are turning hobbies into revenue streams. It makes sense to turn a passion into a career.

After all, if you find a job you love, you’ll never work again! Not to mention, those talents and skills you may have otherwise kept hidden can be shared and enjoyed by everyone! And who knows, there may be a real market for your type of products or services. 

While some hobbies might not be enough to turn into a full-time job or multimillion-dollar enterprise, they can be enough to give you some extra spending money!

How to turn a hobby into an income source

Here are some tips to turn your hobby into a business:

1. Research

If you have a special hobby or skill, try getting on the net to conduct market research. For example, if you are skilled in oil painting or like to create jewelry in your spare time, try doing a Google search or browse various online marketplaces such as Etsy and eBay for listings. See how they’re being marketed, what prices they are selling for, and your potential customer base. 

Conducting market research helps you study the available market and analyze the competition, giving you more selling potential once you start building your brand.

2. Make a business plan

Before you start monetizing your hobby, you need to create a plan. Do you need a website to market your goods?

If you’re a keen writer, should you look at posting adverts on websites such as Upwork or Fiverr? For those with hobbies in the arts & crafts field, you might gain greater success by starting an Etsy store or a Facebook or Instagram Business. 

The second half of your plan should also involve establishing your costs. How much will you sell your product or services for? How much do you need to set aside for things like postage or marketing?

Identifying a business plan and listing everything from your products and services, sales and marketing strategy, and a financial plan will help you jump into your brand development more easily and find a platform that will bring in more paying customers.

3. Build your brand

Take small steps when it comes to building your brand. You might want to market your products or services to your close friends or family first. This can help you test your concept and receive valuable feedback to market your product better. 

You can start by offering a free trial or pitch your idea to potential customers using a “no risk” strategy if you’re selling a service. For example, you can offer an article or blog post, marketing service, or graphic design concept for free in return for exposure or potential onboarding.

The proof is in the pudding. When you start marketing products or services that you believe in, the first real job is convincing people to believe in your product and services. So those early stages of building your brand should really be focused on marketing, word of mouth, advertising, and proving yourself until one sale is made, then two, then three, and so on.

4. Turn your skills into a career

What if your hobby isn’t a product but a skill?

For example, you might be a passionate horse rider who takes a keen interest in animals. You can take this love of caring for horses (or cats, dogs, fish – you name it!) and create a career out of it! For example, you could find a job in equine care, you could consider becoming a dog walker, or you could even become a farmhand.

The same thing applies if you’re an avid gardener. While you can grow, cultivate and sell your own vegetables, you can also turn this hobby into a paying career by working in a nursery or finding a job in horticulture.

Just because it’s a hobby doesn’t mean it can’t turn into a rewarding career! Try to let go of limiting beliefs and explore the potential your hobbies and passion projects have. 

It’s hard work, but it can pay off

Turning a hobby into a successful business doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a lot of time and dedication.

If you’re serious about turning your hobby into a revenue-producing side gig, then you have to start approaching your hobby as if it is your job. This means taking the time to cultivate your skills, research the industry and your competitors, learn about sales and marketing, and keep pitching your product via advertising or word of mouth.

If you’re good at what you do and there’s a market for your product, then you’re likely to make a nice profit and find great satisfaction in doing so. Play around with it, take the dive and see what happens! You might just find those skills you have really do pay off!

From impossible morning routines (you’re telling me that waking up at 5:00 am, doing a 2-hour workout, and whipping up a Michelin-star worthy breakfast before work is a form of self-care?!) to gimmicky products designed to help us achieve our zen, it’s easy for us to overcomplicate what it really looks like to take care of ourselves. 

So when it comes to bringing self-care into our social lives, what does that even look like?

Social self-care encourages us to maintain a healthy relationship with ourselves to extend it to others. It also means being mindful of how we manage our meaningful relationships while preventing social burnout. 

How to begin your social self-care journey

Here are four small ways you can begin to take better care of your social self in 2021. 

1. Play more

Playtime is a form of self-care that you can easily weave into your daily routine! Remember when you were a kid, and life felt like one big playground? You made the most mundane tasks fun with a little creativity and imagination.

Think about it – when was the last time you had deliberate fun with others? This could be anything from taking a paint & sip class with your bestie, calling up a friend who always makes you laugh, playing with your child or pet, inviting a coworker for lunch in the park, or trading family movie night for a board game. Developing your playful side helps keep you calm under stress, refreshes your mind and body, and increases your energy without leading to burnout.

2. Give a gift to someone you care about

When was the last time you did something nice for someone you love, simply because it felt good to do so? Gift giving is a two-fold practice. For one, the simple act of giving a gift fills us with a great sense of satisfaction.

Anticipating the joy on the recipient’s face is enough to give our own selves a psychological boost and feel the ripples of happiness days after! For the recipient, your gift symbolizes your care and appreciation for them. It’s an act of compassion and kindness. It tells them, “you’re special to me” – which is the greatest gift anyone could receive!

There is evidence that when we give gifts, our brains secrete “feel good” hormones! This not only boosts our happiness but also helps to create deeper bonds with others. Surprise someone today by making something for them or buying an item they’ve had their eye on for a long time. You’ll be much happier for it.

3. Give your eyes a break

These days (especially in 2021), we spend so much time looking at screens. Whether it’s Zoom meetings, Facetiming friends & family, or scrolling social media feeds, all of that screen time adds up. Too much screen time can lead to many health issues, including headaches, dry and tired eyes, blurred vision, and eye strain.

The “rule of 20” is a great way to prevent digital eye strain and take better care of your health. Take a break every 20 minutes by focusing on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. You can set a timer on your phone or use an app to alert you to get up and give your eyes a break.

While we’ve all been forced to maintain our relationships over a screen, there are other ways to create more meaningful connections without sacrificing our health. You can write a letter or send a card. You can devote one day a week to Zoom parties or virtual catch-ups or call a friend or family member on the phone to say hi.

4. Set boundaries

Social self-care includes setting healthy boundaries. Finding balance, learning to say “no,” and giving ourselves permission to take a break is an important way to honor our mental health.

An active social life is an integral part of our overall well-being, but spreading ourselves too thin can lead to burnout. When you set boundaries, you are taking care of yourself.

You can decide to take a mental health day if your work is taking all the focus. You can politely decline invitations to spend time by yourself. You can slow down and rediscover your sense of enjoyment in life.

Recognizing when we’re stressed, worn out, or taking on too much helps us know what our body needs. In 2021, try checking in with yourself and find out what you need in those moments of reflection.

Take the time for some social self-care today

Social self-care is all about cultivating our feelings of love, appreciation, gratitude, and connection with others. Socializing is important for our mental health (yes, even for us introverts!) and is just one aspect of your self-care that should be tended to regularly.

Social self-care also encompasses setting healthy boundaries. While socializing is important, sometimes our lives can become so hectic that saying “no” or rescheduling plans is a vital way to protect ourselves from burnout and overwhelm.

Try to be intentional with your social care activities in 2021. Give thought to the special people in your life by honoring them in a way that also honors yourself. Your relationships should always uplift and energize you – so find creative ways to tend to your social care without sacrificing your own mental health.

I found myself in this conundrum recently when I was asked to pet-sit my brother’s Labrador. Our routines completely clashed. A morning ritual is designed to be selfish. It’s a sacred time for you to indulge in your own self-love practices without being disturbed by the outside world. 

But here’s this pup. And he’s craving your attention. And as much as you want to, basic human instinct (and morals!) tells you not to ignore your four-legged pal in favor of a couple of hours of yoga and mindful eating.

So what’s the answer? Including your dog in your morning routine, of course! And trust me, you’ll feel even better for it. 

Why you should include your dog in your a.m. routine

Including your dog in your healthy morning routine is a great way to inspire healthy habits in both yourself and your pet. For the longest time, my morning routines consisted of rolling out of bed, drinking my weight in coffee, stumbling into the shower and getting straight into an 8-hour day of work. That was until I was made to be held accountable by my four-legged nephew.

Dogs need a morning routine as much as we do. Think about it. They wake up, they have their bowl of food, and then they’re often left alone while their family goes to work or school. If they’re lucky, they’ll have a dog minder or someone home to walk and play with them, but for the most part our dogs endure a very long and boring day with little stimulation.

Enter: the dog-friendly morning routine!

This pet-friendly morning ritual allows both you and Fido the best possible start to your days, leaving you both energized and rejuvenated for the day ahead.

The perfect dog-friendly morning routine

My own flexible work schedule meant my morning routines varied from day to day. With a dog, I was able to make some even healthier changes while enjoying quality cuddle time! (And if that’s not a motivation for your day, I don’t know what would be!)

Morning mindfulness

Starting the day with a positive attitude has a flow-on effect on the rest of your day. 

Meditation is one of the best ways to cultivate a positive attitude and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. 

First thing in the morning is the perfect time to sit quietly and make a gratitude list (whether in your mind or on paper). Grab your dog and include them in this sacred time. You may wish to light a candle or incense and cuddle up on the couch to do this, or sit outside on the grass and let the earth and sunlight ground you. 

Extend the practice by mindfully petting your dog. Feel the texture of their fur, the warmth of their body – really take this time to be present and appreciate your existence in the here and now.

Eat something nutritious

Eating a healthy breakfast works for both you and your dog! Find a breakfast option that is packed with nutrients and vitamins to give you energy for the day ahead.

For you, this could be a bowl of cooked oats with nuts & seeds and fresh berries or sliced banana. For your pooch, this can be a combo of cooked meat with grated carrot (for fiber), and a fresh egg for protein and a healthy, silky coat. 

Stretch/yoga flow

While your dog might be ready to go for a walk the second you finish breakfast, some of us need some extra wake-up time! 

Doing some deep restorative stretches and gentle yoga is a good way to wake up tired limbs and get the blood flowing. 

While your dog cannot physically join in (even though they might try!) there is a benefit of doing yoga with your dog. It has been said that animals are attracted to the energy of these spiritual practices, with yoga or meditation creating harmony and synchronization between you and your pet!

Go for a walk

There are many benefits of an early morning walk. While it can be hard to motivate ourselves to step outside (especially on those chilly mornings!), once we get our bodies moving in nature there’s an instant boost in our energy and alertness.

Your dog feels it too! Exercising your dog every day keeps them happy and healthy, and opens them up to new sights, tastes, and sounds. Whether it’s at a designated dog park, a beach, or around the block, aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking daily and make it a permanent part of your morning ritual!

Ease into your routine

Upon your return from your walk, you can use this boost in energy to continue working out or by settling into your to-do list.

Whether you’re leaving to go to the office or you work from home, pull out a Kong toy for your dog and fill it with some treats or peanut butter. Leave them in their yard or crate with some of their favorite toys, a pig’s ear, or some raw carrots to snack on and keep occupied with while you’re gone.

You’ll find that the after-effect of a healthy morning routine extends to your dog too – helping them with feelings of separation anxiety and burning off excess energy. 

Enjoy your mornings with your pet

Routines form an important aspect in both you and your dog’s day. A regular feeding time and exercise regime keeps you both healthy and happy and gives you a renewed sense of motivation for the day ahead. Not to mention, that extra quality time spent in the mornings boosts our moods – which can be a true blessing when you’re faced with a particularly busy day.

As soon as you return from work or school, make sure you greet your dog with enthusiasm and extra cuddles! Use this time to catch up on some play, and every night you can now prepare yourselves for another great morning ahead.

But guess what? Massage therapy isn’t just for the rich or the famous. And you know what else? Regular massage provides some pretty good health benefits, too!

Similar to getting your teeth cleaned or attending a fitness class, scheduling a massage can help keep our health, bodies, and minds in check.

The health benefits of a massage

Here are 6 health benefits of massage and why you need it in your self-care ritual, stat!

Improves your posture

Most of us either have desk jobs or spend a little too much time curled on the couch with Netflix on cue. Not good! Prolonged periods of sitting can lead to shortened and overworked muscles that become tight, sore and wreak havoc on our natural alignment. 

From the dreaded ‘text neck’ to the hunched-over position we employ when scrolling or typing (I bet you are straightening up as you read this!), these postures are unnatural for the body and can lead to chronic conditions such as back pain and even difficulty breathing. 

Massage can undo all this drama by retraining the muscles to become loose and fluid – effectively improving your posture and alleviating chronic aches as well as help your breathing.

Stress, be gone!

It’s so easy to become stressed these days. With so much going on within and without, our bodies and minds are constantly on edge. Whether it’s the never-ending list of work tasks or a challenging relationship, stress can affect our body in many negative ways. 

One of the best things you can do to walk away from stress and feel more grounded is to get a massage. Massage gets us out of our chaotic minds and into our body, allowing us to be present and to experience total relaxation.

Massage therapies such as Swedish massage or aromatherapy massage encourages the body and mind to slow down, and enter a calmer state. Breathing becomes slower and deeper, muscles loosen up, and blood pressure is reduced as happy hormones help to self-regulate the body and give off that warming, euphoric feeling from head to toe. Massage has also been proven to relieve anxiety and depression – providing an alternate treatment for mental health.

Boosts immunity

Vitamin C. Chicken soup. Massage? Yep! Massage can give our bodies the ability to fight disease! If you really need an excuse to book a massage, this is it. 

The act of massage helps to improve blood circulation, assisting in lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, releasing white blood cells that fight disease and defend your body from foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.

The relaxation benefits of massage also helps to calm and regulate the nervous system, making your body more ready to fight off any nasties.

Makes you a better lover

Massage can improve your sex life – but not in the way you think! We’re not talking foreplay here (that’s a whole other article!) but, as a tool to improve libido levels and help with issues of infertility or sexual dysfunction.

Chronic stress can lead to issues around infertility, impotence, and decreased arousal in men and women. For those trying for a baby, sometimes the stress or worry about conceiving is enough to stop the conception from happening. Massage can help improve your libido and stop any of those bedroom blocks by reducing anxiety and helping you to get in touch with your body.

Improves sleep quality

Hands up if you need more Zz’s! For anyone suffering poor sleep quality, forget the sleeping pills and book a massage instead.

Because massage helps reduce anxiety, stress and physical pain, it can also help to improve our sleep. Massage increases what’s known as delta waves, the type of brainwave responsible for deep sleep.

Insufficient sleep not only leads to morning crankiness but also increased weight gain, depression, cardiovascular disease and a compromised immune system. By scheduling a regular massage, you’ll find your sleep quality will improve. Many people find they doze off quicker on the night following a massage and wake up feeling more alert! Win.

Body positivity 

Massage can be a powerful act of self-love. Not only are you making time for yourself, you’re also improving your relationship with your body. How? By simply taking pleasure in the sensations felt by your body, by taking the time to care for it and see it as an important vessel regardless of shape or size. 

Quick tips for fitting a regular massage into your budget

Worried about the cost? Here are some tips on how to fit a regular massage into your budget:

• Shop around

It’s important that you shop around your local area to see what the going rate of a massage is where you are. By doing some research, you could save yourself a lot of money over time just by finding somewhere a little less expensive. However, in saying that, don’t sacrifice quality for cost – if the massage isn’t good, then it isn’t worth it!

• Make your coffee at home

Did you know that if you save the $6 a day you might spend on a drink at the local coffee shop, you’d generally save enough money to get a decent massage once a month? And all you have to do is drink your coffee at home instead of out.

• Pair up with a ‘massage buddy’

There are a number of awesome online and in-person massage therapy courses available for people to learn from today. Team up with a friend who also loves massage and enroll in a course together – that way, you can take turns giving each other massages forever for free!

Schedule a massage today

Massage brings us back to ourselves. When was the last time you treated yourself simply because you love yourself? Healthy touch (whether from a professional massage therapist or self-administered) helps you to appreciate your body as it is. This can increase your self-confidence and let go of any negative bias you have towards your appearance. Creating a healthy body image is an essential act of self-care. Massage can help you achieve this.

Give your body and mind a break! Scheduling a regular massage is the ultimate in self care. You don’t need an excuse to treat yourself – indulging in self love is non-negotiable and should be part of your daily routine. Massage brings a variety of health benefits along with being insanely relaxing! Working from the inside-out, massage is a holistic approach to fighting off disease, improving aches and pains, boosting confidence, and promoting a happier and healthier mind, body and soul. 

BRB, booking my massage now!

Despite their economic hardships, millennials have demonstrated healthy money-saving habits. This may in part be thanks to the fact they grew up with technology – allowing them to be savvy when it comes to cutting costs, spotting the best deals, and finding creative ways to save.

What ways? you ask.

Here are some of the tried and tested ways millennials are saving money:

1. Establishing goals

Establishing long-term goals is the best thing millennials can do in order to budget better and spend smarter. 

When a goal is big enough, taking the necessary steps to save for it becomes easier. For most millennials, common financial goals include:

• Paying off student debt
• Saving for a house
• Purchasing a car
• Travel
• Having more savings

Having financial goals to aim for can really set the stage for good money habits and a life of financial stability.

2.  Making a budget – and sticking to it

One of the more common money mistakes people make is forgetting to budget. 

Budgeting really comes down to being mindful of your spending habits. One of the easiest ways to set and stick to a budget is to monitor your monthly expenses in terms of incoming and outgoing cash. 

By being aware of how much you have, how much you owe, and how much you’re spending, you’re making it easier to know exactly what you’re dealing with. 

Millennials have been turning to budget apps and online budget planning calculator to keep track of their spending and calculate how much they need to put away into their savings and how much they need to stay on top of monthly bills. 

3. Automating finances

Technology plays a huge role in helping millennials save money. If there’s a financial need to be filled, there’s now an app to do it!

Automating your finances is just one of the tech-assisted things you can do to help save money.  

From automating deposits into a savings fund to signing up for automatic debits from your bank. This process of pre-planning your finances takes budgeting to the next step and is a clear-cut way of simplifying your bills and adding to your savings. It also gets rid of the temptation to spend your earnings before you budget and save. 

4. Saving where possible

Yes, millennials are aware of being dubbed the “smashed avocado generation” as a sarcastic nudge toward their sense of entitlement. Costly coffees, fancy brunch meals, and a penchant for finer things has earned millennials the reputation of being frivolous and often irresponsible with money.

Thankfully, the younger generation are bouncing back and are understanding the seriousness of saving. 

In fact, a recent survey by Bank of America found that 73% of millennials are saving more – and more than half (59%) of this generation have $15,000 or more in their savings account.

5. Having a side hustle

A lot of millennials have found creative ways to make more money. One of those is the side hustle.

If you have room in your schedule, or if you’re currently working part-time, think of ways you can source an extra income. Whether it’s selling your crafts on Etsy or pet-sitting of a weekend, having a job on the side keeps your savings healthy and helps you to purposefully utilize your free time.

For millennials who are students or who owe student loans, a side gig can be a great way to cover these school-related debts without having to severely dip into your main savings. 

Take the first step to save today

Millennials have had a rough start to their financial journey. However, creative thinking and the aid of technology has helped this generation become more savvy when it comes to spending and saving. Because of this, more young people are finding a sense of financial freedom or in the least, a more optimistic outlook on their financial futures. When it comes to money management for millennials, the key is to find solutions in the way of basic budgeting, tracking spending habits, and cutting costs wherever possible.

Millennials have many advantages in growing their financial habits, especially in the wake of this global pandemic. With more lockdowns, young people are forced to seriously look at where their money is going and realize they are able to cut costs or eliminate expenses in areas they previously splurged on such as going out, taking away, and gym memberships. 

From sorting belongings to packing boxes and finding a way to transport them; to the often overlooked aspects of moving into a new home such as changing gas, electric, and internet providers. 

There are so many things to consider when moving home that it can often become overwhelming. 

It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time moving or your tenth, the process is never easy. But with the right preparation and an open mind, you can enjoy a more effortless transition from old home to new home. 

Tips for moving house stress-free

Check out these tips to moving house stress free:

Plan ahead

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin.

Remember back to your school days and the stress of cramming for a test last minute? Moving house is the grown-up equivalent. Just because you can wait until the final week, doesn’t mean you should. 

Planning your move weeks in advance (ideally, at least two months prior to move day) will give you enough time to orchestrate all the nitty gritty items on your list.

Start by making a weekly checklist. Week one could be designated to cleaning your house and decluttering. Week two could be sorting and boxing, and so on. 

Stick to your plan and you’ll encounter less bumps on the road – and less stress. 

Organize a charity collection

Any unwanted items or clothing that you no longer wear can be donated straight to charity. 

Make a pile of boxes of all the items to be donated (this could be done during the decluttering stage). From there, you can get in touch with your local charity and organize a pick-up. Most charity organizations now offer a pick-up service so that you don’t have to worry about making return trips to your local donation bin.

The best part about donating old clothing, furniture, and heirlooms to charity? It’s going to a deserving family who will enjoy it just as you did. It also frees up extra space in your new home. 

Get a helping hand

What are friends and family for if not to offer a lending hand?! 

Enlist your nearest and dearest to help make light work of your move. Ask them if they can help with sorting and packing boxes, get your handy uncle who owns the trailer to help transport your furniture to the new home, and round up a bunch of friends to do a last-minute deep clean of your old home.

Make the task fun by turning it into a social thing. Order in pizzas, take happy snaps, and enjoy the moment. Your friends will be able to join in on your excitement and you can relax knowing you have that extra help at your disposal. 

Update your internet

Along with updating your gas and electricity prior to your move, you should also think about your internet.

Although it may not be top of mind when moving house, setting up an internet connection in your new home can be as important as water and gas. You may need to change internet providers when moving or find your better suited to another plan in your new location. It’s well worth looking at your internet deal options.  

If you are looking to switch cable providers, or any other internet connection type, then there is the perception that it can be a painful process. 

The good news is that contrary to perception, moving to a new internet provider is a snap. 

Relax!

It doesn’t matter how much you plan and prepare, sometimes the very process of moving can be physically and emotionally exhausting. 

Make sure to schedule time to relax. With all the chaos of moving, you might find yourself neglecting your own health and wellbeing. It might sound strange, but adding one ‘rest day’ each week as part of your move checklist will give you time to reframe and refocus. 

Plan a day out or a special evening-in with the kids by ordering take-away and watching movies. Share your excitement and what you’re looking forward to in your new home, and rejoice in the fact that all this stress comes with a great reward.

Take the time to enjoy your next move

Moving to a new home is a reward on its own. But it’s easy to lose sight of this when you’re in the midst of packing. With the never-ending to-do list, you might catch yourself wondering why you’re even moving in the first place! But take a breath and relax. It’s important to realize that moving house is stressful. And the best way to reduce this stress is to plan ahead, be flexible, and to schedule regular breaks to lighten your load and give you time to remember that all of this is worth it! 

Long-distance relationships are tough – but they are not impossible. The first thing you should realize is that being physically apart doesn’t signal the demise of your relationship or friendship with your significant other. 

The trick to long-distance relationships is to make the most of what you’ve got. Luckily, we are in a time of increased global interconnectedness and there are many creative ways to maintain a relationship no matter if you’re cities, states, or even countries apart.

1. Stay connected via phone

One of the best ways is by picking up the phone and calling them, or sending a text message. They don’t have to be long, just regular enough to feel like a ‘check in’.

2. Social media and emails

Jumping on your loved one’s social media page or sending a quick email are also great ways to feel closer together. Feeling like you’re up to date with the person’s life and what’s happening with them will help increase how connected to them you feel.

3. Get video chatting

By now, you’ve most likely realized that a phone call can sometimes be a poorer substitute for seeing your loved one’s face! This is where technology really is a blessing, giving those of us separated a chance to see our partners via virtual video chat. 

Whether it’s via your phone’s in-built video call option or apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, Skype or Zoom, being able to actually see each other is sometimes enough to ease all pain of being physically apart. 

When you’re video chatting, why not act as if your loved one is physically there with you? Have a ‘virtual date’ and cook dinner for them and then eat the same meal together while you’re chatting, go for a ‘walk’ together in the park, do a workout together, or fall asleep together with the video on. There are many ways you can still maintain the sense of having a normal life together while being on completely opposite sides of the world.

4. Send a care package

Along with handwritten letters, postcards, and greeting cards, another amazing way to stay connected and show your loved one that you’re thinking of them is by sending a care package! 

Fill a box with their favorite treats, toys, books, CDs, clothes, or other small gifts and mail it to them. There are also services over the Internet that send gift baskets or flowers or hampers for you – allowing you to choose your items, price range, and delivery address at the click of a button. 

Care packages make for a great surprise, especially for a homesick relative overseas!

5. Start a project together

Whether it’s taking up oil painting or building model trains, you and your distant loved one can choose a new hobby to do together even when far apart.

Regularly talk about your hobby, share your progress, and then mail or send a photo of the finished masterpiece to each other! You may also want to enroll in an online class together and master a new language. That way you can help each other study and impress each other with the new words you’ve learned!

This is a great way to engage in an activity together and to be able to hold each other accountable. It also puts you in a position to encourage each other to set new goals and work towards them, bringing your relationship closer.

6. Gaming with friends

There are thousands of online games available that allow you to play virtually together in real-time. Whether it’s Playstation Online, Facebook Games, or multiplayer computer games, set a time to get online and challenge your other half to a virtual battle!

You can make a challenge out of it by making whoever wins first or whoever collects the more points/prizes/trophies etc. gets a reward – which could be anything from a surprise delivery or extra phone time!

Gaming with friends and family during isolation, in particular, was just one of many creative ways people found to be closer together even when physically apart. 

7. Go on a virtual holiday

So many of us are craving the wanderlust of an overseas holiday. While we can’t make that happen now, we can always go on a virtual holiday!

There are a couple of ways you can do this

• Pick a destination you both want to go to and then set up a video call date. When it’s time to go on your vacation, you can both log in to Google Maps and enter the city you’re traveling to. From there, explore Street View and go on a virtual safari! You can also use an app like Ascape, which holds hundreds of virtual video and photo tours. YouTube also hosts virtual tours including theme park rides you can go on from the comfort of your own couch!
• Gather photos, postcards, clippings, etc. of your dream holiday destination and make a scrapbook. Include your travel itinerary and activities you wish to participate in. From there, mail the scrapbook to your loved one and talk about your trip!

8. Quiz each other

There are so many free quizzes available online that are so much fun to do over long-distance. 

Print out and mail popular quizzes to your loved ones and have them fill it out and return it to you – then call each other and discuss your results! Or, have a list of quizzes or question prompts ready for when you next have a phone call. You can ask anything from, “If you could choose a celebrity to have dinner with, who would it be?” to “Would you rather..?” questions. This can lead to more deep discussion and plenty of laughter!

For those in relationships, try taking online compatibility tests together and find out each other’s Love Language. 

9. Write open-when letters

Show how much you really miss them by getting creative with some Open When.. letters! 

Grab some envelopes and on each of them write, ‘Open When.. you miss me’ or ‘Open when.. we’ve had a fight.’ Next, write a heartfelt note to accompany the envelope and include some things that will cheer them up such as photos of you or of the two of you together, cut-outs of their favorite car/animal/food, glitter, lipstick kisses – anything you can think of!

10. Inspire each other 

Sometimes distance can make everything seem glum, and there are times where it almost feels impossible to go another day without seeing the one you care about. 

Keep your positivity alive and renew each other’s confidence by sending daily quotes via text or messenger or email or letter. 

Include inspirational quotes such as:

“Always together, never apart. Maybe in distance, but never in heart.”

Source a daily devotion book and read each day’s motivational quote to each other, or look up articles and success stories of others in long-distance relationships to keep you focused and optimistic during those tough days. 

11. Make a playlist

Music does wonders when it comes to expressing your heartfelt feelings and emotions.

Tap into the power of music and create a playlist that you can share with your loved one on a platform like Spotify.

Include all the songs that remind you of them as well as your favorite songs or artists. If you know your loved ones’ favorite artist or genre, you can even look up new songs on YouTube and share your discovery with them.

You might also want to help put a playlist together, and have each of you choose 6 songs for a unique mix that symbolizes your relationship!

12. Hold a surprise party

Whether it’s their birthday, graduation, or just because, throw a virtual party and celebrate together! 

Apps like Houseparty or Zoom can host multiple people on the video chat and can allow you to participate in fun party games and challenges together. 

Set a date, and make it a real party by having a cake and party hats. Make yummy cocktails, sing karaoke, dance together, and have fun! Go further by decorating the room with balloons and streamers, and investing in a mini disco ball or party lights. 

Your friend or partner will love the fact that you went to all that effort to make them smile!

13. Plan your next meeting

While many of us are still uncertain about when we can travel again to see our loved ones, it doesn’t stop us from planning that long-awaited day!

Get together with your loved one over the phone or video chat, and make a list of all the things you want to do when you finally get to see each other. Describe in detail your ideal date or meeting, collect information on destinations you wish to explore together, look up fun activities you can do together, and get excited for what’s to come!

Having something to look forward to helps ease feelings of sadness, especially when each day seems to drag on and you feel like you’ll never see your loved one again. 

It’s important to stay connected where possible

Know that being physically apart doesn’t have to get in the way of a meaningful, loving, and healthy connection.

In long-distance relationships, you are forced to try a little harder when it comes to communication and finding creative ways to stay connected.

There is a fear among many of us that ‘out of sight, out of mind’ might lead to our loved ones forgetting about us. But the saying, ‘distance makes the heart grow fonder’ is far more accurate! By utilizing the above activities and having daily check-ins, you will find that your relationship will actually come out even stronger after your physical separation. 

When we are young we anticipate going to school; as teens, we understand the next step is high school; then comes college, university or trade school; and finally a career. It’s as if we’re always working towards something. On a straight trajectory to the stage in life titled, “I finally have it all figured out.”

But there also comes another stage in life.

The one that creeps up and has us thinking:

“Is it too late?”

“Aren’t I supposed to have everything worked out by now?”

You may label it as a quarter-life crisis, an existential crisis, or just a plain crisis. A crisis that has you questioning anything and everything about your current life circumstance. 

Turning Thirty – a milestone

When you reach 30, life becomes different. You’re no longer in those young, naive stages of your 20’s, but you’re also not quite at the point of having that life wisdom those in their 40’s seem to possess. It’s a confusing time where half of those in your age group seem to have their lives together while the other half are still figuring it out. 

The thing is, the journey of life is never linear. And there certainly isn’t a prize or certificate of acknowledgment when one reaches the age of 30 or 50, or whatever age you believe you should have it all worked out by.

Sure, the Queen sends you a personalized card in the mail once you reach 100, but it seems a bit presumptuous to assume that even those at 100 have it all worked out. Why? Because life is a continuous journey of learning.

The only certainty is uncertainty

No one has it all figured out. 

Let me repeat that statement one more time. Absolutely no one has it all figured out.

Yes, even that billionaire living in his 15-room mansion with his wife and four kids and a car and a pet Retriever and a global enterprise doesn’t have life figured out!

The only one who does? Our creator. God. Life source. Spirit. The universe. But even then, the universe is continuously expanding and reaching for newer truths.

Why do we think we should have all the answers?

Life is not something to master. If you have it all figured out then what’s the point in living? What would you learn? What would you strive for? What would you be forced to appreciate when things get tough and everything seems hopeless? 

The trouble with human beings is that we live for certainty. But the world is inherently uncertain. So basically, we’re winning a losing battle on our quest to have everything figured out.

Even seniors don’t have it all worked out. In a recent study into seniors and their mindset post-Covid 19, it is evident that after a year of upheaval and fear – being the most at-risk demographic – not only did their mindset change, but 74% admitted to feeling the need to adjust their priorities and expectations.

The global pandemic forced a mindset shift in the world at large. It served as a great reminder that you cannot have everything worked out and even when you do, there will always be something – a virus, a breakup, a retrenchment, an injury – that will throw you back to square one.

The comparison game

For many people in their 30’s, the pressure they feel when it comes to living life the right way (even though *spoiler alert* there isn’t a right way!) and having it all worked out, comes from comparing their life position to that of others in their age group. 

Keeping up with the Joneses (or the Kardashian’s in modern discourse) is a recipe for disaster. Everyone’s journey is different.

Sure, there may be more people at 20 studying at college – but there are also plenty of 20-year-old’s working or starting a family. There are a lot of 30-somethings with a house, kids and a career, but there are also a lot of 30-somethings still figuring out what they want.

And there are a lot of 50-year-olds married to their life partner and preparing for retirement, but there are also a lot who have never been married and who are even thinking of a brand new career change.

The secret to having life figured out? You don’t need to have it all figured out. 

Truths everyone should think about

If you have reached the age of 30 and want some truths to ponder, consider these:

• Life is a journey meant for living. Living doesn’t mean ticking off milestones as if life is a task to be checked off. Life is about constantly learning, growing, expanding, and finding joy in simply being alive. 
• Everyone’s life journey is different. Stop comparing. You’re exactly where you need to be right now. 
• You are in control of your life. Choose the things that you want and live life the way you want to live. 
• Life is uncertain. Even those who look like they have it “all together” may find themselves revisiting their life’s purpose. 
• Other’s opinions do not matter. There is no right or wrong way to live. Shake off the stereotypes that you should be married by a certain age or should have kids or should know what you want, and focus on what will make you happy. 

It’s okay to not have it all figured out. It doesn’t matter how old you are, you will never truly completely have this thing we call life figured out. Our main purpose is to enjoy life, and to revel in its mysteries, its surprises, and its messes. 

It is fantastic to have a plan, to desire and strive for life’s treasured ‘milestones’ but there’s also nothing wrong with having no plan and to simply just flow where life takes you. 

The pressure to have it all figured out by thirty is a concept that immediately sets us up to fail. By approaching life like a to-do list, we miss the inherent beauty of each day, and the things that make life worth living.