Sometimes we find ourselves at a stage in our life when friends or social connections are not easy to come by. This unfortunate situation maybe due to a change in our circumstances, such as leaving university or a job, changing location, or splitting up from a partner and having to create a new social life. Or it could be due to an inherent difficulty in forming relationships due poor communication skills.
Whatever the reason, the fact is, that friends won’t just come knocking at the door. You may want to meet new people, but hanging around bars or waiting for colleagues to fill that gap usually does not work.
So what is the solution?
Well, it may be the right time to ask yourself: how am I spending my free time?
You may find that you are stuck in the race of spending all your time either working or studying or doing chores, with your free time dedicated to doing specific activities that don’t take into account the creation of social connections.
What should be done instead?
Get a Social Hobby or start a Social Activity
In this article we won’t talk about any hobby or activity. We emphasize the need for social connections. Going to personal training or learning a new language via online tutoring will not help you meet new people.
Social hobbies or activities on the other hand are pastimes that emphasize interactions with fellow humans. They create an atmosphere where people can come together to learn and develop new skills while enjoying conversation and connection.
Instead of just standing around in a set up situation like a bar, trying to find topics to talk about, they facilitate more casual, free-flowing conversations while you focus on a task at hand.
For sure, starting a new hobby or an activity can feel a difficult task to achieve for some of us.
But, if you think about it, most likely 80% of the other participants are there for the same reason you are : to meet new people, get better at a skill, and enjoy their free time. A triple win situation!
So, let’s explore some options to inspire you, although there are many many more to look at in our easyGuide.
Athletic Social Hobbies/ Activities
It is common sense that someone who plays sports, is more likely to have friends that play sports. So, if you are a sporty type what better way to start making new connections via the abundance of sport groups available.
Some ideas to get you started could be joining a running club or a cycling group.
Or you may join an adult recreational team playing football or basketball, baseball or volleyball, tennis, golf, or whatever sport you fancy.
Most times these activities also involve group outings.
Fitness Classes
These days there is a workout class for every type of fitness imaginable. From circular training to pilates or boxing to yoga. However, before joining any fitness class take into major consideration the social factor. The Fitness Centre or Studio you join must be geared towards social events and group bonding. Getting fit is one thing, but creating a social life through fitness must also be part of your goals!
It is also a good idea to make it a point to talk to at least one new classmate after each workout. If you find this especially hard for you, it maybe time to look at getting some help to boost your communication skills.
Outdoor Social Hobbies
If you are an outdoorsy person or you have an adventurous nature, then it maybe a good idea to seek out other nature-lovers to hang out with.
Join a hiking group if you like Mother Earth or pick up sailing or kayaking or any other water sport if you are more of a sea person. You can even try your hand at more edgy staff such as parachuting or paragliding!
Creative Social Hobbies
Since ancient times, artistic and creative creation has been linked to strong social bonds across age groups or subject matter. So whatever the creative nature of your chosen hobby, be it Dancing, Singing, Art, Writing or Crafting (from knitting to cooking lessons to woodworking to chess playing),they all create a community of like minded people. So even if you aren’t naturally creative, don’t let that hinder you from trying it out! You may be surprised at what beautiful conversations can take place whilst doing something that relaxes you.
Volunteer
Psychologists have found that volunteering creates strong shared social identity and also a sense of belonging amongst volunteers. Whatever the cause, be it animal welfare or feeding the homeless etc, coordinating with others toward a common goal is an easy way to find a crowd that you identify with.
Solo /Singles travel groups
Joining one of the many organized travel groups dedicated to the solo traveller is an amazing idea for two reasons:
Firstly, you don’t have to depend on anyone to go on holiday where you fancy going! Secondly, you will be in the company of like minded solo people who are looking for the same thing as you: to enjoy themselves and meet new people.
Meditation
Finally, you can even join a group that when it comes to talking, less is more: Meditation is all about quietness and stillness.
But did you know that people’s brain waves sync together during group meditations? So, if you prefer to connect on a spiritual level, meditation can help you meet people on the same wavelength with minimum talking!
As already mentioned, do check out our easeGuide for more ideas. Our extensive list of collaborators cover most of all possible social hobbies and activities to help you kick start a rewarding social life!
Get your Social Life up and running
Sometimes we find ourselves at a stage in our life when friends or social connections are not easy to come by. This unfortunate situation maybe due to a change in our circumstances, such as leaving university or a job, changing location, or splitting up from a partner and having to create a new social life. Or it could be due to an inherent difficulty in forming relationships due poor communication skills.
Whatever the reason, the fact is, that friends won’t just come knocking at the door. You may want to meet new people, but hanging around bars or waiting for colleagues to fill that gap usually does not work.
So what is the solution?
Well, it may be the right time to ask yourself: how am I spending my free time?
You may find that you are stuck in the race of spending all your time either working or studying or doing chores, with your free time dedicated to doing specific activities that don’t take into account the creation of social connections.
What should be done instead?
Get a Social Hobby or start a Social Activity
In this article we won’t talk about any hobby or activity. We emphasize the need for social connections. Going to personal training or learning a new language via online tutoring will not help you meet new people.
Social hobbies or activities on the other hand are pastimes that emphasize interactions with fellow humans. They create an atmosphere where people can come together to learn and develop new skills while enjoying conversation and connection.
Instead of just standing around in a set up situation like a bar, trying to find topics to talk about, they facilitate more casual, free-flowing conversations while you focus on a task at hand.
For sure, starting a new hobby or an activity can feel a difficult task to achieve for some of us.
But, if you think about it, most likely 80% of the other participants are there for the same reason you are : to meet new people, get better at a skill, and enjoy their free time. A triple win situation!
So, let’s explore some options to inspire you, although there are many many more to look at in our easyGuide.
Athletic Social Hobbies/ Activities
It is common sense that someone who plays sports, is more likely to have friends that play sports. So, if you are a sporty type what better way to start making new connections via the abundance of sport groups available.
Some ideas to get you started could be joining a running club or a cycling group.
Or you may join an adult recreational team playing football or basketball, baseball or volleyball, tennis, golf, or whatever sport you fancy.
Most times these activities also involve group outings.
Fitness Classes
These days there is a workout class for every type of fitness imaginable. From circular training to pilates or boxing to yoga. However, before joining any fitness class take into major consideration the social factor. The Fitness Centre or Studio you join must be geared towards social events and group bonding. Getting fit is one thing, but creating a social life through fitness must also be part of your goals!
It is also a good idea to make it a point to talk to at least one new classmate after each workout. If you find this especially hard for you, it maybe time to look at getting some help to boost your communication skills.
Outdoor Social Hobbies
If you are an outdoorsy person or you have an adventurous nature, then it maybe a good idea to seek out other nature-lovers to hang out with.
Join a hiking group if you like Mother Earth or pick up sailing or kayaking or any other water sport if you are more of a sea person. You can even try your hand at more edgy staff such as parachuting or paragliding!
Creative Social Hobbies
Since ancient times, artistic and creative creation has been linked to strong social bonds across age groups or subject matter. So whatever the creative nature of your chosen hobby, be it Dancing, Singing, Art, Writing or Crafting (from knitting to cooking lessons to woodworking to chess playing),they all create a community of like minded people. So even if you aren’t naturally creative, don’t let that hinder you from trying it out! You may be surprised at what beautiful conversations can take place whilst doing something that relaxes you.
Volunteer
Psychologists have found that volunteering creates strong shared social identity and also a sense of belonging amongst volunteers. Whatever the cause, be it animal welfare or feeding the homeless etc, coordinating with others toward a common goal is an easy way to find a crowd that you identify with.
Solo /Singles travel groups
Joining one of the many organized travel groups dedicated to the solo traveller is an amazing idea for two reasons:
Firstly, you don’t have to depend on anyone to go on holiday where you fancy going! Secondly, you will be in the company of like minded solo people who are looking for the same thing as you: to enjoy themselves and meet new people.
Meditation
Finally, you can even join a group that when it comes to talking, less is more: Meditation is all about quietness and stillness.
But did you know that people’s brain waves sync together during group meditations? So, if you prefer to connect on a spiritual level, meditation can help you meet people on the same wavelength with minimum talking!
As already mentioned, do check out our easeGuide for more ideas. Our extensive list of collaborators cover most of all possible social hobbies and activities to help you kick start a rewarding social life!
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