What do you guys do for fun outside of Magic?
Social forum
Posted on Aug. 27, 2014, 2:15 p.m. by trentfaris242
Each day I go to work, come home, relax for a few hours, go to sleep, wake up and repeat that process the next day. Having just moved, I have no friends nearby. I just started a new job, so I'm busy from 8-5. My wife and I also just had a baby, so nights can be frustrating and a challenge.
I've been a positive, upbeat person my entire life, but each of these elements combined make me feel like I'm on the brink of depression. I spend all my time doing things I don't want to do, so the little time I do get, I spend on some personal things (programming, time with family, MtG, video games, etc). I enjoy having hobbies, but it almost feels like they aren't "rewarding" enough to keep me recharged.
I'd like to appeal to the T/O community, both young and old. What do you do for fun? What keeps you engaged and motivated in life? For those of you who have had kids before, have you faced similar situations? If so, how did you approach them?
GoldGhost012 says... #3
Fun outside Magic? I'm on this site basically 24/7.
Okay, college has actually made that a lie now. I'm still working on getting into the college routine. Classes haven't started yet, so the five days I've already been here feel a lot more like a summer camp than the future of my future.
A great way for me to release stress and unwind a bit is to go for a run. I dunno, it's just great to be able to be free and clear my mind for a bit. I also like to read and watch hilariously mind-numbing videos on Youtube if I really just want to forget about life for a while.
August 27, 2014 2:32 p.m.
I play a lot of PnP rpg's, mostly Shadowrun and DnD, Also anything WWE related
August 27, 2014 2:32 p.m.
Epochalyptik says... #6
Moved to Social.
I'm currently thinking about grad school, and I'm writing a good deal. I left my job so I could advance myself, and I hope to be back in academia by this time next year.
Actually, I was in much the same position as you are in now, trentfaris242. I wasn't responsible for a child or a marriage, though, so I had no overwhelming emotional or financial needs. My best advice to you, and the advice I would have personally acted upon had I not made the decision I did, is to do something significant for yourself in the time before or after work. Also, try working out. It helps. Seriously.
August 27, 2014 2:55 p.m.
trentfaris242 says... #7
@Epochalyptik Thanks for the comment. I'm not in any upsetting financial situation, just emotional. I have realized that I lived most of my life playing soccer and piano, but have done neither for about 3 years. I think I'll take yours and vampirelazarus's advice and pick those back up again.
August 27, 2014 3:04 p.m.
Yeah I agree with Epochalyptik. I'm in the same rut but working out just helps leaps and bounds for keeping myself sane.
I suggest you try it out. It just makes you feel a lot better, less lazy, you have more energy and you just generally feel good about yourself.
Try it out man, goto bodybuilding . com, they have great planners and suggestions for newcomers that have amazing results. I've been using Jay Cutlers 8 week program along side the Arnold blueprint and I've never felt better.
August 27, 2014 3:09 p.m.
ItchiUchiha117 says... #9
I cook. I'm majoring in the culinary arts and whenever I want to do something to keep my mind off of what is stressing me out, I cook. I'm not the best cook, but I enjoy it and it's fun to experiment with stuff, like making a spicy pineapple sauce for chicken or figuring out which starches and vegetables go well with different kinds of meat. I'd start experimenting with drink pairings, but I'm still twenty for another nine months.
Also, and they're horrible people for doing this, my friends got me into League of Legends in the past couple days.
August 27, 2014 3:12 p.m.
How about starting gym or a sport you like? It will give more energy and keep you fit the same time.
August 27, 2014 3:19 p.m.
working out is definitely the one for me. I just bought a shiny new Concept 2 Rowing machine that I am thrashing myself one, as well as weight lifting, and rugby training. Preparing for a mud run here in the UK is also time consuming. I enjoy play RPGs on PC or PS3 when I can, but thats not often. I would certainly try to pick up the hobbies that you enjoyed before, always a good bet. Otherwise, find somebody who can go to the gym with you, or circuit training, or even just running, and it will help. My friend has a just past newborn and me and him running definitely helps him. I haven't got kids myself, but do have a niece, and two god children who absorb much of my time. And as a reference, I am 26, in case that gives you a point of reference :-)
August 27, 2014 3:29 p.m.
League, working out, social events with friends like hot tub parties/camping/bar escapades. Magic keeps me outta trouble, tbh...
August 27, 2014 4:34 p.m.
VampireArmy says... #16
Work, i go to the movies almost religiously, videogames, more work..Yeah i don't get out much. I've actually found myself in a bit of arutt myself lately since money is so tight
August 27, 2014 4:51 p.m.
Nigeltastic says... #17
Magic IS the thing I do to relax lol. My suggestion is this: if you feel like you're always doing things you hate, find new things. If programming is your hobby and you're any good, get a job doing that. If you're in one and hate it, find a new one, we programmers are in demand. I'm not fully done with school yet and I've had several offers. Overall I doubt what you're feeling will go away by taking up a pottery class (those are fun though), so take some introspective time and figure out what you REALLY need to do.
August 27, 2014 4:52 p.m.
Definitely gotta exercise. Being active and the sense of accomplishment from biking/hiking/organized sports can rapidly decrease depression. Plus it'll help you sleep
August 27, 2014 4:53 p.m.
trentfaris242 says... #19
@Nigeltastic I'm actually a Software Engineer already, but I agree with what you said! The world needs more of us.
@ItchiUchiha117 I also love to cook! I love everything about food. League is fine. For years that's been a great way for me to spend time with friends. Recently I've not had much time, though.
@maiden77 Thanks for the perspective. I definitely think I should pick up running again. I did it a lot in high school and college but not much after.
August 27, 2014 5:11 p.m.
College, League of Legends, fighting games (BlazBlue, Guilty Gear), anime, music, etc.
August 27, 2014 5:42 p.m.
gnarlicide says... #21
I play guitar, make odd videos and rethink some of the most brutal moments of my life.
I also sit and think about things that I want to accomplish and how I can make it happen. If I have nothing to work towards, then I have no motivation.
I am one of the few that landed my dream job before I got old, so after that happened, I was like "what now"? And I hit a slump where I had no more goals in my life, so I wasn't motivated to do anything.
I teach my kids how to play mtg. My 8 year old daughter has a modern burn deck that pushes my shit in on the regular. She is almost good enough to go to the shop. Mwahahaha. Call me dr. Frankenstein.
August 27, 2014 6:21 p.m.
Dalektable says... #22
I sing and read quite a bit...and that's it. Magic is my only hobby really, haha. And of course I focus on school quite a bit. And...yeah.
August 27, 2014 6:34 p.m.
mathimus55 says... #23
Like what was already said several times, working out/exercising is an awesome way to stay healthy and it's a good way to keep your mind fresh. I do endurance races(tough mudder, Spartan race etc) and have a few buddies that I train with along with playing magic with them. It's one of the best things you can do for yourself. Plus it gives you time away from all the other distractions in life. To talk about magic more
August 27, 2014 6:56 p.m.
TheDuggernaught says... #24
I play sports and when my sports are out of season, I work out. I also play super smash bros (melee and brawl) in the tourney scene. Yes, I think items are the dumbest thing ever. No, I do not play fox. Yes, I do play final destination 90% of the time.
August 27, 2014 7:03 p.m.
GlistenerAgent says... #25
Learn an instrument. Or a language. Join a gym. Prepare to run a marathon, or start with a half-marathon if you're feeling intimidated.
August 27, 2014 7:17 p.m.
aeonstoremyliver says... #26
Excercise releases endorphins. Good stuff. Getting out in the sunlight can also help greatly improve your affect.
I'm married, have a 13 month old, and one due in November. I get it dude! I like to relax in the evenings, playing with the boy before he hits the rack, and hang out with the wife or have a friend over for a low key MTG match. And beer, that's a must lol.
I also love to play my guitar, which I do often. Music is quite therapeutic. If you don't play an instrument, then perhaps find a relaxing, thought provoking, low key activity.
You could also try and volunteer at a homeless shelter or something similar an hour or so a week. Doing things for others can raise self esteem and make us feel like we're worthwhile. I work once a month with physically/mentally disabled individuals. Good stuff, Maynard!
August 27, 2014 7:34 p.m.
SwiftDeath says... #28
I have found Magic to be somewhat frustrating really. This has nothing to do with the game itself it is just my local playgroup that acts like a bunch of immature brats sometimes. I have started doing more then magic in the recent years and my favorite thing right now is RP's I have been playing D&D, Path Finder, IronClaw, Star Wars, and recently I started making my own custom RP with a unique Skill and combat system. To be honest I would just say figure out what makes you happy and challenge yourself. You will get a sense of accomplishment and that always helps when you need a pick me up. Hope this helped at least somewhat and hang in there. It will get better.
August 27, 2014 8:03 p.m.
NoPantsParade says... #30
I've been teaching myself guitar now for about two years and computer programming for about a year now. However, with senior year starting, 5 AP's, and college application shenanigans, I've been pretty busy trying to balance work, cross country, and homework, so I don't have much time to do anything during the week. I've been doing weight lifting for about two years now, and that really helped with just clearing my mind and releasing stress at the gym. During freshman and about halfway through sophomore years, I was lacking confidence. After getting into weight lifting, I've developed a lot more confidence over the years and I noticed a significant increase in my overall happiness and confidence. When I'm taking a break in between assignments, I just pull out the guitar and just play or practice a song or two and then get back into the swing of things. I find that trying new things and stepping outside of your comfort zone will help you learn some things about yourself.
To sum things up, do what everyone else has been saying: exercise. It helps.
August 27, 2014 8:34 p.m.
fluffybunnypants says... #31
I've never understood the whole "running when something isn't chasing me and I am not chasing someone" thing. I tried it for a while, but it never really stuck. Exercise for me comes in the form of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It really does help. Otherwise, I generally enjoy playing guitar, reading, writing and getting out of the house in general.
August 27, 2014 8:49 p.m.
I play a few instruments, and have some bands and shit. I also play videogames and DM for DnD. School bums the hell outta me, so I have to do something. EDH on Sundays and FNM really are how I unwind.
August 27, 2014 9:55 p.m.
gnarlicide says... #33
fluffybunnypants... For real. Running is a very VERY unnatural act. Unless it's from something trying to kill me or to the bathroom. Then it's okay.
Police dogs come in a close third place.
August 27, 2014 10:32 p.m.
I've gotten lucky and Moved to a weekend shift so through the week, I'm up early, and Fit: practicing guitar, reading, writing, Magic, general house cleaning, cooking for the wife and kid, working out, League of Legends, and in January all the studying and craming for exams for college, in each day throughout the week. Of course I'll prioritize some things on different days. Going to the Pubs with my friends means I'll probably cut out my league and magic for the day, or count reading up on some new magic decks towards my usual reading time. I just love working 12 hours a day for Sat-Mon and having 4 days off. It's just really important, at least to me, that I do things that make me feel accomplished (Even if that accomplishment is a Pentakill) each day, and always progressing.
August 28, 2014 4:54 p.m.
Femme_Fatale says... #35
Uni coming up, so I am really worried about the state of T/O's card image database. As I won't have all that time to be fixing cards. I have a really full course-load and need to find a job still. Having my only experience being working at my grandparent's restaurant for 5 years does not do nice things to the resume. That, and I tell the truth. Though I don't need to get a job (it is just nice for financial security) as I have numerous other methods I can be making money with. Yay for femininity!
As for what I like to do in my free-time ... social things. Chatting with friends, playing with others, things like that. I don't like to play nonmultiplayer games, watch t.v/movies or reading books anymore because it feels as if I could have spent that time doing something better with my life. Either something constructive, or something that I can make a memory with another person with. I do however want to start writing erotica. Far too many ideas rolling around in my head for them to just sit there. They need to go on paper someday. Someday.
vampirelazarus says... #2
I play music. And EVE. And college.
August 27, 2014 2:31 p.m.