My Low-Cost Hobbies Post-Grad While Job Searching

 The daunting era that all college-goers dread is the state I'm currently in: life post-grad, with no job. I graduated two and a half months ago, and 50+ job applications later I have yet to find the right fit. Luckily, I have remained somewhat calm throughout the process. This transition was extra difficult for me because when I don't have achievable things to keep me occupied I tend to fall into a state of frustrated sadness. I like to feel as though I'm doing something "smart" or "productive" with my time, but I have been humbled during these last few months. I will get into job hunting on another day, so for now I'm going to share all of the things that make me feel creative and productive while discovering my new normal after school. 

First, I spend (possibly too much) time on social media. As I've mentioned before, I like to use social media and screen time in a way that doesn't feel like screen time. Instead I make Pinterest boards, create collages, plan future trips, pick out outfits, find inspiration for this blog, etc. I've also spent hoursss on this blog and reading other blogs! I enjoy hearing others' stories and what they've been up to, which also gives me ideas on what to do in my free time. In the last few weeks I've created a Letterboxd and Goodreads account to log what I've been reading and watching. I'm grateful to have so much time to be able to read and I like keeping track as well, especially now that I'll be sharing book reviews on here! I am a Letterboxd newbie, but I think I'm getting the hang of it. Some days I lay in bed and watch movies all day, which doesn't feel so great when my brain tells me I need to be productive at all times. Letterboxd has given me what I call an "excuse" to watch movies. I haven't gotten into writing in-depth professional reviews, but I do enjoy seeing opinions on new movies. I am an avid movie watcher, I love going to the theaters to see the new releases, but there is nothing more that I despise than being throughly disappointed in a movie (the singular movie I left the theaters angry with was Adrift, a movie I was anticipating for months)! 

Without a job I am severely limited on funds. Not fun, I might add. I am, or was, a frequent TJMaxx and Ross shopper, but now I've pulled back. Ironically it isn't the worst scenario. I've learned how to spend my money on things I truly want and items that will actually be useful. We all fall victim to the latest trend sometimes, even I have a needoh (only one, I'm not a psycho). To be more creative and save money I've started crafting with things I already have. For example, my cousin was giving away loads of bracelet making supplies and I gladly took them. Of course I've made Taylor inspired ones, but I've also made a bunch for myself, my boyfriend, and his family for our upcoming trip to Disney World! Another analog activity is making notebooks. I have plenty left over (who doesn't) from years of school. I've made some relating to my writing, manifestation, bucket list, etc. Using what I have left over from college (stickers, glue, sticky notes, random papers) I plan to start a junk journal! Junk journaling has been on my to-do DIY list forever so I'm very excited to start! 

I am one of the few individuals who despise exercise. I hate being uncomfortable but I think being uncomfortable is good for the soul. I've started going to the apartment gym to get, even a little, movement in. On the cooler days of this blistering hot summer I've walked around the neighborhood too, which is more fun due to the presence of cute dogs! I'm not one to be able to stare at the wall on the treadmill or elliptical so podcasts and TV shows have been my best friend. Life hack: find a really interesting show and ONLY allow yourself to watch it on the treadmill! When I get extra snazzy and spend time on the elliptical, my playlist has to be super upbeat. I find "Sleazy" by Ke$ha to be the perfect song for this activity. 

If you want to increase your memory longevity (and reduce dementia, I'll get back to you on the science behind this) try puzzles! Word search and Sudoku books have been my go to for days I absolutely have to log off, car rides, and time at the pool. The Dollar Store has plenty of options!! I also enjoy the occasional coloring page when my perfectionism isn't too overbearing. And, as I'll always recommend, READ!! Reading is soooo important (I'll make a blog about this too)! A Good Girl's Guide To Murder by Holly Jackson, if you like thriller/mystery, brought me out of my years long reading slump! 

Lastly, here are some DIYs that are on my Pinterest board but I haven't gotten around to yet! 

- crochet claw clip holder 

- air dry clay: tic-tac-toe, trinket dish, and magnets

- button picture frames

- beaded plants, bookmarks, and bag charms 

- wine cork cork board

- bottle cap vase 

remember!! check out my Pinterest for more ideas =) 

Finding the Inspiration To Be Creative

 Ironically you may have found my blog through TikTok, and if so, hi!!! TikTok is a place I venture to when I'm bored, need a break, or want to mindlessly scroll. It can be informative, fun, and creative, but also addictive. If you're like me and you're looking for some ways to become inspired for whatever reason, you've made it to the correct corner of the internet! I just finished my degree in English, with a concentration in writing, so I'm usually finding myself looking for ways to become inspired to write. A group of students and I all met with, in my opinion, one of the best professors at our university to discuss our plans after college, ways to keep writing, and other "nerdy" things. If you have a blog, I'm going to assume you enjoy writing at least to some extent, so I'll begin with staying inspired to write! 

Something that tends to always do the trick for me is looking at others' writing. Sometimes this is on TikTok, where I found some of the amazing blogs I follow now, and other times it's through reading. This works best when I'm really into or have just finished a book that is the same genre I want to write in. This also applies when I'm watching movies that follow characters with a similar lifestyle that I want. For me, it is Andie Anderson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. If you're a law student or pursuing law school, your inspiration may be Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. Or, if you're me in an alternate dimension, your inspiration is A.J. Cook in Criminal Minds. Sort of like manifestation, you have to envision yourself with the life you want! P.S. if the writers out there want to create a writing chat, let me know! =)

If your hobbies are less mental and more physical, like baking, painting, or DIY-ing, try Pinterest! I use Pinterest to plan my life (literally, try collaging!!) and it contains endless ideas for hobbies. The majority of the time, when I lack the energy or funds to start something I see on Pinterest, I still create a board. While this is still considered "screen-time" I find that it leaves me feeling more fulfilled and helps me to be more creative in the future. What I love the most is centering an idea around an event or upcoming action. For example, I'm going to Disney World in a couple weeks, so I planned my outfits, bucketlist, and to-try foods on Pinterest. Some of those ideas I found on the site, but others I found on TikTok or Instagram. The moral of the story is, rather than using social media to be mindless, use it to your advantage to be MORE creative! 

The art of doing nothing: my favorite pastime. The art of doing nothing is essentially leaving yourself alone with your thoughts while doing something that requires no thoughts. I first heard this on the Lucky Girl Podcast when I began going on walks through my neighborhood. The art of doing nothing, for me, is most effective in a location that you are new to, such as a hiking trail or a cafe. Being unplugged in a new place allows your mind to ponder and explore things that you wouldn't if you were swiping through reels. I often find inspiration when doing this, especially when I start to think of a new plot or character for a novel! 

GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE! To find inspiration you do not have to be extreme, but you should try something new! And for my anxiety girlies, it does not have to be scary. One helpful tip I use when doing something new to me is "do it for fun"! Pull back and realize we live on a floating rock in the middle of space and time is limited. This applies for absolutely everything: job interviews, traveling, meeting someone new, trying new foods, taking a test, applying for something, etc. Just have FUN! Getting out of your comfort zone means something different for everyone, so take it step by step. This could mean reading a book in a genre you usually don't, going places alone, or even listening to a new song! Think of your best friends, what makes them "them"? Is it something you think of when you think of yourself? If not, then do it! Be whoever you want for the day, go as far as creating an alter-ego for your days of getting out of your comfort zone! 

And for my final tip: pour into your own cup. You can't be creative if you aren't fulfilled. If something just isn't working out, it is okay to start over. Don't like your job? Find a new one! Feeling stuck? It's okay, we all are! The best thing about being uncomfortable is that a new beginning is coming. Do the things you love with the people you love, but also the things you're scared of. Take each day slowly, doing what you want to when you want to.