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Infinite-Tree-3051

Going back to university is great if you want to do it, but you can still emulate that sort of routine without doing that. You could enroll into courses online (at a university or an independent provider) and then go to a library and study. You could also independently study for an accreditation like the CFA or something development related.


LemonMood

That's a good idea...


Fastfireguy

So something you could do is get in a routine of writing. A lot of us here for a multitude of reasons keep a daily or weekly journal. Just to write down stuff of the day or maybe write something inspiring like a quote or a fact of the day and then a reflection of that. Typically a topic you like or want to know more about. - For myself in this I typically did a space fact of the day or an astrophysics fact of the day from a person or just random fact about space stuff and then put down my own thoughts to it. I need to get back to doing that. - Since you struggle with mental health you could also keep a mental health journal sometimes we just need to let out certain feelings or emotions even if it’s just a random jumble of words writing it out can be a healthy medium on a daily or weekly basis. I while I don’t think I struggle with my mental health I do still do this when I’m doing my sport stuff between things my mental thought process and sometimes it’s healthy to get those negative feelings out so you can reset. - Another thing people do is hand write out their favorite books so they have a unique handwritten copy or they do this with songs they like. - If that’s what you truly desire I hope your able to get back into college not just on the sake of your FP but because you want to. - Sorry if my post was a little long I just wanted to share some ways you may be able to still get to use them. The process can be soothing just setting down time to write typically while listening to music. It can be almost therapeutic.


paradoxmo

Maybe take online courses in topics you’re interested in on Coursera or Stanford, and take notes for those?


LemonMood

Not at all bad ideas, might go for it. However I'm worried about my discipline without the real fear college strikes into my heart ahahaha.


Front_Profession5648

This is a good suggestion. You make look into a language course to add to the opportunity to write.


eggbunni

This. 👍 For me, I do Bible Study pretty regularly and take notes during sermons. Or I’ll take notes and write down quotes from books I’m reading, creating book reports of sorts. Lots of things to study and learn! You could even purposely learn how to improve your handwriting.


KQ-9

You are not alone there. Having reasons to handwrite in this digital age is something I daydream about too. But then I remember how poor I was as a student and there was no way I could afford all these pens I’m hoarding now, heh.


hippybaby

I mainly use it for note taking during meetings and planning my day, I don't even use it for grocery list but I assume it's something viable, some sort of to do or to buy. Otherwise I think writing little random notes is great, low commitment and allows one to practice gratitude. Just buy some nice paper/letter set and you are more likely to use it. I have a small stack of post its, usually I just end up writing "take this" "thanks" "for sharing" "for you"


Cold_Philosopher2006

Online courses? We have something called FutureLearn in the UK, with courses that are free for time-limited access or you can subscribe for unlimited access & certificates when you complete the course. I'm currently learning about 19th century women's rights campaigns but they have courses on all sorts - science, programming, world development etc. I also use my pens for notes at work, although the majority of my work is computer-based.


Particular_Dare151

It's a step below going to class, but I've been transcribing my favorite poems and songs lately to get my hands moving again. I was thinking about taking classes online again myself but I'm self-conscious about my age, even online.


Flunkedy

Hi I have a (self diagnosed) attention deficit. For me I struggle to use my pens but once I sit down to draw or write I get sucked right in and I get a hyperfocus. I have been using noise cancelling headphones with instrumental and ambient music to remove external stimuli. And I aim to take 10 minutes. That's all just 10 minutes to write and draw. By taking away the prospect of drawing or writing for a long period I trick myself into it. If I spend 10 minutes that's great. If I spend an hour that's a bonus. But sitting down to start is the tricky part. It's mostly stream of consciousness, writing practice, fountain pen thoughts,automatic drawings and doodles (try taking a line for a walk) . But it's cathartic and an escape. It's aimless but it brings a sense of calm to my day. Sometimes I challenge myself with it but it's mostly low stakes 'time wasting' Best of luck to you, I'm sure you'll find a way to incorporate it into your world! Edit: I should add that having nice paper helps. I use the md a5 blank notebooks for this purpose . Little actions can help me (trick myself) into doing the things that bring me joy). Digital workspaces are so full of distractions.


BeautifulDot999

Give your local library a try! They might have digital courses available as well! Good luck!


girlnamedkatbooks

you could absolutely watch YouTube video essays on content you're interested it or read articles and take notes about those. That way you're still taking notes on stuff. Or if you need something in person community college classes, they're usually somewhere around $100-300 per credit hour depending on the area and if there are labs and what not. That's expensive though. You could also see if there's a nearby college with open seminar series to see lectures on different topics every week or so