After the past year, when the world was locked down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it became more apparent than ever how important the mental health of each individual truly is. Staying at home for weeks at a time, with no human interaction, working the days away became so hard for millions of people.

With that being the case, it has become essential for people to find different ways to entertain themselves, get their mind off of things. Many people started reading, exercising, doing puzzles, watching movies and TV, whatever. Distractions were a huge help in getting the mind off of what was going on outside. Now, that isn’t to say tuning in to what was happening with the pandemic was not important, but seeing the news regarding the pandemic pop up over and over again could get very depressing. 

So, although a lot turned into those aforementioned movies and books, many people still felt somewhat empty. Finding activities to fulfill oneself became more of a desire to help improve one’s mental health and state of mind. In fact, some are still looking for that one fulfilling activity for themselves. So, without further ado, below is a list of five group activities that will make you feel fulfilled:

Coaching Youth Sports

Coaching youth sports could be an awesome opportunity for someone. First of all, sports are awesome. Now, that is based on the individual’s preference (some people prefer video games, fashion, et cetera), but if you love sports, the point stands. The strategy behind football, baseball, soccer, basketball, and so on can keep you entertained even if you are not a huge fan of coaching a bunch of 8-year-old rugrats. 

But, if you are a fan of kids, that would make this an even more of a great opportunity. You would get the chance to mentor, teach, and hang out with people just starting to learn a given sport. Coaching youth sports can be a really fulfilling activity if you are looking to fill some time. 

Volunteering Around the Globe

Do you love traveling? Do you love helping people? If you answered yes to both of those questions, going on a volunteer trip to a foreign country could benefit you and the people you are helping out! Humanitarian trips are a great way to mix travel and volunteerism.

Around the globe, there are plenty of countries - and people - that could use much-needed support. Whether that support is in housing, medical care, mental health, food and water resources, education, or so on, you can help. 

For example, volunteering Ghana has a number of projects people have the chance to help with. Volunteering in Ghana, with Plan My Gap Year, is described on their website as “an award-winning, international volunteer abroad organization with programs based in Kumasi, Ghana. [Plan My Gap Year] provides safe, trusted, and affordable programs overseas, with a wide range of volunteer projects in Ghana, including Childcare • Disabled Children • English Teaching • Medical & Mental Health opportunities.”

Ghana isn’t the only place to go, but it is a great opportunity to get out and achieve some personal fulfillment. 

Starting a Passion Project

Trying to find a way to fulfill yourself? Spend your time in a meaningful way? Starting a passion project could be quite the cure to those problems. Seriously, think about a time where you had a brilliant idea but did not act on it. Now is the time!

For instance, say someone wanted to write a book. If that person were to put their passion into action, they could dedicate time to something they truly care about, in turn giving a sense of peace, fulfillment, and meaningfulness. 

It does not need to be a book either! If someone were interested in music, film, photography, whatever. There is only one life to live, so don’t spend it doing something you do not want to do. 

Seriously, look at some of the people that risked their livelihood to do what they loved. Steve Jobs dropped out of school and eventually started Apple. Jeff Bezos spent years in his parents’ garage establishing Amazon. Kurt Warner was bagging groceries before he got his chance in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams (he eventually became a hall of fame quarterback). 

Hopefully, the passion you decide to act on creates a multi-billion dollar company, but that does not matter. All that matters is you find something you care about, making you feel full and like your true self. 

Lend An Ear

Lending an ear to someone could be such a terrific experience for a person. Going to a place like a nursing home to play cards or just talk to a few older folks there. They have plenty of time on their hands and would love to make new friends/talk about their lives with someone new. 

That is just one example too. You don’t need to be a therapist, but lending an ear to someone who really needs to get something off their chest helps both parties. The person talking about their burden is able to get that pressure off their chest, while the person listening gets a chance to feel helpful and, again, gets the chance to make a new friend or colleague. 

Become a Tutor

Just like all of the other activities above, becoming a tutor could be a great way to make one feel fulfilled. It gives a person the opportunity to help younger people struggling with their education. Yet again, this is another chance to help and feel rewarded doing it!

At the end of the day, whatever you want to do is up to you! There are plenty more activities, jobs, and opportunities for someone to find fulfilling. Maybe you are more of an introvert and prefer to stay home. In that case, you could stay home and knit some hats for donation instead of having to travel to Ghana or going to a nursing home.