Resource Weekly challenge thread

[carac]

This is the most ridiculously timed challenge. Thanks @carac !

I'm a very regular gym goer, so this ordinarily would not be a 'challenge' for me. That was until last week when I relocated! I currently have no membership. Been tempted to allow this as a 'rest' week with needing to arse around town with paperwork etc BUT that is not good for anyone - especially future me.

SO - kick up the backside. One of my new local gyms does a 7 day free pass trial. Have got my plans tomorrow to go sign up for that and try it out - not lose my routine of weights sessions. And then will hopefully feel the need to max out the free 7 days! Saying this out loud this evening so theres accountability for me not being lazy - will report back tomorrow...

There is no time like the present! Hope the new gym works out for you

I'm going to be cutting out on YouTube shorts / other short-form content throughout all of November and - hopefully - never watch reels again. Sometimes I even forget that I'm watching short-form content on my computer and whenever I come across it and remember that it is a reel, I either finish the video I'm watching if it's really interesting, or - ideally - immediately go back to the YouTube homepage.

Reels decrease attention span by a lot and I - along with a lot of others - am a victim of it. I've witnessed the effects personally, be measuring how many pages of a book I can read in an hour. I can see the improvement happening, 10 pages every hour.

I'd love to see if any others are going to do this with me (let me know!), I'm practicing for November right now and as of right now, I've got plenty of time to get that practice in before the real thing starts.

Remember guys - I know it's hard but you have to remind yourself what this is doing to your attention span. If you're seriously addicted than try to cut back from shorts for a day or so and see how it goes.

I'd love to talk to you about this, feel free to do so!



Yours
-A350
P.S. - a really good tip for recovering back attention span unrelated to short-form content is to spend 40 minutes in a session/livestream about something you're interested in/a career you want to do.

For example, I engaged in a Discord QNA session on being a pilot which lasted for approximately 40 minutes.

Good luck! I've never really got drawn in to shorts. I tried Tik Tok but didn't really take to it. I did go through a period where I was getting sucked into the youtube algorithm so I installed an extension that blocked all recommended content. That seemed to help.

 

[ConfusedClouds]

There is no time like the present! Hope the new gym works out for you

Genuinely currently sat on my bed in my gym kit but procrastinating/scrolling. Its been over an hour. This popped up. Ok. M.O.V.E!!! NOW!!! Thanks @carac No time like the present...

 

[CatLvr]

Ok ... HOW did you know I was looking at beginner's calisthenics videos on YT last night??

Soon as my pain meds kick in so I can get out of bed I'm gonna pull one up and do the exercises. Thanks for the kick in the ass! I think ...

 

[ConfusedClouds]

Ok I never reported back on Thursday. So that session sadly never happened. That gym don't let you just rock up for the free session, so I couldn't train without paying up. However, I am pleased with myself that I didn't get too annoyed and still used my walk into town for shopping and other errands so it was still worthwhile (and I had some exercise from the long walk to/from town)

I can also report that I have now gone on to use trial sessions in different gyms to 'tick off' my routine weekly weights sessions. And have looked at booking into some classes next week.

 

[CatLvr]

I have been a bit hit and miss doing my calisthenics. On the days I worked I didn't exercise but since my job has me on my feet and moving the entire time I'm there I'm gonna count those days as a "yes, I moved around a bit more than usual" also. The stretch I feel from some of the exercises feels good. I think I have found something I can stick with on days I'm not hurting too bad.

 

[carac]

Challenge 52: Jigsaw Puzzles

This weeks challenge is Jigsaw Puzzles. You could do these online or in real life, alone or with friends. It's a really good distraction and can relax the mind. It also can give you a feeling of accomplishment when finished.

I will link below a site where you can do collaborative puzzles, so if you aren't feeling up to much you can just join some other people.

JigsawPuzzles.io - Online Jigsaw Puzzles

 

[ConfusedClouds]

Thanks for this link. I tried early in the week with the 'open access' puzzles on the home page but just couldn't get into it. Mainly overwhelmed with all thr pieces flying everywhere from other user's interactions and not feeling like I could get in any rhythm. But was also only on my phone, so limited screen.

I tried again yesterday, but on my own and on my laptop and I found it (for me) much more accessible. Wouldn't say its 'better' than real life jigsaws, but less faff and space for sure! I'm not picking it up regularly, but the link has defo been bookmarked for future!

 

[carac]

Challenge 53: Halloween

What is everyone doing for Halloween? Do you have a party and need a bit of motivation to attend? Are you thinking of dressing up even if just for yourself? How about watching a scary film?

I've been carving a pumpkin and later I am going to try and make some pumpkin pie

 

[ConfusedClouds]

For me, thursday (31st) is a key day for some of my relocation appointments/paperwork. Lots of anxiety circling around that.

In terms of Halloween as an event, like the others in the year, it doesn't mean much to me. BUT there should be some cheap reduced sweets/chocolate kicking about the supermarkets on Friday onwards needing cleared out for the Christmas stock to come in. Might have to try allowing myself to treat myself...

 

[carac]

For me, thursday (31st) is a key day for some of my relocation appointments/paperwork. Lots of anxiety circling around that.

In terms of Halloween as an event, like the others in the year, it doesn't mean much to me. BUT there should be some cheap reduced sweets/chocolate kicking about the supermarkets on Friday onwards needing cleared out for the Christmas stock to come in. Might have to try allowing myself to treat myself...

haha I love a good bargain. Good luck with your stuff you have coming up

 

[CatLvr]

For me, thursday (31st) is a key day for some of my relocation appointments/paperwork. Lots of anxiety circling around that.

In terms of Halloween as an event, like the others in the year, it doesn't mean much to me. BUT there should be some cheap reduced sweets/chocolate kicking about the supermarkets on Friday onwards needing cleared out for the Christmas stock to come in. Might have to try allowing myself to treat myself...

I am SUCH a sweet junkie! Problem is sugar and flour does SUCH a number on my inflammation levels. Which in turn does a number on my pain levels. And makes me exponentially more suicidal. So no bargains for me! Enjoy it for me, will ya??

Good luck on the paperwork. I just quit the job I recently started -- I'm too old to deal with workplace hazing and being everyone's dog to kick. I'll just spend my time at home. I have learned that I enjoy not dealing with co-workers WAY more than I thought I did.

I LOVE Halloween. Might be because I'm into that "woo woo witchy shit" as @opheliaoveragain puts it. But then it might just be because I love how happy the kids in costumes are. I miss that kind of carefree happiness. I've only felt it a handful of times in my life but I could definitely get used to it. Now if I could just figure out how to make it happen with some kind of regularity.

No big plans here. I have a dentist appointment today, and an appointment to have an outpatient surgery on my thumb tomorrow so I'm pretty sure I'm gonna feel like shit for the next few days. My big plans are gonna revolve around doing the "finer living through pharmaceuticals" thing.

 

[Praestat_Mori]

What is everyone doing for Halloween? Do you have a party and need a bit of motivation to attend? Are you thinking of dressing up even if just for yourself? How about watching a scary film?

It'll be a day like any other days here. Nothing special.

 

[carac]

Challenge 54: Open Challenge

This week is another open challenge (in other words I was out of ideas lol) So you can make up your own challenge to do or repeat a previous one.

 

[CatLvr]

Ok then might as well make it something "good." My challenge to myself is to get my sewing room cleaned out so I can get to my machine to actually do some sewing.

 

[lost_one]

So I have a quest from another app and a "quest" my theraphist gave me, that I have been postponing. I will challenge myself to making a small mural with four "positive" quotes I like,to put somewhere in my room. I already decided on the style, it will be a flock of crows flying in the moon light drawing with the quites spreaded around it. ( I don't draw that well but I will try during this week)

 

[carac]

Ok then might as well make it something "good." My challenge to myself is to get my sewing room cleaned out so I can get to my machine to actually do some sewing.

Hope it all goes well, I'm sure we had some cleaning challenges in the past of different varieties. It's always good to be productive though

So I have a quest from another app and a "quest" my theraphist gave me, that I have been postponing. I will challenge myself to making a small mural with four "positive" quotes I like,to put somewhere in my room. I already decided on the style, it will be a flock of crows flying in the moon light drawing with the quites spreaded around it. ( I don't draw that well but I will try during this week)

Nice, do yo have all the quotes chosen as well? I am sure it will look great. I think we have had quote challenges and drawing challenges so it's interesting to combine the two!

 

[CatLvr]

So I have a quest from another app and a "quest" my theraphist gave me, that I have been postponing. I will challenge myself to making a small mural with four "positive" quotes I like,to put somewhere in my room. I already decided on the style, it will be a flock of crows flying in the moon light drawing with the quites spreaded around it. ( I don't draw that well but I will try during this week)

The thing about being an "artist" of any kind is the more you do it, the better you get at it. Drawing did not come naturally to me. Not like painting did. And my watercolors look like mud puddles, while my oil paintings are STUNNING, if I do say so myself.

Thing is I didn't come by any of it naturally. But I LIKE to draw. And I like to see what happens when you mix colors. It is some kind of anxiety-reducing thing for me. Thank goodness.

Here's an exercise that might help you get closer to getting what is in your head onto the canvas. Decide what size you want your canvas to be and then make you some butcher paper "canvases" -- 15 to 20 of them. Number them 1 through 15 or whatever. Every day or two (but at LEAST every other day at a minimum) sketch what you see in your mind's eye onto the paper. The idea is to do the same drawing every day or so for a minumum of 2 weeks. You will be AMAZED at what a difference "practicing" will do for you. Try it! It works!!

 

[lost_one]

Hope it all goes well, I'm sure we had some cleaning challenges in the past of different varieties. It's always good to be productive though

Nice, do yo have all the quotes chosen as well? I am sure it will look great. I think we have had quote challenges and drawing challenges so it's interesting to combine the two!

I have few I need to choose from. not supoer positive but stuff lie: "It's fine if it's not perfect" "It doesn't make you weak" "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast" "But we are not alive are we? if we are not taking the odd risk" "My pain is my own" "Tomorrow is another day" E não terei medo.... ( which translated means and I won't be afraid) or maybe some other....
lol, I have don

The thing about being an "artist" of any kind is the more you do it, the better you get at it. Drawing did not come naturally to me. Not like painting did. And my watercolors look like mud puddles, while my oil paintings are STUNNING, if I do say so myself.

Thing is I didn't come by any of it naturally. But I LIKE to draw. And I like to see what happens when you mix colors. It is some kind of anxiety-reducing thing for me. Thank goodness.

Here's an exercise that might help you get closer to getting what is in your head onto the canvas. Decide what size you want your canvas to be and then make you some butcher paper "canvases" -- 15 to 20 of them. Number them 1 through 15 or whatever. Every day or two (but at LEAST every other day at a minimum) sketch what you see in your mind's eye onto the paper. The idea is to do the same drawing every day or so for a minumum of 2 weeks. You will be AMAZED at what a difference "practicing" will do for you. Try it! It works!!

I have done a very bad first sketch of it.... the crows kind of flying around the moon and then away into the distance, maybe a tree without leaves in the corner and the quotes scaterred about. I will definetly do some practice ones, thanks alot for the advice

 

[ConfusedClouds]

My challenge is gonna be to try to keep my shit balanced/together this week. Week 1 of the new job. Training with other newbies. I have the advantage of having covered some of the stuff in a previous similar job. Had a bit of an emotional/all over the place day yesterday. Today, fresh start, weirdly nice being with new people and in a social setting etc. But like always, need to not get too high to just crash down later. I guess the job and people will provide plenty of distractions, so its possibly the weekend I'll need to not annoy myself too much. Just broadly aiming to keep myself somehow balanced, whatever that means and however thats possible!

 

[Life_and_Death]

Challenge 54: Open Challenge

This week is another open challenge (in other words I was out of ideas lol) So you can make up your own challenge to do or repeat a previous one.

does this mean your challenge is to google more options? lol

ive been meaning to partake more but MH and life, ugh..

 

[ConfusedClouds]

My challenge is gonna be to try to keep my shit balanced/together this week. Week 1 of the new job. Training with other newbies. I have the advantage of having covered some of the stuff in a previous similar job. Had a bit of an emotional/all over the place day yesterday. Today, fresh start, weirdly nice being with new people and in a social setting etc. But like always, need to not get too high to just crash down later. I guess the job and people will provide plenty of distractions, so its possibly the weekend I'll need to not annoy myself too much. Just broadly aiming to keep myself somehow balanced, whatever that means and however thats possible!

I have decided to be more specific/achievable with the above for the weekend ahead. Been distracted and busy with week 1 of the new job and training, so a fairly easy ask so far. Especially with the novelty of getting to know new colleagues. The weekend will much more likely be all over the place. My aim is to use my reading books more. I have a backlog of books I keep meaning to get through. They would be a perfectdistraction from me and my spinning head. So the aim over the next few days is to have the book to hand and actively choose to read rather than to doomscroll or flap or whatever else.

 

[lost_one]

So I have a quest from another app and a "quest" my theraphist gave me, that I have been postponing. I will challenge myself to making a small mural with four "positive" quotes I like,to put somewhere in my room. I already decided on the style, it will be a flock of crows flying in the moon light drawing with the quites spreaded around it. ( I don't draw that well but I will try during this week)

Idk if I should give you guys updates, or if it will be seen as spamming, do let me know. Links with the images of my drawings so far:
First attempt - Just figuring it out the general picture


Second attempt at drawing the moon ( being more serious)


First attempt at drawing a crow ( I was too scared of messing up the moon so I did it separed)


Third attempt at moon ( didn't like it, but it's ok) and a few tries at the tree:


Fourth attempt at moon/ Second crow/ Tree ( tried putting it all together):


This has been very challenging specially to my patience, and trying to be ok with it not being perfect... just trying to enjoy the process, be more chill.

 

[CatLvr]

@lost_one OMG!! You've done a GREAT job!! I really like your moon ... And your crow! Your work looks so good now just imagine where you would be in a month!!

Btw, that exercise is how my grandmother taught my dad and aunt how to become artists. My dad was in the second grade and entered a picture in some contest and it was disqualified. Because "There is no way a second grader can draw and paint this good." They accused my grandmother (who was a spectacular artist in her own right) of doing the painting for him. I heard my dad tell my aunt one day that one of his proudest moments was when they kicked him out of the contest. My aunt asked hi why and he said because he knew right then and there that grown-up were stupid and be could get whatever he wanted out of them!! Oh, the mind of an 8 year old kid!

And honestly I think being calm and in your zone, so to speak, is the main reason for that exercise. If you just let it happen organically your artwork will start looking like someone else has drawn it. It is an amazingly calming exercise. It clears my mind and calms me down. Kinda like meditation.

 

[carac]

does this mean your challenge is to google more options? lol

ive been meaning to partake more but MH and life, ugh..

Yea something like that lol, I sometimes google, sometimes get inspiration from somewhere or another. Although been a bit consumed time wise recently but I do like it when people have a greater degree of control over the challenges they set themselves. I just see this thread, I guess, as more of a motivator.

I have decided to be more specific/achievable with the above for the weekend ahead. Been distracted and busy with week 1 of the new job and training, so a fairly easy ask so far. Especially with the novelty of getting to know new colleagues. The weekend will much more likely be all over the place. My aim is to use my reading books more. I have a backlog of books I keep meaning to get through. They would be a perfectdistraction from me and my spinning head. So the aim over the next few days is to have the book to hand and actively choose to read rather than to doomscroll or flap or whatever else.

I hope you meet some nice friendly colleagues. I do enjoy reading it's definetly a better alternative to viewing all the currents events I think.

Idk if I should give you guys updates, or if it will be seen as spamming, do let me know. Links with the images of my drawings so far:
First attempt - Just figuring it out the general picture


This has been very challenging specially to my patience, and trying to be ok with it not being perfect... just trying to enjoy the process, be more chill.

Looking good so far! Yes updates are certainly welcome, it's not spamming at all

I think a lot of people have that trouble of eveything needing to be perfect, including myself

 

[trashhologram]

Challenge 54: Open Challenge

This week is another open challenge (in other words I was out of ideas lol) So you can make up your own challenge to do or repeat a previous one.

I've done a few jigsaw puzzles. I have an app full of them and they calm me down. Brb, might do one now since I'm pretty pissed off

 

[ConfusedClouds]

I have decided to be more specific/achievable with the above for the weekend ahead. Been distracted and busy with week 1 of the new job and training, so a fairly easy ask so far. Especially with the novelty of getting to know new colleagues. The weekend will much more likely be all over the place. My aim is to use my reading books more. I have a backlog of books I keep meaning to get through. They would be a perfectdistraction from me and my spinning head. So the aim over the next few days is to have the book to hand and actively choose to read rather than to doomscroll or flap or whatever else.

Well I never read my current book. But I also stayed fairly 'chill' this week - even this weekend. Hints at emotions and being a bit all over the place, but nothing took hold.
Pleased with my technophobe progression into now owning wireless earphones meaning podcasts/listening is so much easier. Also now got myself started on listening to Stephen Fry reading Sherlock Holmes thanks to @alltoomuch2 recommendation! So I guess that is half using reading to keep myself distracted from myself...

 

[CatLvr]

Well I never read my current book. But I also stayed fairly 'chill' this week - even this weekend. Hints at emotions and being a bit all over the place, but nothing took hold.
Pleased with my technophobe progression into now owning wireless earphones meaning podcasts/listening is so much easier. Also now got myself started on listening to Stephen Fry reading Sherlock Holmes thanks to @alltoomuch2 recommendation! So I guess that is half using reading to keep myself distracted from myself...

Man I'd give ANYTHING if earbuds worked for me. With my ADHD I end up zoning out and am half done with whatever I'm listening to before I realize I don't have a clue what is going on.

 

[carac]

Challenge 55: Strong Determination Sitting

This weeks challenge was suggested by @BeansOfRequirement (many thanks) and the challenge is to try some Strong Determination Sitting, They suggest 60/90 minutes but I think anything you can manage or try a little and build up!

Strong determination sitting is a form of Vipassana meditation which involves sitting completely still for long periods of time while maintaining complete focus. Strong determination sitting requires much longer durations of time that can last from hours to even days in extreme cases.

What Is Strong Determination Sitting in Meditation?

Strong determination sitting is a form of Vipassana meditation which involves sitting completely still for long periods of time while maintaining complete focus.

nurtureyourspirit.org

 

[lost_one]

OMG!!!!! How do you draw small?!

I am feeling so discouraged right now. I keep telling myself that everything will be fine.

( I am sorry I also feel self-councious posting so much)

 

[CatLvr]

OMG!!!!! How do you draw small?!

I am feeling so discouraged right now. I keep telling myself that everything will be fine.

( I am sorry I also feel self-councious posting so much)

THAT is terribly hard to do!! Especially if you want to get a certain amount of detail in. And your posting isn't bothering any of us!! You are fine!