Hey @dragon3  Sorry to hear about your frustration and mental health, sounds like you have a lot going on at the moment. I agree with @Hannah-RO, would be great to take some time for yourself to distress. What activities besides drawing do you enjoy that help you relax? I do a bit of drawing myself and found that I was always my own worse critique. A lot of time goes into making a piece of art and unfortunately we pick up on every small detail which we don't like. Try to take a step back and appreciate what you have achieved, I have no doubt that you have drawn some fantastic pieces! Do you have anybody that you would like to show? I'm sure they would agree! From one artist to another, they rarely turn out as expected unfortunately, but that's ok as its part of the process  .  ... View more

Hi @Octavia99  Sorry to hear about your troubles. Insomnia and anxiety sucks, I've been there before as well. The meditation and relaxation techniques certainly do not work for everyone all the time. I know what helped me with being able to sleep was staying away from screens close to bed time or at the very least using a blue light filter on your phone. I found exercise helped me as well! Like @Hannah-RO said, speaking to someone about the anxiety and sadness can be a great first step which you have already taken here so good on you! I want to second that we are all here for you as well  I really do hope you feel better soon! ... View more

Hi everyone, hope you're all doing well  Here are my answers to the questions! What's your favourite type of bird? Chickens, they make good friends and are always interesting to watch. But most birds are great except cockatoos before 7am! Do you ever wish you could fly? Why/why not? Sure! Would be a good way to reduce emissions  Are you an early bird or a night owl? Definitely a night owl, I like the quiet and piece of mind. Night walks are one of my favourite things to do! Why do you think the chicken crossed the road? The grass is (sometimes) greener on the other side? Which came first - the chicken or the egg?   How long is a piece of string?    Still need to figure out how to do gifs  ... View more

Hi @celestialdreamer  Lovely range of hobbies you have got going! How long have you been playing violin for? I like my psychology and self help books, so my favourite would be 12 rules for life by Jordan Peterson. I've yet to start reading fiction (as I have only just recently started reading lol) but the Lord of the Rings books are high on my list to read. What would your favourite book be? ... View more

Hey @Tiny_leaf  Sorry to hear that you're having a not so great day. Like @Tay100 mentioned, these days do unfortunately happen and I have certainly been there too. Its perfectly fine for everyone to need some sympathy from time to time and you have mine too. Luckily days like this do pass so take care of yourself as best you can for the time being. I know for me It helps to practice self care and look after myself as best I can. Whether it be reading a book or cosying up and watching a movie, anything which can help distract me from the discomfort is always great. Do you have any usual self care activities which you might be able to use? I hope you day turns out better ... View more

Hi guys, great idea @wanderingwasp!    My top hobbies at the moment would have to be: 1. Guitar 2. Reading 3. Meditation 4. Listening to music 5. Nature walks   @wanderingwasp I believe watercolour paints are relatively easy and inexpensive to start with (can buy in sets). My partner started with this and picked it up quite quickly  .   Great lists @WheresMySquishy @scared01 ... View more

Happy birthday @Agenderandproudofit, hope you have a great day! Sorry to hear you're feeling lonely, like @Hannah-RO said it can often be an odd day. My sister will often have these feelings on her birthday as well so you're not alone.  Use the day to pamper and treat yourself however you can, formal partying and celebrations are not needed to make it a great day. Just do something that makes you genuinely happy, self care can go a long way. I think the suggestions made by @Hannah-RO are a great place to start. Personally I would be ordering in my favourite food and watching a movie! Hope your day goes well!! ... View more

Awesome idea @jamijam, certainly very relevant! For me I like to try and take positive things from otherwise negative situations. In the case of Covid it provides spare time that can be used to learn new skills and engage in activities that would be otherwise limited. For example I started learning guitar earlier on during covid and it has come to be something of a passion for me (hence the username  ). I know from myself and many others that it has also allowed people to appreciate aspects of life we previously took for granted! Like @Hannah-RO it also allowed me to establish a routine that I can hopefully carry into a covid free life! Let us know your thoughts as @Hannah-RO said!! Cheers ... View more

Hi all, hope everyone is doing well! I have just joined the gang so popping in to introduce myself   How did you first hear about ReachOut and when did you decide to get involved on the forums as a user? I had first head about ReachOut in passing some time ago, but I wasn’t until recently when I was looking for volunteering roles related to my studies that I decided to get involved on the forums.   What's your favourite post thread? I have only just joined, so at this point in time I would have to say this is my favourite post thread .   Why did you decide to become a Builder? I wanted to undertake a volunteering commitment related to my studies given it is both my passion and interest. This is to allow me to use and build skills and interact with like minded people. Lastly, I take great joy in helping people so this seems like a perfect fit.   What do you do during the day (Study? Work? Hunt ghosts? Fight Crime? Taste cupcakes?)? I have a pretty set routine which consists of meditating, reading, studying, exercising, and thrashing my guitars. I am studying psychology which is where most of my interests are based. So, my readings are typically related to this or spirituality which also interests me. Self-help books also!! I work part time as a cabinet maker so I enjoy using my hands and practical activities too.     Do you have any weird hobbies (Train a rubber duck army? Teach lizards Spanish? Learn how to the master the recorder?)? Nothing too weird outside of my spiritual interests. Sorry to be boring . Besides that, its guitar, reading, music and more guitar.   What's you're all time favourite TV show? Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad, the writing is impeccable! I am also a big fan of the documentaries produced by Louis Theroux. I love to learn about peculiar and misperceived things!   Cheers guys  ... View more

Hi all   Today I practised self care by doing some reading and meditating. Have recently started using an app for guided meditation which has improved my technique substantially after doing it myself for two years. Turns out I wasn't nearly as good as I thought..  Im reading 12 rules for life by Dr. Jordan Peterson, heavy ready but has some fantastic insights.    Cheers  ... View more