Amidst all the global political chaos, it’s completely normal to experience feelings of confusion, anger, or even hopelessness. Here’s a simple prescription for your blues in times of uncertainty: Have more fun.
Until recently, leisure time in the past often meant hours of passive scrolling and surviving on reheated leftovers. Not anymore. In 2025, the pursuit of thrill has evolved. And in a good way.
Forget your predictable playlists and background Netflix. The smart leisure seekers of today are trading monotony for thrills. It’s not about killing time anymore. It’s about curating it in a meaningful and healthy way.
Below, we discuss some ways you can do just that. Rediscover how to feel more alive.
Embrace the Rise of Outdoor Adventure Sports
There’s a reason rock climbing centres and open-water paddleboarding sessions are fully booked across the UK: people are hungry for the kind of exhilaration that doesn’t come from screen time.
Adventure sports like kayaking, zip-lining, and hiking aren’t just on-trend—they offer a rare mix of adrenaline and mindfulness. Go Outdoors notes a sharp uptick in Brits seeking nature-based highs. The takeaway? Get outside, challenge your body, and reconnect with something real.
Rediscover the Joy of Board and Card Games
Retro is having a moment, and it’s smarter than ever. Think high-stakes Catan nights, card games with strategy, and grown-up game clubs redefining fun. According to The Upcoming, there’s been a powerful revival of analogue gaming—fuelled by a need for tactile interaction and tech-free thrills.
But if you’re torn between the joy of bingo and the unpredictability of slot machines, enter Slingo—a genius hybrid of both. Perfect for players who want fast-paced fun with a strategic edge, games like Slingo deliver a uniquely modern rush. Easy to pick up, hard to put down.
Dive Into Virtual Reality Escapism
VR isn’t just for gamers. From virtual safaris to space exploration, today’s tech is creating full-body thrills from your living room. Equipment is more affordable, experiences more immersive—and yes, you can now climb Everest in your pyjamas. SWGfL breaks down how this tech is fast becoming a mainstream escape route.
Get Hands-On With Creative Workshops
Not every thrill needs a joystick or harness. Pottery, modern calligraphy, street dance—post-pandemic Britain has fallen back in love with making things. Creative workshops offer a tangible sense of progress, which is its own kind of rush. And let’s be honest, nothing beats leaving a class with something you’ve actually made (except maybe beating your friends at Slingo).
Despite all the challenges we currently face, there are still plenty of opportunities for fun around us. We just need to remind ourselves to reach out and grab them. So go on—ditch the doomscrolling. Devote your time to the pursuit of activities that will actually make you have fun.
