What to do with those long evenings?

Now that it is dark quickly, your blanket, series and accompanying alcohol beckon. Curled up on the couch after a hard day's work, with the rain beating against the windows as background music, and an alcoholic drink within reach is an appealing idea. But yeah, you're not drinking right now. So cross that off your list. And now?

Then you watch that favorite series with a cup of tea. But what if that doesn't work? Then you have to allow yourself a new pastime. In other words, seek distraction. Perhaps the following inspires you and you know how to make something nice out of every cool evening.

1) Listen to music

Get your vinyl off the shelf, dust off your mixtapes, polish up your CDs, fire up Spotify, sit back and just listen. Music is so often present in the background in your life that it actually deserves a leading role. Spend an evening putting together your ultimate playlist. It could be a collection of soothing tunes, or an evening of nostalgia with signature soundtracks from your life. Either way, listening to music is a great way to relax.

2) Or…make your own music

If you already play an instrument, you might as well compose 'a hit' yourself. But a nice cover is just as nice. Practicing for an hour or two and a few times a week will soon have you strumming, drumming or blowing like a rock star. If you don't play an instrument, but you have always wanted to, you can pick up an instrument via Marktplaats. Watch some 'how to' YouTube videos and play. That's how Justin Bieber grew up.

3) Sports

Spinning, swimming, climbing, kickboxing or just fitness. It's the opposite of lying horizontally on the couch, but it does make you happy. Exercise is the perfect way to release endorphins. You know, that happy hormone. By exercising vigorously, you don't even have time to think about alcohol.

4) Treat yourself

Make your home a home spa. And treat yourself to the whole rata plan. Give yourself a manicure, a pedicure, a face mask, and a mineral bath. Provide your hair with an intensive hair mask and let your worries float away. Meanwhile, call a friend while you sip a relaxing herbal tea. And gentlemen, you find this just as relaxing to do.

5) Get creative

Maybe you can knit, maybe you like to embroider or paint. Maybe you've never tried any of these things, but you want to. You don't have to be brilliant at it, you just have to enjoy the process. Creating something new can be very satisfying. Try out different creative arts to find what you like. Don't feel like anything creative, but love the idea of learning? View the wide range of (free) courses that are available online. For example, learn a new language or deepen your cooking skills.

6) Pre-holiday cleaning

This tip doesn't make everyone happy, but cleaning up and scrubbing can be very rewarding. If you haven't cleaned up your house to the next level during the lockdown, now is the right time. Your free evenings will be well spent if you run the broom through it. Not only do you create extra space, you can donate anything you don't want to charity for that feel-good factor or raise a little money by selling it online.