Most of us out here are retired (or working remotely). Just curious as to how you spend your days.

I'm having one of those weeks where you feel weary, fatigued and bored by it all. I came back from the UK a few weeks ago, and honestly back with my mates, the banter, the sports events, the food i just missed all of the UK - the clean air, the crisp countryside, etc.

Last couple of days in Bangkok we have walked around shopping malls after mall (all with the same shops but a different background). My Thai mother seems to love it all, wide eyed, but i am utterly bemused by the city constantly just building another mall after another mall. Wake up the nexxt day and we go to a mall again. Walking around neighbourhoods and the pollution from cars and busses is real.

You get these moments from time to time. Sometimes i feel should i relocate, but then it's deemed too difficult.

How are do you cope with these cycles of mental fatigue, boredom ? Clearly i need some new hobbies incorporated into daily life.

Edited August 22Aug 22 by DonniePeverley

Boredom is a state of mind, not a state of being, but it is often driven by depression. And Bangkok doesn’t have much to do to begin with. The outdoor environment is pretty awful, and I don’t do malls or markets anymore. Cooking, gym, reading, watching informative videos. That’s about it.

Cannabis is good for relaxing and improving your mood. So you have to make peace with what’s available and make yourself comfortable at home. If you live in a good Soi, late night walks for half an hour can be pleasant when the city is cooler and devoid of people, cars, and noise.

But the real key is escaping at least twice a year for extended periods. I now spend four months a year away from Thailand, in places where I can enjoy a change of scenery, cooler weather, and nice, clean outdoor environments. Without those trips abroad, it would be pretty brutal.

^

I’m with you 100% on the travelling. I do four trips a year back to my homeland — just me, catching up with family and mates and taking in the major sporting events — plus another four overseas trips with the Thai GF. Being based in Thailand makes so many countries ridiculously easy to get to.

And when I’m actually in Thailand, I’ve got very little interest in sitting in bars all day. Plenty of swimming, regular gym sessions, a different restaurant every night and, best of all, a daily two-hour foot massage at a price that would barely buy you 20 minutes back home 😂.

Add a hot Thai girlfriend to the equation and I’m certainly not complaining about boredom. 😂

For me, the trick is having something to look forward to — whether that’s the next trip home, another overseas adventure with the GF, or simply enjoying the ridiculously cheap lifestyle between trips.

Thank God for Thailand. 🇹🇭

11 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

How are do you cope with these cycles of mental fatigue, boredom ? Clearly i need some new hobbies incorporated into daily life.

Traveling helps. But when I feel like that, it's a sign that I've been slacking off on my exercise routine. Sometimes things get on my nerves, I get grumpy with other people, maybe a bit of anxiety...but after a few days back into the exercise and I always feel better.

I get up and go cycling for 15+Km, and have coffee with a pal.

The rest of the day I sit on the sofa, reading, browsing, watching TV shows and movies, listening to music.

Bit of a break now and then to eat/drink and play with the rabbits.

My watch insists I get up and walk around for 2-3 miins every hour.

That's about it.

As others have said, I find regular exercise keeps my mood positive. I also enjoy Thai road trips and the odd international trip with the Missus, plus solo motorcycle tours.

I'm 'semi-retired' so there's also regular work trips visiting farms and other sites. - Having to do a specific journey for work, rather than just doing what I please all the time, helps me to appreciate my free time.

If I was 100% retired I think I'd still need to do something for other people now and then Just started some business English workshops to help a Thai friend's company, and that can be stimulating.

I have a Work Permit from our own business, so aim to maintain a mix of leisure and work for as long as possible.

Move my body, coffee, food, work a little bit every day, travelling, exercise, reading and music. Unfortunately less and less big screen movies. Not sure if it is age, the selection available in Thailand, or both. Also less TV in general. That is pretty much daily life, normal activities and a simple life, with some travelling around Thailand and Europe.

We have also built a small farm, and there are continuously some projects and construction going on. Hopefully we will be more settled in a few years, with less travelling needed to keep the boredom away.

Things I have done in Thailand before include diving, freediving, kayaking, climbing, SUP paddling, hiking, boxing, Muay Thai, three times around Thailand on motorbikes, and off road riding. Now we are going to do more of the famous hikes in Thailand, so still trying to do something new once in a while.

The very idea of having a routine is scary. Do the same thing every day and before long you've wasted years.

It's one thing when you're working and don't have much choice. But for a retiree? Did you really retire just to switch to another routine? I try to mix things up whenever possible.

32 minutes ago, jas007 said:

The very idea of having a routine is scary. Do the same thing every day and before long you've wasted years.

It's one thing when you're working and don't have much choice. But for a retiree? Did you really retire just to switch to another routine? I try to mix things up whenever possible.

I find doing the same thing every day to be comforting.

Just now, BritManToo said:

I find doing the same thing every day to be comforting.

Comforting, maybe, but before you know it, years slip by. It's easy enough to slip into a daily routine. Up at 5AM, have some breakfast and some coffee, watch the news, play around online, maybe throw some clothes in the washing machine, go out for a walk, stop at the store. It's like you are in a trance.

17 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

Most of us out here are retired (or working remotely). Just curious as to how you spend your days.

I'm having one of those weeks where you feel weary, fatigued and bored by it all. I came back from the UK a few weeks ago, and honestly back with my mates, the banter, the sports events, the food i just missed all of the UK - the clean air, the crisp countryside, etc.

Last couple of days in Bangkok we have walked around shopping malls after mall (all with the same shops but a different background). My Thai mother seems to love it all, wide eyed, but i am utterly bemused by the city constantly just building another mall after another mall. Wake up the nexxt day and we go to a mall again. Walking around neighbourhoods and the pollution from cars and busses is real.

You get these moments from time to time. Sometimes i feel should i relocate, but then it's deemed too difficult.

How are do you cope with these cycles of mental fatigue, boredom ? Clearly i need some new hobbies incorporated into daily life.

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In Bangkok it is worth to check out the large area of Benchakitti Park from the Asoke Side (to Queen Sirikit Convention Center) all the way up to Sukhumvit Soi 4 and 10 in between. There is an amazing wetland area with walking paths and some kind of skywalk bridge.You can spend hours there strolling around. You will find large Water monitor lizards and large birds hunting for fish. And from Soi 4 there is the newly built so called green bridge leading all the way up to Lumpini park. Just today I walked from Asoke all the way to Lumpini through the park and along the green bridge and returned the same way taking another route through the park.

Also a trip along Chaopraya river by boat is a nice experience.

1 hour ago, msbkk said:

In Bangkok it is worth to check out the large area of Benchakitti Park from the Asoke Side (to Queen Sirikit Convention Center) all the way up to Sukhumvit Soi 4 and 10 in between. There is an amazing wetland area with walking paths and some kind of skywalk bridge.You can spend hours there strolling around. You will find large Water monitor lizards and large birds hunting for fish. And from Soi 4 there is the newly built so called green bridge leading all the way up to Lumpini park. Just today I walked from Asoke all the way to Lumpini through the park and along the green bridge and returned the same way taking another route through the park.

Also a trip along Chaopraya river by boat is a nice experience.

Sure ... i walk the parks most days. It's a blessing to have a little green space in a polluted city. But surely you need more than 'walks'. Where's the mental stimulation ?

Perhaps we should just resign ourselves that any city we live in will eventually be boring.

Going away on weekend trips, taking trips abroad locally as others have suggested is my new venture forward

3 hours ago, jas007 said:

The very idea of having a routine is scary. Do the same thing every day and before long you've wasted years.

It's one thing when you're working and don't have much choice. But for a retiree? Did you really retire just to switch to another routine? I try to mix things up whenever possible.

I like this motto. What's your daily, weekly style routine ?

19 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

Sure ... i walk the parks most days. It's a blessing to have a little green space in a polluted city. But surely you need more than 'walks'. Where's the mental stimulation ?

Perhaps we should just resign ourselves that any city we live in will eventually be boring.

Going away on weekend trips, taking trips abroad locally as others have suggested is my new venture forward

The parks were just an example, of course you need other things as well. Weekend trips to escape the city are also an important part of my life. I also spend time with photography and videography.

Take kid to school, eat, gym for a few hrs, lunch, TV, plan dinner, pick up kid from school. A good life.

3 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

Take kid to school, eat, gym for a few hrs, lunch, TV, plan dinner, pick up kid from school. A good life.

You could do this in any other country.

Even being a few years, i feel i may psychologically stuck in 'holiday mode'. Hence days sitting doing nothing seem a waste.

15 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

You could do this in any other country.

Even being a few years, i feel i may psychologically stuck in 'holiday mode'. Hence days sitting doing nothing seem a waste.

I really honestly don't know what I'd do without a kid now that I'm retired.

Wake up 4am, coffee and watch news in TV, 6am exercise including running, weights and stretching, 8 am breakfast, 9am short walk if sunny, 10am to 5pm watch TV, crosswords, word games and, if needed, house work such as limited painting and repair work, 5pm supper followed by reading, 8pm bed.

I have a very curious mind, and love to learn new things. I also know a lot about economics, finance, equity and precious metals trading. It is nearly impossible to have a conversation with someone who actually knows much about any of these subjects. And that is not a "put down" because others could write books about subjects I know little about. The solution for me is to put on my headset (to use the microphone) and dictate to Gemini questions and observations about some pretty deep subjects. I was happily surprised to discover, AI has a sense of humor too! I spend a few hours a day leaning new things. It is like making friends with 4 college professors, and meeting for tea every day! I also play a lot of online chess, which keeps my mind sharp. And finally, my Thai wife and I are very close, and think nothing of being together 24 hours a day. She too is a natural "student" constantly doing research ... so here we are, in out lovely house, in our air-con office ... happily learning and laughing together. I have tried several AI engines, and Gemini is head and shoulders above the rest!

3am to 5am sex with a group of attractive young Thai ladies.

5am wake up, walk the dog, open the house up, chores till 10am before the heat kicks in.

10am to 5 pm, me time., then walk the dog, large G&T, order food (from SWMBO), TV, bed 8:30pm.

But not for much longer.

On 8/23/2026 at 5:40 PM, DonniePeverley said:

Sure ... i walk the parks most days. It's a blessing to have a little green space in a polluted city. But surely you need more than 'walks'. Where's the mental stimulation ?

Perhaps we should just resign ourselves that any city we live in will eventually be boring.

Going away on weekend trips, taking trips abroad locally as others have suggested is my new venture forward

I wouldn't dismiss walking that flippantly. Especially when walking out in nature. There's is tons of scientific evidence that supports walking as having mental, as well as physical benefits.

But you need to get out there and 'really walk', not just stroll. A smartwatch helps here. You can set them to display your heart rate so that you can be sure that you're putting in the effort.

And as for mall walking. I can think of nothing more dreary than that, especially when doing so with members of the fairer sex. They simply do not 'walk with purpose' when they're in a mall or a large store. I would seek any excuse to get out of that one.

https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/one-small-step-the-mental-health-benefits-of-walking-outside/

As someone said "a routine is a theft of time" the problem with a routine is you do the same thing every day, it feels comforting but when you look back you can't distinguish one day from the next, that is why time feels as it goes so fast as you get older.

40 minutes ago, Hatari fan said:

As someone said "a routine is a theft of time" the problem with a routine is you do the same thing every day, it feels comforting but when you look back you can't distinguish one day from the next, that is why time feels as it goes so fast as you get older.

There are no doubt entire years of my life when I couldn't write down one thing that happened that year, especially those years in which I was working and on autopilot.

On 8/22/2026 at 4:51 PM, DonniePeverley said:

You get these moments from time to time. Sometimes i feel should i relocate, but then it's deemed too difficult.

How are do you cope with these cycles of mental fatigue, boredom ? Clearly i need some new hobbies incorporated into daily life.

If your Thai location is Bangkok, and you get bored of the usual neighbourhood, try a week or two vacation to other places in Thailand, you might find something attractive.

And in reply to your question: Me, I rarely — more like never — have cycles of fatigue or boredom. I've never been bore, even as child. Don't forget: "Always look on the bright side of life".

Daily life routines are in my view quite personal. Some of us prefers that things are relative fixed — "same procedure as every year" — and some of us like surprises and something unexpected happens; and in between are 50 shades of gray mix of the two end-points. Age might also have to do with the preferences, where the older we get, we often wish more stable life-routines.

Me — retired and a couple of weeks from writing 77 in my CV — prefers some fixed points in my daily routines, which generally are like these:

• I start the day with a bit stretching and exercise program, then watering plants on 2nd floor and count how many of the mansion's feline residens that are around (the hide in daytime, so a mentally quite challenging morning rutine that freshen up the cinclusions in one's box above the eyes);

• then follows coffee and checking the international- and my homeland news (yes, the Globe is still turning and fairly OK);

• checking domestic news-stories, for which ASEAN NOW is an excellent choice for English language compilations (still coffee left in my mug);

• checking AN-forums of interest, which keeps me up to date with anything new for next extension of stay-application (it's about the time when my coffee mug runs empty and I can use both hands to write a comment, if I'm in the mood for that);

• then Facebook-updates, now someone begin to wake up back in Europe — yes, I'm a B-being, as I don't need to wake up early for work — my feed is mainly a few friends and items I follow, and Thai news from selected major sources, and sometimes a message in Messenger (which even can be business);

• then it's time for some daily work, which can be writing — I'm still dreaming about one day writing a book — or keeping up with my business still left in my homecountry, where two smaller companies within immaterial copyrights are alive and part of my income base (I'm an old hippie with a R'n'R music background);

• then the European stock markets are about to open and it's time to check financial news and trading rates (which might make my day outstanding...🤑 or the opposite...😭);

• I skip both breakfast and lunch — 'intermit fasting' like 16/8 should be healthy, at least it keeps me where I wish to be in the BMI — and as a house-owner, I might also have some duties with smaller repair and maintenance if my there is not much real work (which it's better for both me and my home than I'm getting bored, sitting staring on a fixed screen with no new exciting updates in ASEAN NOW...😄);

• afternoons might be time for shopping and other outing stuff, which needs to be done (which can be one of the feline resident that wish to meow to vet about something that I don't understand...😼);

• being lucky also having a dog resident, a healthy 'walking the dog' is part of my longevity extension-routine, and as dogs can read the clock on the wall it has to be done at fixed time (except when it's raining, then I'm forced to walk alone with only an umbrella as pal...☔😐);

• I normally make my own daily meal, which generally is Mediterranean style — I came to Thailand for 'all year summer and bare-feet Xmas', but can with pleasure also consume Thai food — always enjoyed without any screens, but gladly if joined by my girlfriend or a friend/friends, and preferably outdoor candlelight-supper (preferably with a glass of wine or two...🥂);

• if I'm alone, then the time after the meal is a good to mentally relax, for example with a bit of philosophy over 'memory lane' and how great one's life in Thailand is, don't forget: The purpose of our lives is to be happy...😊;

• Europeans day-work is closing down now, so a quick check of stock exchange rates and if any of today's business need my attention;

• surprises and other stuff might come up, if there for example is a good new movie in the cinema, a concert event, an invitation for something, a gourmet dinner somewhere...😋, or just heading out twice or three times a week to a party in the pulsating nightlife (this keeps my B-being going great, so I don't wake up too early)...👍😎

For some, my life might sound boring fixed — for me, it's the kind of life I've been dreaming about all my life...😀

Usually go to bed around midnight and wake up between 6:30 and 7am. Get my first cup of coffee and check emails, the news, AN, stock portfolio, etc. Shave, have breakfast, and then exercise in home gym, followed by a swim and shower. Do some work around the house, laundry, etc.

Have lunch, usually out at a restaurant somewhere, then maybe do some shopping or exploring around the area. We've been building a new house so have been involved with that most of this year. Today we were at T21 having lunch and doing some shopping--seemed busy for a Tuesday in August.

We have a Bangkok getaway condo and go to Bangkok about once or twice a month--we were there last week. We are planning an eventual move to Bangkok from Pattaya so have been scouting housing. Also see spouse's family when we are there.

We like to travel and had a trip to China a few weeks ago. Planning next trip now--maybe Korea, Taiwan, or Vietnam. We also want to do another road trip in Thailand sometime before the end of the year. We both like to keep busy.

7 hours ago, MIke B Bad said:

3am to 5am sex with a group of attractive young Thai ladies.

😍❤️

Simple everyday living takes up a bit of time. Hobbies, a bit more. Chilling out, a bit more. No need to be extremely bored all the time. Better to be a bit bored, than stressed out.

A lot depends on what type of transportation you have or depend on. Since retired, really don't have a schedule. When daughter lived at house, then school runs, 2X a day, 35 kms round trip each. Some extra on weekends.

Now, no responsiblities, but a few daily routines ...

... wake, make coffee, snake recon while brewing. Let dog out, poor coffee, let dog in.

... decide where to sit & sip, if nice out, or back at bed & internet, catch up on the world.

... troll AN ... morning routine over.

Around noon, brekkie, then out the door to the park and or surf, as the dog takes me for my walk. Hit Makro every other day or 3rd day, as we do a lot of whole food home cooking, and need fresh ingredients. Protein usual in the freezer after pruchased, and stocked up along with fruits.

Prepping and cooking takes some time, and a great hobby. Most things from scratch, so time comsuming vs prepared processed items. Simple normal existing stuff.

Lots of local exploring, for a munch, a coffee / dessert shop. Photos and or operate drone, and more photography. Only real hobby, other than eating 🙄

Always another pre sunset evening walk, locally, since living semi rural, and safe to walk along the road, and lots of green for the dog.

Evenings are usually downloaded movies / tv series, YT, though starting to bore me. Planning O&A. Editing photos / vids.

All fills in the days & nights. After a few weeks of that, then O&A somewhere for 1 or 2 weeks.

No alcohol, no bar scenes. Nice quiet relaxed life, suits us both. Her main hobbies are in the greenhouse, gardening and playing seamstress, makes all our clothers, soaps, her make up, with her little chemistry set up 😂

Nothing too exciting, nothing too boring. Just retired life, enjoying it, while waiting to crap out

Edited August 25Aug 25 by KhunLA

On 8/23/2026 at 1:41 AM, BritManToo said:

I get up and go cycling for 15+Km, and have coffee with a pal.

The rest of the day I sit on the sofa, reading, browsing, watching TV shows and movies, listening to music.

Bit of a break now and then to eat/drink and play with the rabbits.

My watch insists I get up and walk around for 2-3 miins every hour.

That's about it.

sounds a lot like my routine (usually 30-35km cycling) minus the coffee with a friend, and I indulge in my hobby of scratch building model cars. Some days I get a little boredom and somedays there doesn't seem to be enough time for everything, especially on days when I go out and do a little shopping for necessities. I probably watch a little too much YouTube too, since I don't watch television.

On 8/23/2026 at 2:43 PM, jas007 said:

The very idea of having a routine is scary. Do the same thing every day and before long you've wasted years.

It's one thing when you're working and don't have much choice. But for a retiree? Did you really retire just to switch to another routine? I try to mix things up whenever possible.

I agree, but it doesn’t really matter. As long as one is sound of mind and relatively happy. Do something 100% or do nothing 100%. I would however suggest OP get out of Bangkok. If you’re not a city person, you’re setting yourself up and will never be right. That together with being dehydrated/low on electrolytes for example (very common here) can cause crushing fatigue.

44 minutes ago, daveAustin said:

I would however suggest OP get out of Bangkok. If you’re not a city person, you’re setting yourself up and will never be right.

If in Krung Thep, there's 50 districts to explore. Took me years to stop exploring when visiting, and more due to the congestion than nothing interesting to check out. If living there, I'd explore a lot more.

Simply taking the rail lines mid day when not crowded, and hop off at interesting stops. Same goes for long bus line loops, and a few different canal & river boats. Only city that has international artist concerts, along with expos all the time, at Impact & BITEC, though they can get expensive 🙄

There's numerous small parks & cafes to explore. One has to eat & shop. so do it in a different neighborhood. Especially if living in the farang ghettos, as most everything is cheaper elsewhere.

Only thing keeping people bored is there lack of initiative to leave the couch or bar stool. One just needs to go a wee bit further than walking distance. Surely there's a bus stop a few meters from their doorstep.

https://www.transitbangkok.com/bangkok_bus_routes.php

Bus route #53 will keep you busy

Just find another route that connects to it ...

Edited August 26Aug 26 by KhunLA