It’s that time of year again—football season is officially over, and honestly, I’m feeling that familiar weekend void creeping in. If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent the last several months planning your weekends around game schedules, jersey choices, and post-match analysis. Suddenly, all that structure is gone. But hey, I’ve been here before, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to keep those Saturdays and Sundays from feeling empty. Let me walk you through some of my go-to strategies, and I’ll even tie in a little inspiration from the world of basketball—because why not? I was watching this intense game recently where the underdog team, down by a staggering 18 points at 43-25, pulled off an incredible comeback. It was only the first match in a best-of-seven series, but Aguilar and the crew knew they’d started on the best note possible. Their bench players—Nards Pinto, Ben Adamos, Jeremiah Gray, and Jayson David—stepped up big time, delivering solid minutes and proving that sometimes, the most unexpected sources can fill a void when the stars aren’t enough. That kind of energy is exactly what we need when football leaves us hanging.
First off, let’s talk about rediscovering hobbies you might have neglected. For me, that meant pulling out my old guitar and actually learning a new song instead of just strumming the same three chords. It doesn’t have to be music, though—maybe you’ve got a half-finished novel or a sketchbook gathering dust. The key is to treat it like a game plan: set small, achievable goals, like practicing for 30 minutes each weekend morning. I find that breaking it down helps, kind of like how those bench players in that basketball match took it one possession at a time. They didn’t fix the 18-point deficit in one go; they chipped away, and you can do the same with your projects. Another thing I’ve tried is diving into a new TV series or book series—something immersive enough to make me forget I’m not yelling at a referee right now. I binged this sci-fi show last month, and it honestly filled the emotional gap left by football. Just be careful not to overdo it and turn into a couch potato; balance is everything. I made that mistake once and ended up with a stiff neck and zero sense of accomplishment—lesson learned.
Next up, socializing in ways that don’t involve screaming at a screen with friends. I started organizing small get-togethers, like board game nights or hiking trips, and it’s been a game-changer. Think of it as building your own "bench" of pals who can step in when you need a boost. In that basketball reference, the team’s success wasn’t just about the starters; it was the collective effort, and the same goes for filling your weekend. One weekend, I rounded up a few buddies for a casual volleyball game at the park—no pressure, just fun—and it felt so refreshing. If you’re not into sports, maybe try a cooking club or volunteering; I did a beach cleanup last month and met some amazing people. The trick is to schedule these things in advance, so you’re not stuck scrolling through Netflix alone on a Saturday afternoon. Oh, and a quick tip: don’t force it. If you’re not feeling super social, that’s fine—sometimes a solo movie marathon or trying out a new recipe alone can be just as rewarding. I’ve had weekends where I baked a disastrous but hilarious cake, and it’s those imperfect moments that stick with you.
Now, let’s get into something a bit more active, like exploring local events or picking up a side hustle. I’ve always been curious about flea markets, so last season, I started hitting them up on Sundays. It’s not just about shopping; it’s the thrill of the hunt, similar to how those basketball players rallied back—you never know what gem you’ll find. I even tried selling some old vinyl records and made a decent $50, which felt like a mini-victory. If events aren’t your thing, consider learning a skill online. I took a short coding course, and while I’m no expert, it gave me a sense of progress that rivaled watching my team score a touchdown. Just remember to keep it light; if it starts feeling like a chore, switch gears. I learned that the hard way when I overcommitted to a photography project and ended up stressed instead of satisfied. Balance, again, is crucial—maybe aim for one or two activities per weekend, not a packed schedule.
Wrapping this up, I’ll say that the end of football season doesn’t have to be a downer. In fact, it’s a chance to mix things up and discover new passions, much like how that basketball team turned a deficit into a strong start. So, as Bring Me The Horizon Football Season Is Over sinks in, take a page from their playbook: lean on your "bench"—whether it’s hobbies, friends, or random adventures—and you might just find yourself enjoying weekends even more. Trust me, I’ve been there, and now I almost look forward to this off-season reset. Give these ideas a shot, and who knows? You might not even miss those game days as much as you thought.