Bored and despondent with the virus.

I hear you OP and totally get it.

Netflixfan, I understand how disappointing it is to have your retirement plans put on hold. It is important to find something to occupy and /or distract you and give you something to look forward to. Try to think of this time as only temporary, that things will improve in the future.

I was still supply teaching two days a week and helping with childcare for my grandchildren when the pandemic began.
Now I have accepted, after a lot of adjustment, that I will not return to teaching, a career I loved and worked in since 1978. I am thankful that I can still help with childcare one day a week.

I became more involved in my church, volunteering for the Covid stewarding/ cleaning team, also phoning housebound parishioners, so this gave some structure to my week. I am fortunate to have sisters living nearby, we meet up regularly for walks along the river or round the park, I've walked more in the past two years than I have in my life!

I also started Duolingo, and keeping a journal. Our Book group continued on Zoom, lately we have had real life meet ups when restrictions were relaxed.

I hope you can find interests to pass your time pleasantly, let's hope and pray that it's not for ever, and we'll be able to socialise and travel again one day.
A local church has a walking group called The Holy Soles?‍♀️?
Wishing you well, Netflixfan.

I was totally fed up with the virus back in April last year, so now it's become rather soul destroying. I think the problem is that the goalposts are constantly being moved with these new variants appearing. First we thought it was just oldies at risk, and when we had the vaccine all would be well. Then the vaccines did not seem to be enough, we needed a booster. Then along comes another variant. It never seems to end. But it will end and we just have to look forward to Spring and Summer and hope things will improve in time.

On the one hand - I'm sick to the back teeth of it, as it's been dragging on for nearly two years. But then, on the other - I'm just so very grateful that my family have remained fit and well throughout that time.

(My daughter and her children all had Omicron, but with mild symptoms, her OH escaped it. He never gets colds or flu.)

We've lost some distant relatives, my son's friend's wife and unborn baby (really tragic) - and a couple of dear neighbours too.

I'm planning the biggest, most extravagant garden party ever for when it's finally safe to have one. Maybe late this summer - '23 or '24 - but it will happen!

I agree, it’s alright joining groups to meet people but after restarting meetings last year, many of my social groups are now cancelling meetings or going back on Zoom. My WI meeting on Saturday will be on Zoom and I really don’t want to log in but I guess I will, just sad to seem to be going backwards!

You are not alone. I am absolutely fed up. Wednesday Art group was cancelled for December and due to recommence yesterday. When I got an email saying it was postponed due to omicron I actually cried!
Fingers crossed that U3A restarts next week.
I can't wait for Spring.
This is just too long.

We retired nearly three years ago so did our friends. We all feel as if we haven't started retirement because of ill health then Covid. Holidays cancelled special occasions without celebrations. Our favourite sporting activities cancelled and missed by us. We have not been to town since summer 2019. We used go to meet other friends and have drinks and a meal we tend to stay local now. In fact it's made us more selective where we do go now.
We have a walking group and volunteering here too. There
may be something you could get involved in where you live.
I have always studied I think you are never too old to learn new things. During lockdown I carried on with short courses on Future learn too it's invaluable.
Duolingo offer free lessons for different languages. I also have a few crafty hobbies I enjoy just being occupied is the key.

Netflixfan you are not alone there are many of us not coping with the new life covid has inflicted. I desperately wanted to go to Marks sale - big mistake as it happens total rubbish on sale which made me feel more fed up!! I had to force myself to go to town. If you like to learn, check out Futurelearn. They do some fab short online courses. I did 3 during 2020 lockdown. I finally started another yesterday after putting it off for weeks due to lack of motivation.

I think your fear has overridden your optimism
We have to live with this it’s not going anywhere so stop being afraid use your sense be cautious but get out and about I am still volunteering with the general public and feel as long as
I m watchful and sensible I will carry on life as normal as possible or else I may as well just give up completely

Oh dear, netflixfan. I can understand why you feel so down. I felt at a loose end for some time after I retired - before I was really ready, but the job changed - but if it happened to you just before the pandemic, that could only have made it worse. A walking group does sound like a good idea. If there isn't one near you, could you start an informal one through your church? Our church has one which meets periodically (meant to be once a fortnight) and doesn't go very far, but they all seem to have a good and relaxed time and they often used to finish with a cup of tea, although that is not so easy since covid.

Like you, I am fed up with covid, but I think if we can get some aconites and crocuses coming up, that could help a lot. This is a very bleak time of year! In the meantime, here are some flowers to give you a bit of colour.

Meetup (online franchise) do lots of walking groups all around the UK if that's your thing. There are several different ones on Meetup in my area.

Netflixfan sorry you are feeling so fed up a walking group does sound a good idea
I still tend to do the things I usually did just to get out and about but I am physically well and not feeling any particular risk from covid after vacination
Swimming would be a good one all that chlorine kills off covid

Could you join a walking group? I'm sure there must be some that just do gentle walks if you'd prefer that - or maybe you could start one.

There are several advantages to this - it's good for your mental and physical well-being, you'd meet people to chat to and, being outdoors, it's far safer with regard to Covid.