The World Cup has ended, leaving fans with emotional exhaustion and a void. Here are 20 ways to cope, from reliving highlights to trying new activities.
Relive the Memories
Don't go cold turkey. Stream World Cup highlights on iPlayer and ITVX to wean yourself off gradually. Within a fortnight, you'll feel better.
Switch to Cricket's The Hundred
The Hundred starts tomorrow on Sky Sports and BBC Two. Eight teams with quirky names and badges, like Manchester's Super Giants (badge: an elephant), compete in 100-ball matches.
Watch the Tour de France
Cycling continues all week on TNT and Channel 5. You might see crashes, adding excitement even if you're not a cycling fan.
Cheer at the Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games begin Thursday in Glasgow, with nightly highlights on Channel 5. Home nations compete separately, and even the Falkland Islands (pop. 3,662) have a team.
Try Walking Football
Low-risk exercise: no running, no heading, minimal contact. Designed for seniors, but anyone can join. Find sessions at find.englandfootball.com.
Start Couch to 5K
The NHS free plan turns beginners into 5K runners in nine weeks. By late September, you could target next year's London Marathon in costume.
Fix Your Sleep
The NHS recommends 7-9 hours nightly. To reset, wake up at the same time daily, get early daylight, and limit caffeine and alcohol.
Eat Host Nation Cuisine
Recreate World Cup spirit with Mexican birria tacos, American Buffalo wings, or Canadian poutine (chips, gravy, cheese curds).
Learn Spanish Like Bellingham
Jude Bellingham learned Spanish quickly after moving. Start with phrases like "Yeah, well, whatever..."
Take Free Open University Courses
Over 1,000 courses available, including philosophy, which "explores fundamental questions about ourselves and the world through rational inquiry and argument." Visit open.edu.
Attend Boardmasters Festival
Boardmasters, August 5, offers music (Fatboy Slim, Kasabian), surf, skate, wellness, food, and art on the Cornish coast.
Try Bog Snorkeling
On August 30, competitors in Llanwrtyd Wells race 120 yards through a peat bog wearing facemasks, snorkels, and flippers. Only doggy paddle allowed. Details at green-events.co.uk.
Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower
Peaks August 12-13 with new moon conditions, offering about 150 meteors per hour. Visit rmg.co.uk for viewing tips.
Turn Chores into Games
Channel competitive spirit: iron shirts against the clock or paint the kitchen blindfold.
Donate World Cup Gear
Take flags, shirts, bunting, and inflatable trophies to charity shops. Also, consider donating that unused exercise bike.
Attend the Battle Proms
Highclere Castle hosts the Battle Proms on August 1, with orchestral classics, cavalry, parachutists, fireworks, cannons, and a Spitfire marking 90 years since first flight. More at battleproms.com.
Fly in a Spitfire
At IWM Duxford, you can fly in a Spitfire (no shooting). Visit iwm.org.uk.
Tour Buckingham Palace
The State Rooms are open until September 27. The Picture Gallery features 120 masterpieces, which took 875 hours to hang. Visit rct.uk.
Volunteer at a Local Football Club
Grassroots clubs need help selling Golden Goals tickets or cleaning. More at englandfootball.com.
Look Forward to Domestic Football
The Carabao Cup starts August 7, EFL August 14, Premier League August 21. England play Spain in 68 days.
