Having hobbies to try during this scary and uncertain time can serve as a welcome distraction from the daily chaos. Not only that, but they can be super rewarding. They enrich our lives, teach us skills, make us more interesting, and relieve stress. Even though you’re social distancing, getting your friends into these fun hobbies can be a great way to bond right now.
It would be easier to list the reasons NOT to do yoga, honestly. But if you’ve been reluctant to try it, now is as good a time as ever. You don’t have to be super flexible or even spiritual to succeed at yoga – but that doesn’t guarantee you won’t be by the time you’ve fallen in love with it. You may also notice that your sleep cycle, stress relief, concentration, strength, and stamina have all improved in just days. Isn’t it great?
One word: aromatherapy. Just imagining the scent of a fresh batch of cookies or a warm pan of brownies makes my wrinkles disappear for a second (until I open my eyes again). Baking can be one of the most surprisingly meditative and soothing hobbies to try. It lets you focus on one activity so you can just zone out while kneading some dough. Plus, the reward is a yummy creation you just put time and creativity into. Go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back.
Maybe you’ve always wanted to try out a ukulele, or a harmonica, or some other tiny instrument you can take with you everywhere to show off your magical music-making abilities with. Make the most of your time indoors by dusting off that treasured instrument and getting funky with it. There are endless videos, tutorials, and sheet music available online for free to sharpen your skills. By the time you’re back in the world, you’ll be the perfect addition to a campfire jam session.
There are many duct tape hobbies to try out there, but here’s one if you’re just dipping your toe in the water. They’re not only adorable and easy to make, but they also serve as a lovely gift idea. Whether they are for your mom, your lover, or a friend, everyone will be amazed when you hand them one of these. The bare minimum requirements for making a duct tape rose is duct tape and scissors. Use a pen as the “stem” and fill a pen holder with a “bouquet” of them!
This is great if you’re holed up with a roommate or partner. Break out the poker cards and perfect your game! A standard deck of cards can provide practice for many games, like Patience, War, Rummy, Blackjack, and Texas Hold ‘Em. Master your poker face. Polish your strategy. Sharpen your mind. Train yourself to become the ultimate hustler. Mix things up by making the losers take shots. If you’re locked down with your partner, perhaps a little strip poker is in order?
For all you chatty Kathy’s out there, this may be a winner. Making a podcast by yourself may sound daunting, but all the tools needed to accomplish it are easily available and some are even free. Having your own podcast show gives you the chance to build an audience with minimal spending involved, and unlike fashion trends or changing social media platforms, podcasts will never go out of style. After all, how long as the radio been around? Now you can be your own talk show.
Yes, selling stuff is a hobby and it is one of the most lucrative hobbies to try out there. Amazon, eBay, Craigslist, Etsy – you name it, you can sell stuff on it. With apps like Letgo and Mercari, getting rid of clutter and old clothes has never been easier. The best part is you don’t have to deliver it or have someone come pick it up – apps like Mercari let you ship it! Keeping you on your grind while keeping the community safe. A few sites that let you sell stuff for free are Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Letgo. Make that paper, baby!
You may be surprised to know the beautiful, intricate dreamcatcher is a craft that can be made at home with your very own hands. You’ll need a hoop (size is your preference), thread, and decorations like feathers, tassels, beads, and natural gems to add to the strings at the bottom of your hoop. Go for a boho theme or try pastel tones. To add extra cuteness, use small hoops to create mini dreamcatchers you can clip to your keychain or give to friends!
According to science, coloring relaxes the “fear center” of your brain known as the amygdala in order to relieve stress. Science also proves that coloring is fundamentally fun (who would have guessed?). You don’t have to be Salvador Dali to flesh out a bold mandala or soothing labyrinth. This adult trend has been prescribed by therapists to their clients for years, starting with Carl Jung, and by that measurement, it won’t be getting any less cool anytime soon. Break out the crayons and unleash your inner Picasso.
Okay, I’ll admit it. Arts, crafts, and yoga might not be for everyone. If you are more of a left-brain, try coding. Whether you want to amaze your friends by tricking out their smartphones, build your own website, or score a promotion, coding is easier to jump into than you think. The internet is full of free resources to launch you in the right direction for a tech hobby or even a career. Refine your problem-solving skills and keep them on hand for future opportunities.
Did you know that upcycling is more efficient than recycling? Not just because it allows you to reuse old clothes and save money, but because it gets rid of the need to produce new materials. For example, you know what’s more environmentally sustainable than buying a new file cabinet? Upcycling an unwanted dish rack into a brand-new folder holder! You’re saving money and the planet at the same time. Besides, think of how much character it gives your living space. Soon you’ll be thinking of new ways to use old stuff every other minute.
It is personal, meaningful, and just plain cute. Social distancing can feel lonely. You might find yourself reminiscing about fond memories of you and your friends or family. Why not capture those feelings in a letter? There’s only one feeling better than finding out you’ve got a letter from someone special: being that special someone to send them a letter. Take this opportunity to surprise your pen pal with beautiful, whimsical cursive or calligraphy. Dot your letter with stickers. Stick a treat in the envelope like their favorite candy or a heartfelt picture. Go deeper than just a text and let your friends and family know you’re still here for them.
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