It’s easy to get into the rut of constantly binging Netflix and scrolling on social media, especially since we’ve been spending so much time stuck at home. It can be hard to find a new hobby that’s sustainable with your lifestyle, though. Having a hobby is good for you — it gives you a creative outlet and helps you decompress. No matter what your age, you can find a hobby that fits your personality by following these 5 tips:
1. Get in touch with nature.
If you’re not ready to take on a garden, start small with a few houseplants. Adding a little foliage to your home can greatly improve the air quality as well as boost your mood. Caring for most popular houseplants is a lot easier than you would think since they don’t require a ton of sunlight. Low maintenance tropical plants like the monstera deliciosa, better known as the split-leaf philodendron or Swiss-cheese plant, are great for beginners.
The split-leaf plant unsurprisingly gets its name from its unique split leaves. The holes in the monstera leaves are designed to withstand the heavy rain in their native tropical rainforests. They only need a moderate amount of water, though. Make sure your monstera gets enough light and stays out of your pet’s reach.
2. Find your inner artist.
Even if you think you aren’t artistic, all of us have an inner artist. You can still find yours! Whether it’s music, makeup, or paint on a canvas — find a creative project and just do your best. If you feel artistically blocked, take a scroll through Pinterest and see if anything jumps out.
Need more guidance? Sign up for an inspirational workshop like the ones hosted by PaintLoose, where you can also buy the supplies you’ll need. Learn different painting techniques, how to use the correct brushes, and soon you’ll be bringing your illustrations to life. Experimenting with color and texture can be so much fun, and you’ll be surprised by the interesting things you can do.
3. Connect with your community.
Most people don’t realize all of the free community activities they can find in their town. From (socially distanced) yoga in the park to free museum exhibits, you’re sure to find something that interests you. Take it a step farther and get involved in local politics or community outreach. Attend city council meetings, work with local activist groups, and give your time to a greater cause. Food banks are critically strained right now, so consider donating or even volunteering to help keep your community fed.
4. Craft a new skill.
Try your hand at something new, literally. Knitting, crocheting, woodworking, baking — whatever the craft, you can start simple and see if it’s for you. Try knitting a washcloth before you go for the whole sweater and get frustrated by the complexity. Once you tackle the basics of most crafts, stepping up your work from there is a breeze. Next thing you know, you’ll go from chocolate chip cookies to tiramisu.
5. Step out of your comfort zone.
It’s scary to put yourself out there, but don’t let fear hold you back from doing what you love. Sometimes you may not feel ready, but you have to give yourself a push anyway. By stepping out of your comfort zone, you can find secret talents and really broaden life’s possibilities. If you secretly long to be a performer, join your community theatre troupe or start posting content directly online. Between YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and all the others — anyone can broadcast their talents to the whole world. Being true to yourself is the only way, so don’t hide who you are.
Getting a new hobby, or picking up an old one, can help us feel more fulfilled in our lives. Netflix is great, but actively creating something or participating in group activities is much more stimulating and gratifying.
