New Year, Hobbies.
Last year was hard for us all. We had to find new ways to entertain ourselves. Many of us turned to Netflix or another streaming service to binge-watch new shows or an old favorite. Now that the new year is here, it's a great time to pick up a new hobby that we can enjoy for many years to come!
Hobbies are something that we all need. Having a hobby that you enjoy has been shown to be good for your mental health. They give us something to do to pass the time, it's something that can give us a purpose and can bring more joy into our lives!
Hobbies look different to different people. Some people choose reading as their hobby, others art. Hobbies can come in many different forms, and it can take time to find the right one for you. The most important thing is to choose one that is something that you enjoy. So here are a few different hobby types that you can try!
Get Outdoors in 2021
One group of hobbies that you could try is something that involves getting outside in the fresh air. I know it’s cold right now but even cold fresh air is good for you! Studies show that being outdoors can make your mood better, bring down your stress levels, lower your blood pressure, and make your focus better.
These hobbies all involve getting outside and experiencing all that the great outdoors has to offer:
Hiking
Biking
Kayaking
Fishing
Hunting
Get Crafty in 2021
Another group of hobbies that is an option is to “get yo’ craft on.” Crafting or creating something has shown to be good for your mental health. Much like getting outdoors, crafting can reduce anxiety, improve overall mood, and make you happier!
Here are a few specific crafting hobbies that you can try!
Painting
Drawing
Scrapbooking
Knitting
There are many places that you can go to learn more about crafting and art!
Get Healthy in 2021
A good hobby that you can choose to practice these days is to become more healthy. So many of us have been more sedentary this year due to the pandemic. Gyms closed and it was harder to go to the grocery to buy healthier options. Many of us turned to fast food drive-thrus or having take-out delivered.
A healthier lifestyle pays dividends in the future. Studies show that people who live a healthier lifestyle have a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and have been shown to improve your overall quality of life.
If you’d like to focus on your health in 2021, here are a few hobbies to explore:
Work out at home. Check out Sydney Cummings or Yoga with Adriene on Youtube
Join a gym
Cook at home
Try new healthy recipes. Try Hello Fresh or Daily Harvest!
Get Smarter in 2021
A new hobby that you can take up is learning. Gaining knowledge can give you a boost in self confidence, and can help you find a sense of purpose. I have heard it said many times that the day you stop learning is the day that you start going backwards.