It’s hardly new science that hobbies can greatly benefit your wellbeing but might they be enough to ease the misery brought on by another lockdown? 

Research reveals the uptake of hobbies directly relates to people being less likely to suffer from stress, low moods, and depression. Creative hobbies especially have been proven to develop ‘positive psychological functioning’. Studies have even shown that by engaging in hobbies for one or more hours a day it may extend ‘not only longevity but also healthy life expectancy’ among older-adults.

Amidst hectic modern life, it’s easy to feel uninspired or unproductive when partaking in hobbies. Sitting down with your instrument, book or puzzle quickly becomes a guilty pleasure; baking those impossible profiteroles becomes a past time. 

However now is the time to start something new.

Jump on the bandwagon of the cliché turn of phrase ‘new year, new me’ and commit to something. After all, February is fast approaching and those words will lose their meaning.

Lockdown’s confines are aggravating but it does, in many ways, provide a perfect atmosphere for culturing hobbies and habits. Authorities, such as the NHS and the World Health Organisation, are highlighting the need to focus on mental health during this period. Now, more than ever, is the time to find what hobby piques your interest and use it as a means of escape from the pandemic.

If you’re struggling to get started or need some ideas here are a few:

  • Reading. This is pretty standard but should always be mentioned. There really is every genre and niche out there, from autobiographies to historical fantasies, which makes it near impossible to get bored. If you’re not yet a reader, maybe this will be the year you find what you like and take to it. 

 

  • Jewellery making. Though this does require equipment and a great deal of patience, it’s a nice way to pass the time and channel your creative side into something homemade. You can make gifts for friends, loved-ones and hey, yourself too because you deserve it. There’s a plethora of easy-to-follow YouTube and TikTok tutorials out there. 

 

  • Journaling. Pick up that notebook you discarded all those years ago and start journaling. Whether it’s just writing or a touch closer to scrapbooking, make it your own. You can journal when you feel motivated, happy or upset, or make room for it in your daily routine. 

 

  • Crocheting. Though the image of yarn balls and crochet hooks usually brings to mind grans across the globe, this hobby is picking up traction amongst young people too. You don’t have to start big, just learn the basic stiches and maybe work towards a coaster or a bag or some pretty trim on a hand towel or two. YouTube tutorials are in large supply on this topic as well so do your research, find a project and get stuck in.

 

  • Playing a musical instrument. That guitar perched against your wall and that piano waiting in your living room are in need of playing. Tune them up and get started. And if you don’t have an instrument of wood or brass, try your voice. Relieve your neighbours’ ears at last and learn how to hit those top notes (and not just those ones you’ve been screeching in the shower).

 

  • Writing. If books these days aren’t grabbing your attention, why not write one of your own? Ideas are everywhere, pick one and see where it takes you. Who knows, fortune and fame could be just chapters away. 

 

  • Photography. With the advancement of phone cameras these days, everyone is an amateur photographer. If exercise-based hobbies aren’t your thing but you still want to get out into nature, this is the perfect activity for you. Snap pictures of whatever inspires. Learn new, creative ways to capture the world around you. Compose your work in imaginative styles. Phones these days have photo editing software built in; it’s never been easier. Head outside or set up your own scene and get clicking.

Hopefully now you feel inspired to begin a new hobby, reignite an old one or spend some time on your current one. Of course if you’re particularly struggling, reach out. But if you’re looking for something to take your mind off things any of the ideas above might help.
So get off your phone and go crochet a jumper! There’s never been a more critical time to prioritise your happiness.

Studies mentioned:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26947954/

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17439760.2016.1257049?journalCode=rpos20