Since most of us will be spending more time at home for a little while, Jennifer Landis (from mindfulnessmama.com) has put together a few hobby ideas you might like to try. Feel free to add your own ideas in the comment section below. Stay healthy and positive, everyone.
Learn to Cook
You’re already at home, so why not use this as an opportunity to learn how to cook? If you live on a diet of plain pasta and grilled chicken, you’re overdue for a change. The same idea goes for oven-baked sweet treats. That’s right – no more store-bought cookies for the sake of you and your family’s tastebuds, please.
It helps to begin with the basics, like how to cut and sauté an onion. If you’re able to brown ground beef in a pan, you’re already off to a fantastic start. This way, you can add several hot, simple recipes to your repertoire, such as stir-fry noodles and vegetables. You don’t have to be Julia Child to learn your way around a kitchen.
Take your time, and don’t hesitate to make mistakes. After all, that’s the only way that you can learn.
Paint a Portrait
Now’s the perfect chance to break out those watercolors and acrylics. Grab a canvas, t-shirt or mug and get to work. You could paint a portrait of your dog or your backyard. Or, touch up the trim around your windows. Paint a mural on your bedroom wall. This activity can be either therapeutic or intense – it’s up to you.
Look on YouTube for tutorials from Bob Ross and other famous artists. You’ll be able to discover a few techniques and approaches. Many websites also offer printable guides or outlines so that you can work with an example or two. Don’t expect to be an expert right off the bat, as you can’t learn a new hobby overnight. But if you practice every day, you’re able to make excellent strides.
You’ll find that you feel relaxed and calm as you paint. And of course, you’ll create beautiful art, too.
Start a Coin Collection
If you’re a history buff, here’s a wonderful hobby for you.
Take a peek inside of your wallet and see if you’ve got any change. You’ll want to focus on more unique coins, like special edition quarters, but you can start anywhere. Create separate groups for different currencies and types. You can base your collection around a time period or mint mark – or whatever else you choose.
There aren’t any rules for this activity. You should become aware of the terminology so that you’re in-the-know. But otherwise, collect to your heart’s content!
Meditate on this
Maybe you feel stressed or worried at the moment. If so, you’re not alone. But through meditation, you can turn those negative emotions into positive thoughts.
Place a yoga mat outside for a bit of fresh air. Or, find a quiet spot inside. Mindfulness encompasses meditation, so you’ll want to turn off your phone and limit other potential distractions. Then, close your eyes and follow your breath. Let your mind wander as you continue to inhale and exhale. Meditation allows you to take a pause from reality so that you feel more at ease.
You can meditate for as little or as long as you please. There’s no time limit, so enjoy yourself.
Become a Photographer
So, maybe you can’t leave your house right now. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t take a few pictures.
Break out your camera or phone and snap away. Shoot portraits of people and animals, or go for a landscape style outside. Once you feel a little more comfortable, you can start to use more in-depth techniques at different times. Don’t hesitate to take photos of unique objects and settings. Basically, do whatever you please. Like many hobbies, there’s no set of guidelines to follow – other than the rule of thirds.
Use this time to create some memorable pictures.