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Hobbies

In March of 2020, for reasons we are all familiar with, I suddenly found myself with a lot of free time on my hands. Binge-watching TV could only get me so far - it was time to pick up something more substantial. So I went to my closet and unpacked a ukulele that had been forgotten since college. Picking up that old ukulele was the start of a brand-new hobby, something I enjoy doing in my spare time that relaxes me and helps me decompress! In fact, studies have found that engaging in enjoyable hobbies can lower blood pressure, help prevent depression and lead to higher levels of positive emotions. So why not help improve your health by discovering a new hobby? Here are my recommendations on how to find a hobby and fall in love with it.


Back to Basics


Go Back to Basics

What did you like to do when you were younger? Think back to what you enjoyed when you were a little kid and try it again now as an adult. Enjoyed finger painting? Sign up for an art class and see how you feel. Chances are if you loved it then, you’ll still love it now.


Try something completely new


Try Something Completely New

Maybe you want to go in a completely different direction from your usual abilities and try something different. You absolutely can! The ukulele in college was an impulse buy. I had never even played an instrument of any kind before, but I threw caution to the wind and tried it. I’m glad I did because it’s my favorite thing to do now. Trying new things also means new friends! Exploring new pastimes are great ways to meet new people, and expand your social circle.



Turn Job Skills into Fun Skills

Turn Job Skills into Fun Skills

Maybe at work you organize events, write and read a whole bunch, design flyers, or do community work - but the funny thing is, you like doing that outside of work too. Surprise, that counts as a hobby! There might be some aspect of your job that you love doing. As a hobby you can explore it outside of the office and spend as much time doing it as you please, with no rules or deadlines.



Explore Hobbies with Friends

Explore Hobbies with Friends

If you aren’t even sure where to start, see what your friends are doing for fun! I tried gardening with one friend and Zumba with another. Neither are for me (especially Zumba, I lack basic rhythm apparently) but at least I can say I tried it. Just remember to have fun and be open to new things!