The coronavirus pandemic has left many of us with lots of time on our hands. Naturally, we've found ways to cope. One of the best ways people cope is to pick up a new hobby while in quarantine.
After Redditor Buttareviailconto asked the online community, "What new hobbies have you picked up this year and would you recommend them to others?" people were eager to share. Read on –– you might find one or two that pique your interest!
"The end results..."
I've been collecting rocks and crystals for a while, but I've finally gotten a tumbler and started polishing them. The end results are cool to see, but the process takes a month or more depending on the type of stone, so if you're a deeply impatient person (or a perfectionist; you have very little control over how the stones turn out and there will be flaws), I don't know if I DO recommend it.
"The main point..."
Experimenting with cooking. Following a recipe online that you found is also good, but there's just an extra layer of enjoyment and discovery to be had when I try to work things out on my own, especially when ingredients are limited. It's like a puzzle you can eat.
The main point is to not let "not perfect" overshadow "good enough." You probably aren't gonna be winning any awards with your first few attempts but that doesn't mean what you created isn't special in its own right.
"It takes sustained mental focus..."
I've been lock picking. It takes sustained mental focus which has been nice to get the mind off of all that's going in. Plus if the apocalypse comes I'll have a useful skill, which is a bonus.
"I lost my grandma this year..."
Sewing. I lost my grandma this year and she used to sew and knit a lot. I was given her sewing machine, so I whenever I use it I feel closer to her
"Reading Irving's books..."
Reading, or listening to, all the books one of your favorite author has written. I finished Kurt Vonnegut and now working on John Irving. Reading Irving's books back to back takes away from his greatness, while it made Vonnegut seem like the greatest of all time.
"I've followed along..."
I started watching Bob Ross "The Joy of Painting" painting videos. I've followed along to a handful of them, but did it in photoshop rather than actually paint. His voice is super relaxing and I get into such a state of content and zen. I highly recommend it! It's one of the handful of things that have helped reduce a little of my anxiety this year.
"But I would start easy..."
Started meditating this year. Almost at 100 days in a row! I would recommend. But I would start easy with just 5 minutes in a session and build your way up overtime.
"It's practically therapeutic..."
Dungeons and Dragons. It's practically therapeutic in nature, it's actually helped me a lot throughout the confinement.
"It is insane..."
3D printing. It is insane what you can print with a low budget printer (mine was 200 dollars). You can create your own models pretty easily and if you are too lazy for that you can download cool stuff from Thingiverse. Comes in handy too if you forgot to buy someone a gift...
"It allows you to visibly see your progress..."
Gardening, even just a couple plants.
It allows you to visibly see your progress and you learn things when you have questions about your plans. Then if all goes well you get some produce. Nothing feels quite like snacking on some peas you grew yourself and see at the grocery store for 5-6 dollars a pack.
Good luck.
Want to "know" more? Never miss another big, odd, funny, or heartbreaking moment again. Sign up for the Knowable newsletter here.
@SecretaryBurgum/X
@Doug Ellin/X
@evanrachelwood/Instagram