1. Coloring
This hobby is a very calming activity that will allow you to focus on something other than school work and social media during this odd time. No matter what type of coloring book you choose — ranging from adult coloring books with mandalas to childhood favorites featuring Disney characters — you will create beautiful artwork to decorate your bedroom and lower your blood pressure and stress level in the process.
2. Knitting or sewing
If you are looking for a more challenging hobby to try, knitting or sewing might be the right option for you. These activities also provide a bit more freedom and choice in what you produce — and how. Cross stitch, arm knitting, loom knitting and needlepoint are just a few examples of types of embroidery and stitch that could lead to various creations. Before you know it, you could become a stitch master and maybe get a headstart on homemade holiday gifts — or you could finally open your Etsy shop. The possibilities are endless as long as you have an ample supply of thread.
3. Writing
Obviously I am biased toward writing, but this hobby is enjoyable and extremely helpful during stressful times. If this makes you nervous, know that writing doesn’t have to be organized and purposeful. Instead, you can informally journal to express your worries, whether they stem from coronavirus or your Zoom coursework. Writing can be physically putting pen to paper, which puts you back in the mindset of “simpler times,” or you can start your own online blog titled “Quarantine Chronicles” to share the struggles of being trapped inside with your family for two weeks. Whatever you have to say is valuable and unique, so don’t be afraid to say it!
4. Dancing
“Just Dance,” “Dance Dance Revolution,” YouTube videos — those are just a few ways to get your groove on during your staycation. This hobby has multiple benefits including physical activity, feeling comfortable in your body and being able to bust a move when you return to school and social gatherings. Nothing says “Welcome back,” quite like performing an entire “Just Dance” song to your friends and roommates. You can also simply try turning on some tunes using a radio, Spotify or CDs to freestyle dance — you never know if you’ll create the next viral dance craze.
5. Yoga
A lot like coloring, this newfound hobby would provide you with some much-needed stress relief, in addition to other benefits like flexibility. Another plus to giving yoga a try while stuck at home is a relatively low cost, as it does not require much other than your own body. You can also try out meditation during your yoga time for a boost in mental health in addition to improving your physical wellbeing. Or if you would rather just have fun with the stretches, get your pets involved in your hobby with poses like the cat pose or downward dog.
6. Scrapbooking
If social distancing is leaving you lonely and feeling distanced from your friends and family, scrapbooking may take you on a much-needed trip down memory lane. Although you may be tempted to look through online photo albums and camera rolls, don’t neglect the old-fashioned print photos that are stored away in your childhood homes. There is something special about old photographs and the memories they evoke, so go digging in boxes and bins and create scrapbooks that future you will definitely appreciate when you are feeling nostalgic.
7. Organizing
Some may say this isn’t a hobby and falls more accurately under the category of chores, but I disagree. If you have to be at home, you might as well take advantage of that time to do the cleaning out and straightening up you have been meaning to do for several years now. Cleaning out your closet and organizing documents will leave you feeling accomplished even if you haven’t done your online discussion post or attended your online conference call.
8. Puzzles
If you want to keep your mind sharp despite being locked up for several weeks, try puzzles to exercise your brain and problem-solving skills. Jigsaw puzzles are great visual stimulation for your creative brain, while word and number puzzles like crosswords, word searches or sudoku can work on your analytical side. There is no shame in taking a break from screens and technology, but don’t forget about the existence of online puzzle options like Mahjong and jigsaw puzzles apps if you lack physical access to supplies.
9. Baking
Assuming you have washed your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap, there is no shame in baking goodies to share with your housemates. If you already know that baking is something that you enjoy but you tend to stick to the basics, branch out into the world of breads — like this banana bread recipe — or try something different like scones or turnovers. No matter what you choose, the best part of trying this hobby is that even failures have the possibility to turn out pretty delicious.
10. Exploring new music, podcasts and media
Last — but certainly not least — this exploratory hobby may require a little less work than some of the others on the list. Although online classes and at-home assignments are inconvenient, you may find you have some extra time due to lack of extracurriculars and commutes. Instead of sleeping in, take advantage of this time to listen to new albums from Justin Bieber, Kesha and many other artists. And if music isn’t your thing, don’t forget about the beauty of podcasts. As well, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and other streaming services can provide you with all types of television shows and movies to distract from the toilet paper shortages and constant news alerts.
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