It’s the last month of 2018 and we’re all winding down for the year. In the last few weeks of 2018, we’re all starting to get into the holiday’s mindset, planning food, making travel arrangements, and wrapping gifts. Hopefully, we’ve added a few new things to our arsenal of knowledge and experiences, met new people, made new friends, learned a lot of new things. On my new year list would be to learn a few more in order to shake things up a bit. What better time to start a new year than by planning things now.
Starting a new hobby can be daunting – especially if you suck at hobbies. How do you suck at hobbies, you ask? It’s when you start something and then just leave things unfinished or quit in the middle of a project (adult coloring books anyone?) That’s ok, maybe you haven’t found the hobby that’ll hold your interest yet. The key is to try things out and stick to the things you like.
Here are a few suggestions if you want to start learning something new for the new year.
Cooking
One of the most important skills to learn is how to feed yourself. Nobody can subsist on take-out and microwaveable food forever. At some point in your adult life, you’re going to have to learn how to make food. Start with simple dishes like pasta or salads. The site called 4 Ingredients have recipes for food that only calls for 4…you guessed it…4 ingredients. Pick one and get started. You can move on to more complicated dishes once you’ve mastered a few simple ones.
Needlecraft
Embroidery, cross stitching, crocheting, and knitting are some of the best hobbies involving needlecraft. Studies have shown that knitting can reduce anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and slow down the onset of dementia. According to the findings “the repetitive movements required to create a pattern release calming serotonin, which can lift moods and dull pain. So take up any one of these hobbies if you’re looking to reduce stress and anxiety. In the process, you can create something beautiful.
Exercise
Exercise is a must, but if you have to make it fun, turn it into a hobby. My friends are very much into the fitness passes type of memberships where you buy a fitness pass to a network of gyms and try out different classes that range from yoga to boxing. This is fun for people who get bored of regular workouts or those who constantly need to do something different every time. You just have to check out the workout classes that are available in your area. It’s very convenient. Try a few classes in barre pilates, cycling, rowing, boxing, or even pole dancing. Then you can stick to the ones you like best.
What hobbies do you plan on taking up for next year? We’d love to hear them. Share them with us in the comments. Stay humble and hustle hard.
Written by Jaie O. The Help
