We all seem to be trapped inside for a while in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. We are stressed and bored. We need some new creative outlets to keep us engaged, active, and stimulated.
Why not try some new creative hobbies to keep your synapses firing and your imagination focused? Get away from the doom and gloom of watching the news and trying to make something that will last.
You will find that your spirits will be uplifted and your outlook improved if you try one or more of these eleven creative hobbies.
- Drawing
All it takes is a pad of paper and some pencils to see how well your hand can translate onto the page what you see with your eye.
Try sketching the view from your back porch or a family member. You can even try a self-portrait in front of a mirror. You can easily go from a newbie step by step to drawing a person in a short time by following the right guides on the internet.
You will find it meditative and soothing. Don’t worry about how it looks. Just let your creative juices flow!
- Gardening
Studies show that getting out in the dirt is helpful for depression and anxiety.
You can find great fulfillment in planting seeds, tending to them as they grow, and seeing the fruits of your labor. You can try flowers or food, depending on the soil conditions in your yard or window box.
The sight of an array of pretty blooms you planted yourself or crunching on a cucumber straight from your own garden, is immensely pleasurable!
But do not forget about what tools are needed for this hobby. Fortunately, our friends from Backyard Style can help you with your choices. They analyze most products dedicated to gardening and compile various lists of tools starting from long-handled garden forks and ending with chicken feeders
- Painting
Maybe you want to play with colors and textures. Try some watercolors or oil paints for a heavier look.
Painting can release all sorts of emotions. You can go realistic, or abstract.
Try different sizes of canvas to paint on. Use a variety of brushes, and see which ones you like the best.
You can imitate your favorite artists, or just follow your own instincts,
- Woodworking
Maybe you want to invest time and energy into something solid, like a chair or table. Woodworking is a fun hobby that produces utilitarian items you will treasure forever.
You can also make old fashioned toys and child-sized furniture for the little ones in your life.
You can have fun playing with different sanders and other tools, so long as you exercise due care.
- Jewelry
DIY jewelry is another artistic hobby that produces useful items. Why not use attractive beads, shells and other items to create gifts for friends and family?
You can incorporate precious or semiprecious stones into your creations.
You can create pendants with imagery or words.
You can even create unique earrings and other items to sell.
It’s fun to express yourself freely through the decorative arts.
- Decoupage
Decoupage is the art of decorating an object by gluing colored paper cutouts onto it with special paint, gold leaf, and other bedazzlements, This is an easy-to-do hobby that can customize everyday objects like boxes or furniture.
Why not invite your spouse or kids to join in on the fun? Decoupage is one of those hobbies that can be enjoyed together or alone.
- Embroidery
Maybe you are more drawn to the idea of a needle and thread to create your masterpiece. You can follow the lead of ladies from previous centuries who focused their creative energies on making meticulously sewn handkerchiefs, table cloths, and other items embroidered with lovely flowers and other patterns.
Maybe you want to modernize things, and embroider a jean jacket or a dress! You can make your clothes really unique when you customize them with beads, sequin, and colored threads.
- Poetry
If words are more your style, try your hand at poetry.
You don’t have to worry about rhymes or meter. Just let the language flow and see where your pen takes you. You don’t even have to share it with anyone. It can be your own special escape,
If you like oral poetry, try rapping!
- Crochet
Crocheting is another hobby that provides a repetitive meditative activity while creating something useful and pretty. You can even do it while watching TV or sitting on a Zoom meeting.
Once you get the hang of the stitches, your fingers will take over. You can create beautiful blankets, sweaters and socks. Soon you may be all set for the holidays with hand made presents for all!
- Singing
Sometimes creativity leads to artistic expression that does not last. You may sing a song that no one hears, but the act of singing may bring you great joy. Whether it is recorded for all time just for the moment, letting your emotions go in a song is a wonderful outlet for your heart and soul.
Sing in the shower, or while you are vacuuming! Write a song about your dog! Take an online singing class, and learn the art of vocal modulation and expression. According to the 30 Day Singer review, the best thing about this program is how it’s focused on getting beginners singing better in less than 30 days.
Singing is a great activity to enjoy with the whole family. Little kids will love to join in. You might even convince your tweens to capture your big moment on Tiktok!
- Dance
We are not all Adele or Whitney, But if you can’t vocalize your passion, maybe you can use your body.
You can take online dance classes to pick up the ballet you loved as a child. You can work up a good sweat with Zumba or hip hop classes.
You can also just freestyle, and let the music carry you to another place.
Or you can practice waltzing with your loved one, and recapture the passion of your first days together. Try a samba or a tango!
Creative Hobbies: What Brings You Joy
Don’t let the worry of today’s political and economic climate bring you down. Instead of scrolling through social media all day, find something you loved as a child, or always wanted to try.
Create gorgeous pieces of art like jewelry or a portrait. Let your imagination soar and have fun seeing where your talents lie (and where they don’t). Whether you do it alone or with your family, you will see that there are a multitude of ways to express yourself creatively that will lift your spirit.
For more inspiring ideas to improve your life and outlook, keep checking back.
