Hobbies

Right now I am going on my 4th week stuck inside due to the Corona Virus. But honestly, I feel like I’m thriving! I finally have time to work on all my hobbies, take time for me, and work on things I felt I never had time for (such as my blog and Etsy shop).

Now, does this sound NOTHING like you? Never fear. As someone who has about a thousand hobbies, I’m willing to share my knowledge with you. You’re welcome!

Whether you’re stuck inside because of a pandemic, because you moved somewhere new and don’t know anyone, or maybe you went through a breakup and you just need some time alone, you NEED a hobby. It will help you stay sane, give you something to be proud of, and keep your mind busy.

I tried to come up with screen free hobbies, but honestly I love things with screens. Don't we all? Anyway, even though some of these have to do with screens, I'm suggesting you use your phone so that it is something you may be able to do on the road or sitting on your porch. Unfortunately, watching TV is not a hobby on my list! No shame if you love TV, but I don’t think television matches the 3 criteria above.

Blogging

Maybe you have a niche interest and no one to talk about it to; blogging is a great way to talk about your interests and ideas, even if no one is reading. Who knows! Maybe someday people will come to your blog with questions about your favorite subject. A blog doesn’t even have to be published! It can be more like a private diary or journal, but an electronic one. That way it never gets lost and you can always archive it if you want to look at it later. This way you can add links and pictures as well, so you'll never forget anything! Besides, pen and paper doesn't have spell check.

I’m currently using Wix.com, but Blogger.com is great for beginners!

A blog can be fun but what if you have star quality? You could always try YouTube! It can be very similar to blogging except you’re writing a script instead. Instead of writing about cooking, cook! Videos can take a bit more time consuming but video editing software is readily available for free on the App Store and online.

Video Games

Now, you may be thinking video games aren’t your thing at all, but keep in mind Candy Crush is still a video game! Games like The Sims or Animal Crossing: New Horizons or Stardew Valley can give you a simulated since of neighborhood if you miss going out and talking to people. Are you looking for something that is just mindless fun you don’t have to worry about being good at? Try Super Mario Odyssey! Maybe you just want a game where you can beat stuff up and blow off steam? The Lego Star Wars series is perfect for this. Trust me you don’t even have to know anything about Star Wars. These are all EASY games. You don’t have to know the first thing about video games to enjoy these, I promise. They’re also all games that can be played with your family, friends, or children.

The Sims 4, Available on Mac & PC

Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Available on Nintendo Switch

Stardew Valley, Available on most platforms including the App store

Super Mario Odyssey, Available on Nintendo Switch

Lego Star Wars, Available on Xbox One and PS4

Cross Stitching

I’ve recently started cross stitching. It is fun and easy and great to do when you’re bored watching what your husband put on the TV. It is also relatively cheap! Thread (called floss) is less than $1.00 a bundle, and the cloth comes in large pieces for about $5.00. Patterns can be bought in store or online on places like Etsy. They can also be found for free! Before you dive in head first, I suggest a kit. They are sold at Hobby Lobby, Walmart, and Amazon. The kits often include everything you need - floss, pattern, cloth, hoop, and needle.

Walmart Cross Stitch Kit

Audiobooks

I know, I know, you probably already know if you like reading or not. BUT! I try to talk everyone I know into considering audio books. They are great to listen to while you drive or do chores and you just have to listen, no reading involved! If you're having nice weather, try listening while you tan in the yard. A great app I like to use is called Overdrive. You put in your library card information and you can "check out" audiobooks and ebooks on the app. This is a great way to try audiobooks for free, if you aren't sure you're going to like them.

If you don't have a library card, sign up for one at your local library, it's free! If you end up liking them but don't want to wait for your turn to check out a book, you could always try Audible. It's about $15.00 a month, and gives you credits to download audiobooks.

Overdrive App

Audible

Tired of reading all this? Yeah, okay. But if you still didn't find a hobby you're interested in, here is a small list:

Crocheting

Knitting

Sewing

Scrapbooking

Bullet Journaling

Gardening

Landscaping your home

Practice a new language

Do spring cleaning (I know this isn't a hobby but now is a great time for it and it could take a while!)

I'll probably make another post about some of these on this list because of course I do al ot of these too. I wasn't joking when I said I had 1000 hobbies.

Thanks for reading! I hope you try out a new hobby!