Six fun hobbies to try
The Collins Dictionary defines a hobby as “an activity you enjoy doing in your spare time.” This can be an activity that requires your full focus or almost none at all. It’s not something that needs to be perfected, so it takes off any pressure. A hobby can be done on your own time.
Junk Journaling
Unlike regular journaling (which is also a fun hobby to pick up) that has some structure, junk journaling is a very low effort hobby. all it involves is using anything you can find around you. Pick a notebook, any notebook, and keep some tape or glue handy. To start, you can use items like receipts, paper wristbands (such as the ones from concerts), ticket stubs, etc. You can paste them in fully or add some cuts and tears to make a collage.
You decide what goes on each page. A page can be dedicated to a restaurant you went to. Two pages (dubbed a “spread”) can have a theme. Another good thing is that every page can be a different idea. Some people print out pictures and create collages or themed pages. You can also add writing if you feel like it. You can use this as a way to challenge yourself to make pages that are catered to your aesthetic.
Colouring
There has been an increase in people’s interest in colouring. It’s seen as a low-effort activity that isn’t just for children. There are different kinds of colouring books to choose from like one catered towards adults, colouring books with inspirational quotes or colour-by-number books. Just pick one and express yourself. Again, there are no rules unless you set them for yourself.
Painting
Many stores sell cheap but useful canvases, paints and paint brushes. You can paint whatever you like, whether it’s something you came up with or something you saw online or in person. Hobbies like painting help you to express yourself artistically, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it.
Watercolour colouring book
If you’re interested in a mix of colouring and painting, a watercolour colouring book may be something that would interest you. Books like this have thicker paper so you can use paints on them without having to worry about them seeping through the page. Like colouring and painting, you don’t have to follow any rules. Choose a book that interests you and start adding colour.
Photography
Phones have really good cameras now, and starting a photography hobby is as easy as opening your camera app. When you go out, make an effort to take pictures of things around you: pretty flowers, beautiful sunset, trees in bloom, nature in a park, nice architecture, and lastly, selfies! These are just a few ideas; have fun trying to come up with more.
You can also develop your photography skills and snap better pictures by playing with angles and lighting. For example, if you’re taking a picture of a flower, you can hold your phone above it or try to take pictures from either side. You can see which one you prefer and take more pictures like that. If there’s a plant or attraction that you pass a lot, try taking a picture of it during the day and at night so you can experiment with lighting.
It’s fun taking pictures in public, but remember, other people may not want to be in your in your photos. Even in a public space, it’s generally better to avoid taking pictures of others without their consent. If you see something that you want a picture of, but people are in the way, avoid getting their face in frame.
Practicing a different style of handwriting can be a fun and simple hobby. It’s easy to start as you can just print worksheets from online sources. You can also buy a workbook and get started. After developing this skill, you can spice up cards by signing them in your new handwriting.
Think about a hobby that interests you and give yourself something calming to do in your spare time.