A New Way to Spend Your Freetime.

Amidst a pandemic that emotionally, mentally and physically tests us in every single capacity, many find themselves stressed to the breaking point, battered in every way, shape and form. Whether you or someone you personally know is feeling bogged down by social media, battling depression or other health concerns, I sincerely hope this article helps. I've curated an extensive list of activities that can help foster positive thinking, a way to beat the day-to-day limbo. As humans are inherently social creatures, and even if you're like myself, and have zero urge to talk to others, everyone psychologically strives to leave an impression- there's an intense need to create or communicate. For those who have ample time and plenty of ingenuity, finding a passionate hobby can help bridge that gap. Establishing a clear range of goals will do wonders for mental health, especially if it's an activity you can do alone, or in your free time for a modest price.

While I've experimented with most tradescrafts listed here, I am by no means an expert, and cannot possibly answer every question that you may have. Please be sure to thoroughly research any hobbies that pique your curiosity, as I've intended for this article to open dialogue, and shed some light on any possible interests you may have.

Tradecrafts

Baking or Cooking - In the grand scheme of the pandemic, we often find ourselves focusing on more trivial things; take meal prep for example, there's nothing stopping you from adding that culinary zest! Begin researching for some new dishes, explore cultural cuisines, go ahead and craft an additional plate of roasted broccoli or potatoes for your next dinner. Not only are there additional health benefits, but fresh herbs enhance every meal too, especially if you go the extra mile and grow your own. Foodie campaigns often involve a back-to-basics, homemade approach to cooking, such as gathering your very own ingredients and crafting your own stock. Breadmaking has become a recent, popularized trend, giving power to the beginning baker; all the while, starchy goodness is just a gentle mix of flour and water!

Card Magic or Legerdemain - There's an incredible assortment of parlor tricks out there, ranging from illustrative performances like a double-lift, or cardistry, which is more practical, and puts a bit of finesse into cutting or spreading a deck. Needless to say, whether you're into upclose magic, or copying a dealer's tricks from the casino, sleight-of-hand livens every game.

Crocheting or Knitting - If you're seeking a more constructive trade, look into crocheting or knitting; craft handstitched articles and ornaments that can adorn your home, keep you warm during a chilly evening, or become a brilliant gift for friends and family! I've heard plenty of back and forth on which is better for beginners, the major difference between the two is that crochet involves the use of a single hook, while knitting is commonly done with two needles.

Darts - Apart from a few holes in the wall, the premium on picking up darts isn't too high. You can even fashion the dartboard yourself! Nab a sheet of one-inch thick cork, paint the shape of your targets and it's off to the races. Unlike the fiber mix used by manufacturers, which is typically constructed of sisal bristle, cork won't last forever. Be sure to mount the cork over a layer of wood first, wouldn't want the darts to pierce all the way through.

Felt or Papermaking - Sheets of felt and paper be constructed in the convenience of your own home- ideal for the burgeoning, experimental hobbyist, but do bear in mind, these are completely different processes! Clean, combed wool can be stretched and matted in a craft known as wet felting, this involves pulling apart the fibers flat, and perpendicularly layering them in a sort of cross-stitch pattern. These sheets are then doused in dishwashing detergent, and periodically washed with boiling water to strengthen the fibers before finally being laid to dry. Finished felt sheets can be assembled in a variety of shapes and sizes, it's a great medium for delving into sculpture art! Papermaking is a much less tricky, recycle any pesky scraps of paper by soaking them in water overnight, blending the mixture down into a vat of pulp. Gather some of this paper pulp by submerging a mould & deckle beneath, spread the slurry evenly between the slats, and allow the water to drain through the screen. Dry each sheet on an absorbent material like felt, then repeat!

Hacky Sack - While the idea of hacky sack may be simple: juggling a beanbag in the air with your feet- perfecting it is definitely not! This game requires an uncanny combination of balance and precision, skills that take an astounding amount of patience to develop. Test your mettle by battling other members in your household too!

Knot-tying - An affinity for the outdoors cannot be complete without learning knot-tying. It's one of those practical skills you never thought about until you need it.

Lego Building - Bearing fun in all shapes and sizes, Lego has become a quintessential household brand for any age. Forget about the instruction manuals and themed-sets for a moment, gather a base plate, some generic blocks and studs- just build, the only limit is your imagination!

Lockpicking - Alike sleight-of-hand, lockpicking can have generally taboo connotations. In the off-chance of misplacing a key, I'd still want access to my property. Here's a great illustrated guide that explains a few technicalities around common tumbler locks, tools, and stigmas surrounding the craft. Of course, I cannot commend any ill-will, and statutes on owning lockpicks vary from state to state.

Macrame - Think ornamental knot-tying, or the art of intertwining threads. Most creatives tend to dwell on spools of cotton cord. You may have actually glanced at a few pieces before, macrame-made plant holders have become a huge trend, there are plenty of fabulous workshops already out there too!

Photography - Pretty much anyone can get into photography, the tools are right at our fingertips! As an art major, I'll say this: modern smartphones can, and definitely will take better photos than modern digital cameras (DSLRs) worth a few hundred dollars, including the particular picture at the top of this article. The roots of every exceptional photo begin with composition and layout, the rule-of-thirds is a tremendous stepping stone for fledging novices. Every aspect of life is stunningly beautiful, be sure to record it!

Printmaking - Block printing allows for the easy reproduction of an image, similar to a stamp being pressed into a flat surface, which can be reused over and over. The concept has been around for thousands of years, and responsible for many of the iconic typefaces seen today! In a typical relief, the negative space of an artwork can be carved out with a specialized blade, then the composition will be inked, and printed onto a sheet of paper. Check out one of my favorite artists, here! In a similar process, a screenprint incorporates texture into its design; ink is filtered through a mesh, and typically printed on a material like fabric T-shirts.

Sand Art - Made from thousands upon thousands of grains, this medium possesses a rather fluid nature. Several hues can be incorporated into an overarching design, an outstanding practice of color theory. Some Tibetan Buddhist monks create intricate geometric mandalas, and will erase their compositions afterwards, showcasing impernance.

Sculpture, Building Wire Armatures - Plenty of old-style cords contain copper wiring, strip away all that insulation and you can craft some stunning sculptures! Talented hobbyists can contort each metal thread into branches like a bonsai tree, or a stable armature, later applying sculpting putty, then shaping and carving the media into a unique figurine.

Sewing & Tailoring - In this day and age, it may appear easier just to pick up that new garment; sewing has become a modestly overlooked skill, yet proven time and time again, clothing alterations are completely invaluable! Whether it's an additional inch around, a simple patch mend, or torn pocket here and there, fabric is truly manipulative. Clothing should be a form of personal expression, never a one size fits all.

Whittling, Soap or Wood Carving - With piles of scraps strewn about, whittling may leave a brief mess to clean up, but there's no aesthetic more pleasurable than hand-carving. Remember, this is a hobby of patience, it's better to repeat the same cut over and over, gradually chipping away at a seam, than overdoing it and losing some valuable pieces. Beginners should always start with a more malleable material, like soap, which allows for finer control and tuning of the blade. If you'd like your knick-knack sculpture to last the test of time, be sure to treat the wood with oils afterwards.

Sense of Self

Cardio or Weightlifting - A simple stroll will do wonders for the body, or if you can't make it outside, even laps around the coffee table and dining room will suffice- we have to start somewhere! Find your routine by divvying into some free-time or finessing around the work schedule: calf-raises while on the phone, squats when opening the fridge, five push-ups after every meal, ten crunches with every tv show or video. Staying in shape isn't inherently time-consuming, unless you're intend on going lean or building muscle mass, you don't necessarily have to work-out everyday of the week. A lot of people tend to wear ankle or wrist-weights too, these offer plenty of passive resistance training through everyday activities. In my personal preference, I find it relaxing just to spend twenty minutes before breakfast casually meandering around the neighborhood. The frigid air is a brisk wake-up call, especially if I'm still feeling a bit groggy, that, and my dog absolutely enjoys fresh snow.

Coloring Books - There's been a revival in recent years, coloring books have made their comeback, and for good reason. The artwork has grown more decisive, ranging from photo-realistic, paint-by-numbers, to geometric and abstract designs; there's now a book for every interest, imagery to match each personality. Hobbyists find coloring books calming, soothing and therapeutic, they can be used to destress after a long day and given flair with watercolors! It's almost like new apps appear each month, these activities are no longer limited by a pencil and paper nature!

Daily Regimes - Wake up every morning by 7am, put a kettle for boil, shower and dress, brew a pot of tea, breakfast at 7:30am, online meetings this morning at 8am, etc.- a profound sense of order. I've found that pursuing a strict, daily routine can have both positive and negative connotations. A regime will often spur you into action, but doing so may be too repetitive, therefore any loneliness you may be trying to defeat could easily be replaced by boredom. Instead, I've been operating on a soft schedule of sorts, ergo in the hour I wake up, I walk my dog, shower and eat something slight, but not necessarily in that order.

Existentialism and Philosophy - We often take for granted the countless possibilities at our fingertips, a side effect of the digital age. Everyone inherently strives to be connected, to leave an impact of some fashion. Philosophy is an explorative topic that helps address our innate desire and belonging, it's the ongoing search for uncircumstantial answers thousands of years in the making. There are slews of civil thought and interpretation over millennia, waiting to be rekindled. Delve into the workings of the mind, our place in society, and numerous subjects of debate. Study and write about your own personal experiences, share your accounts and add to the world story.

Fortune-Telling or Tarot - While divintation remains a controversial field, it is extremely intriguing nonetheless. I would describe fortune-telling and tarot as the art of abstractness, an attempt to justify life's madness. There's a wide range of interpretations behind every prediction, they all have extremely fluid meanings. So if you're inquiring about a reading, always think about it rationally, and don't get caught up in the chicness of it all. As a writer, tarot is an invaluable tool for establishing static characters, their prominent backgrounds and personalities.

Horoscopes - While I don't personally believe in them, there's definitive power in positive thinking. Like tarot, horoscope readings are ambiguous, however they are one of the few things absolutely certain that something good is bound to happen, that'll you'll be able to confront life's challenges and beat the odds. For example, "Be truthful, even if it causes tension. You are authentic and meant to share your gifts with the world." Horoscopes refer to constellations, astrological and celestial order; select birthdays of the year correspond to different astrological zodiac signs, e.g. Leo, Aquarius.

Lucid Dreaming - Perhaps the most straightforward, but complicated activity on this list, lucid dreaming revolves around being self-aware, when a person can subconsciously dictate every aspect of the dream. What makes lucid dreaming so difficult to achieve is that it requires a hardy discipline, a methodology to recognize when someone is in-fact asleep. Popular triggers include replicating something that's easy to do in real-life, yet vexing while in a dream, like attempting to read pages from a book, or stare at one's reflection. Simply recognizing when you're dreaming can be beneficial, offering a sense of sanctuary, particularly if you live a tense life. As I like to put it, lucid dreaming is like being an actor in your own play.

Meditation - Whether the car battery won't start, the family is frantically arguing, or an awry meeting hasn't gone your way, sometimes we just need a few seconds of respite, a brief moment of control. Meditation is an instrumental method of handling stress, and by focusing your attention inward, you can temporarily control anger or anxiety. It'll be challenging at first, practice closing your eyes, and focus solely on your breathing- ignore every sound, every smell; for just a moment, everything in the world disappears but you.

Music & Literature - Yes, it's a bit cliche, but nevertheless, use this opportunity to rediscover what genres appeal to you- there's a whole world out there! Once your find a handful of subjects that interest you, connect with online communities, find what your friend's are interest in, and local libraries can offer some really great recommendations. Speaking of which, some libraries offer access to their content digitally, as long as you have a card! Audio podcasts are a thriving medium, widely available- often for free, on apps like Spotify.

Stretching & Yoga - Give your body an extra degree of flexibility, sparing just fifteen minutes of exercise every morning will limber up and stretch your joints, especially if you find yourself dedicating more time to a chair; follow through with a relaxing walk or soothing shower, a great combination with periods of meditation!

Tea - Most Americans are die-hard caffeine aficionados, unlike coffee, brewing tea is a painless way to get your fix. Whether you have a machine or put a pot to boil, all you need is hot water, and a fresh blend of leaves. Once you find a flavor you enjoy and brew that perfect cup, you won't want to go back. My personal preference is green tea with a teaspoon of honey, it's a comforting drink throughout the day, then I'll brew a pot of chamomile in the evenings.

Sprucing Up

Dandyism, the Art of Sophistication - First thing's first, there's nothing unconditionally wrong with being content about your appearance- in fact, that's the sort of whole confidence we all should strive for. Dandyism is excessively elaborate, and takes appearance a step further, not only regarding self-care and grooming, but oral eloquence too. Commonly mistaken as hipsters, practitioners celebrate the vintage, and generally dress in articles that have historical connotations.

Gardening - Returning to the simpler times, gardening is an electronic escapade that grants a generous bounty. It's rather comforting to cook with fresh ingredients that you have authentically grown yourself. Many folk find themselves with a certain affinity to herbs, as they are especially easy to grow, and can liven the taste of every meal. If you don't have opportunity outside, these plants will brighten and refresh your home as kitchen or windowsill gardens.

Interior Decorating, Reclaiming Your Space - In contrary to minimalism, I firmly believe interior decorating should be about maximizing your comfort in the limited space you have. Disregard everyone's opinions, the only one that truly matters is yours: it's your living space, a home can work quite well with pieces from different puzzles. If you're seeking to declutter, Marie Kondo advocates an organizing approach that can appear quite ruthless at times, but is true nonetheless; unless an item "sparks joy," be sure to get rid of it.

Jar Terrariums - If you're not willing to take the step into gardening, or have a very unfortunate time tending houseplants, sealed terrariums are a viable alternative! Nab a mason jar, then head outside for a handful of soil, assemble your greenery with moss or succulents before finally misting and sealing it. These environmental arrangements may last for years. Never place a sealed terrarium in direct sunlight, or you'll overheat your plants!

Expand Your Horizons

Astronomy - Navigators of antiquity would study the stars in wonder, depicting brilliant beasts and men in the sky. The countless shining dots will appear as a complete mess to the untrained eye. If you're interested in stargazing, arm yourself with an encyclopedia and research ahead of time! Constellations are incredibly breathtaking, though they'll dull with any ambient light, so find a quiet place away from city bustle too. Modern technology can wonderfully maps out entire decades worth of celestial events beforehand, phenomena like nearing planets, moons, eclipses and meteor showers- sometimes telescopes aren't even necessary to enjoy!

Birdwatching - Every morning I'll awake to the shrilling of wild birds, a constant reminder that nature's beauty can be found right on our doorstep. Birdwatching can be a downright passive hobby, either enjoyed at home by planting a feeder, or trekking directly into the thickets. The reclusive natures of fowl leave them a unique treasure to be found, distinguished between one another by their peculiar features and vibrant plumage. Avians are an epitome of ecological diversity, spanning from the tiniest of finches to unparalleled great eagles. You can check for visual compendiums regarding indigenous wildlife by reaching out to local biological communities and college campuses.

Cartography and Geography - Though it's relatively uncanny, I'm personally fascinated by demographics, maps, and history- this has certainly influenced my love for strategy games. I especially favor any vintage, inaccurate pieces, before we truly understood the groundwork of our world.

Classic Films - The cinematic industry is flourishing, thousands of hours worth of content are available every year, and at this rate, we'll easily begin overlooking the classics of the Golden Age: early 1920s to 1960s cinematic history that defined what it meant to shoot film.

Fishing - A common pastime, fishing excursions are sometimes more about the adventure than the actual thrill. Waking uncomfortably early, dawn hikes, watching the gentle sunrise over the yonder shores, settling into a pristine rest, and stirring every piece of equipment before finally casting the line. The whole experience can be rather blissful, natively connecting to nature in a rapidly modernized society.

Mineralogy & Tumbling - If you ever find yourself hiking shoreline trails, there may be an eye-catching river rock or stone, a memento to take home. They might come with an upfront premium, but tumblers turn souvenirs into stunning trinkets. Polished stones are free from rough edges, firmly grinded in a process that may take months- nary immediate results.

Hiking - I aim to explore different parks each weekend, my basset hound is young- plenty of pep in his step, and certainly enjoys the frequent trips. The particular metro parks that I visit are kept in pristine condition, plenty of woodlands marked for indigenous wildlife, a step closer to nature without actually impeding on their habitats. If you'd rather get in touch with the wild side of things, hiking trails in unregulated areas, thoroughly research your state or province's freedom-to-roam laws, for if you unbeknownst trespass on private property.

Insect Collecting - It may just be me, but flipping over that twenty-pound stone just to see the diversity underneath is a bit exciting. Insects are pivotal, simply studying the brush or entomology, and understanding the species behind our local ecosystems is extremely alluring. If you stumble upon a dead bug for your collection, they can be wrapped in paper to dry and mounted onto a foam sheet; pinning is macabre but visually mesmerizing.

Picnicking - Delightfully spicing up a meal can mean much more than herbs and side dishes, sometimes all it takes is a shift in scenery; embrace change, instead partake in an adventure. Skip the patio, lay a blanket on the grass instead and bathe in the warm glow of the sun.

Poetry and Writing - It's one of those things: if you don't take the chance to sit down and write, you'll never know. Art is subjective, not everyone is going to enjoy the original content you pioneer- as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Nonetheless, every human being should strive to create, and leave a lasting impact no matter how large. This is something we repeatedly overlook in our professions, with traditional careers, most of us contribute towards larger projects without recognition, unintentionally avoiding leaving our mark on the world.

Reach Out & Connect

Board Games - It's unmistakably easy to clash in bouts of competition, but is it something to bond over? This may sound contradictory, but yes- absolutely: families have endured board games like Clue or Monopoly for generations, and they've become classic pastimes by encouraging rivalries. Any title that pits opponents in head-to-head challenges tend to become favorites, especially if there's a slight bit of thinking or strategy involved. We're not necessarily limited to in-person titles anymore, there's a wild assortment of online platforms for remote play too!

Comedy - The pandemic has stretched everyone to wit's end, we're all anxiously looking behind our shoulders with every stray cough. This ongoing situation has turned happiness into a commodity, folks appreciate any efforts to help them smile. When you hear the word "comedy," stand-up frequently comes to mind, although there are a myriad of other mediums out there. We indeliberately yearn for comedic wit- it doesn't even have to be good. So next time, make that corny quip and send a funny photo, because sometimes, simply giving a reason for a smile is more than enough.

D&D & Roleplaying Games - Stemming thousands of tight-knit groups, books, and popular media, roleplaying is when players use their imaginations to take the roles of fictional characters. They acts from their persona's particular point-of-view, ensuring a marathon of creative storytelling and problem-solving. Dungeons & Dragons, better known as D&D, is a fantasy-based adventure and the most renowned type of play.

Fandoms - Fandoms are community-driven groups, a collective of like-minded enthusiasts who celebrate the culture behind a book, game, movie or tv show. These networks are chalked full of camaraderie, they're a great place to start a conversation, discuss theories, events, production, and so much more. The Star Trek fandom, with members being known as trekkies, is a pretty universal example.

HAM Radios - Amateur radio has been around for over a hundred years, allowing for nearly anyone with the technical expertise to broadcast. There's a certain thrilling mysteriousness to it, what sort of attention will your message garner, who's listen on the other end? Due to those reasons, it's mandatory to maintain a valid license in order to operate a HAM radio, as the frequencies are used by civil services, emergency response, and are not limited by traditional borders, ergo an international concern. The best practice is to join a regional club or chapter, the American Radio Relay League sponsors a plethora of useful equipment info.

Multiplayer Games - The game industry is thriving, grossing tens of billions in the US alone, and raising the stakes every subsequent year. Developers frequently find their platforms shifting, leading them to introduce unique mechanics to market trendier titles. The digital domain has diversified so steadily, there's a game appealing to everyone. If you have computer access, Steam sports a massive library; other platforms like Epic Games, Origin, and Gog are out there too. From card games, puzzles, horror, shooters- find a genre that engages you. Communities and fandoms pop up more often than not, propping the longevity of a series and leading to decades-long franchises. Brought to fruition by visual storytelling, games are a universal medium, players aren't limited by language to roleplay the personality of a character.

Podcasts - Technology allows for the sharing of ideas in an instant, hosts can record audio talks for their listeners, covering topics of leisure, music exploration, history science, politics, literature, and poetry that are streamable on apps like Spotify.

Other Activities

... that don't quite fit the hobby bill!

// Dredge up some ancient history, and write down the name of every book you had growing up!

// Rewatch shows from say- five to ten years ago, compete with family members to see who remembers the most scenes!

// Watch some gritty horror- as we partake in the daily grind, life can become unimaginably dull. It's okay to feel afraid or sad, that's part of being human; we need to laugh, love and cry, sometimes film flicks provide a much needed jolt against the placidness. Action thrillers or complex whodunit films work too!

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