Offering oodles of joy, hobbies permit children and adults alike to take a mini vacation for their grind. Whether it’s knitting scarves, baking confections or aspiring to be the next Picasso with finger paints, these pursuits offer a breather from everyday life, bringing hidden talents to the fore.
Here’s how you can shed the weight of countless responsibilities and carve some time for yourself with interesting past-times.
BACK TO THE DRAWING BOOK:
Most of us remember the proud, giddy feeling of filling our drawing books as children, often coloring outside the lines. Art-based activities like painting, sketching, pottery, and sculping allow us to tap into that child-like, creative side, turning blank canvases or clay into vibrant expressions of imagination. “Pursuing art helps in fostering a mind-body connection while coloring allows us to relieve pent up emotions. It’s an introspective and reflective medium that makes you more self-aware.” Be it jewellery-making, crocheting, origami, candle-making or scrapbooking, whatever you opt for will spark joy. Instead of fixating on perfection, focus on having fun and expressing yourself.”
TEND TO YOUR GARDEN:
What started with a single plant for homemaker has turned into a beautiful balcony packed with vibrant blooms. Plant by plant, I filled my balcony and living area with diverse flora, taking extreme care to maintain every new addition.” While nurturing these plants has been therapeutic, one needs love, care and lots of patience to be a plant parent — something that stops being a hobby along the way and becomes a deep-rooted passion.
GET MOVING:
Pursuits like cycling, hiking, trekking, and dancing help you escape life’s chaos and come with added health perks. It’s where fitness meets fun, and hobbies become rewarding habits. Going for aerial yoga, after a long day at work is how one unwinds. “It’s the only time I feel free, especially when I’m up in the air. My mind gets some respite as my body is put to work It’s also a great way to build physical strength, boost confidence and most importantly get some time to myself.” So, whether you decide to go for a weekly trek or sign up for salsa classes, find something that helps you let your hair down and break free from monotony.
UNIQUELY YOU:
Not every activity needs a goal. Foraging for moss and interesting-looking stones and rocks tops the list. “Whether I’m hiking near a waterfall or climbing a mountain or chilling at a beach — it is an interesting way to connect with nature. It is very rare that I leave the place without a unique piece of rock for my collection.”
So, find yourself a hobby and enjoy yourself as you pursue it.
THE MANY WAYS TO SPARK JOY:
- Express your passion for cooking as you try new recipes and learn new techniques.
- Create a map of your musings and inner world with journaling and doodling. Use colorful pens, notes, and stickers to keep it fun.
- From soaps, candles, terrarium and macrame hangings to vision boards and clay figurines, immerse yourself in DIY crafts.
- Be it stamps, comic books, bookmarks, dried flowers, or car miniatures, build a collection of things you love.
- If you like to sing, dance, act or perform spoken word poetry, let your talents shine and take center stage at social events and workshops.
