I’ve been thinking about hobbies a lot lately, and doing things just for the sake of doing them because they bring you joy.
I feel like I’ve been adulting hard for so long — just going from one task to the next from the moment my eyes open in the morning until I pass out at night. I’m so used to constantly being in productive mode that relaxing feels foreign to me, and when I try to block off unstructured time to do whatever I want, I get the urge to do laundry or tackle whatever else is next on my seemingly never-ending to-do list.
I still love playing with makeup, of course, but lately I haven’t been wearing as much. Baking and cooking used to be my hobbies, too, but now those things feel like chores since I’m the one in our house who usually feeds everyone. Side note: I can’t remember what it’s like to have food just show up miraculously for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It must’ve been magical!
Anywho, I’d love to find a relaxing hobby that doesn’t feel like work, so I’ve been brainstorming things I might like to try in the new year. So far on my list of potential new hobbies: rock climbing (a new indoor gym just opened up, but with the ongoing state of the world, I’m unsure about taking on something like that right now), refinishing old furniture (I kinda want to do this just so I can start collecting power tools!) and learning a musical instrument.
How about you? If you could start a hobby in the new year, what would it be? I’d also love to hear about any current hobbies you have as well!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Writing was a hobby – then I wrote several best sellers and suddenly it was a job (and lost a lot of its fun). So I’m just reading now. Outside of work, we’re restoring an old house, restoring some old antique furniture and I love to bake bread (I trade homemade bread with the neighbors for fresh eggs and garden veggies, which they have and we don’t). This year, I’d like to start working out with weights to up my game, as cardio isn’t enough when you pass 60, in my opinion.
I used to rubber stamp and loved coloring. I got rid of all my supplies but just recently decided to start adult coloring. I always found coloring so therapeutic and relaxing. Of course, I had to buy all new supplies – which I am anxiously awaiting so I can start. I found some cute postcards to color which I will send to friends and family to let them know I am thinking of them.
I’m a soapmaker. I started in January of 2012, so it has almost been 10 years. It started as a hobby – I started giving soaps to friends and co-workers back in the beginning and then they started buying them. I have my soaps in a shop now and sell quite a bit from there. And I still love it, it’s so much fun to me. I started branching out years ago to lotions, bath bombs, sugar scrubs and other body products. I have done a lot of on-line classes and have several certificates now. If you are interested in learning anything more, let me know.
I’m still on my break from aerial, unfortunately. Baking still a hobby. I knot very occasionally. I like to read. Is napping a hobby? I also recently started pilates which I’m liking.
Karen, which musical instrument are you interested in? Did you play an instrument as a child? I’m a violinist. I played consistently as a child, took a lengthy break, and picked it back up 15 years ago. It’s a hobby that brings me so much joy.
Hi Makai,
Yes, I played piano. I started when I was 4 and quit when I turned 18. I haven’t played since then — I have some baggage attached to the whole experience! I’ve never played a string instrument and have wanted to try cello for a while. It might be that if I can figure out how to rent one and how to find lessons.
Do you play with an orchestra?
Happy New Year, Karen!
The cello is such a beautiful instrument. So gorgeous as a solo instrument and also so important in an ensemble. I play in a quartet, and the cello really binds everything together. I wish you well in choosing a new hobby!
Happy new year, Makai! I’ve always loved the sound of the cello. 🙂 That’s cool that you play with other people; I haven’t played with an orchestra/band in years! I remember really liking it.
If you decide to pursue the cello, I’d recommend visiting a reputable string instrument shop and look into rentals. They’ll also have names of cello teachers in your area. There’s also a lot of online teachers now so there’s so much more choice and opportunities out there! Good luck!
Lastly, I highly recommend the book “Late Starters Orchestra” by Ari L. Goldman. It’s a wonderful book about the author’s journey of learning the cello near the age of 50. It’s entertaining, but also encouraging! It’s an easy read. I really admire Mr. Goldman’s commitment to his hobby. Have fun, Karen!
Like you, I really liked to bake pre-pandemic. I also sew clothing for myself and like to learn DIY repairs for my home. I have refinished a few pieces of furniture (start small). I want to reupolster one of my sofas . . .that will likely have to wait until after the pandemic. How will I get fabric? More importantly, how will I get it fixed if it goes south?
I started cross stitching again. Easy to learn and you can do it while watching something. Though my aging eyes need a light now!
I‘ve never stopped reading scince I was a little girl.
It brings me so much joy and I‘ve learnt so many things.
Cross-stitching and puzzles are my go to. Both easy to do with watching TV at night.
I totally hear you about the never ending tasks of cooking and cleaning! It can squelch the desire and energy for hobbies-mine ebbs and flows.
Hobby idea-hand embroidery
Good luck 😀
Karen, what a great post today. I have been struggling to find new hobbies since I had to retire earlier than I expected due to a serious medical condition. I have no interest in cooking, baking, sewing, knitting or doing things with my hands. I do like adult colouring but it really isn’t enough for me. I know you played the piano as you mentioned this in one of your posts about doing manicures. Are you interested in taking that up again? Hope you have a wonderful year in 2022 with some new hobbies!
Thanks for saying that about the post, Nicole. 🙂
And yes, a long time ago I played piano. I have some baggage associated with playing it, though, so if I did take it up again, I’d probably do it quietly as to not put any pressure on myself. I think I might like to try a new instrument, just to star fresh.
BTW I quite enjoy adult coloring as well!
Happy new year to you!
My current hobby is running which I do mostly outside if possible. I try to run about 35 miles per week during my off days but lately during the holidays it has only been about 15-20. I ran a half-marathon this year. My goal is to run a full marathon next year. If I could take up a new hobby I think that I would like to begin backpacking. Something about being in nature soothes my soul. My bucket list is to backpack the John Muir trail.
I played the viola when I was younger. I enjoyed it. What instrument do you think that you would like to learn?
Hi Renee,
I was a runner for many years. I had to stop because my feet now hate me for all those miles I put them through! I miss running so much, though.
Anywho, I don’t know what instrument I’d pick; it would probably be cello or accordion!
I would love to take up reading again. It is not that I have lost interest, it is just that I stopped taking the time to do it and only read4 non work related books in 2021.
As for new ones I am unsure, I think revisiting things that brought me joy in the past would be much better for me.
I used to love creative writing! I’d like to get back into that (I’d be non-stop inspired) but after having a bad breakup with an ex and a soul sucking job… I’ve lost my inspiration! I used to love languages but have lost motivation for that also. I’m thinking of trying origami art, puzzles and maybe getting into a Ballroom dance class.
I have started reading again. For so long I have hardly picked up a book, feeling like it was wasting time. This year, I am going to give myself permission to read again. Reading for me takes me away into imaginary worlds, expands my horizons, and gets me away from real life problems for a while. It gives me new things to think about, or just a chance to turn off my own brain and read someone else’s words for a while.
Birding! OK that’s been my hobby for almost 19 years now, but I hope/plan to up my game a bit this year and bird more locations, more often. (That work thing gets in the way) Birding is my passion and is extremely relaxing. Being out in nature, not rushing around, it is my church! You can make it goal-oriented or not; it’s all up to you. You can do extreme birding (like me!) and drive all night (like I just did 4 nights ago!) to get to a location to see a rarity. So. Much. Fun. And if you need any help getting started, I’ll be happy to fly out there since I need more California birds for my life list. 😉