Why not use this free time to find and start a brand-new hobby? This is a great alternative to wasting time in front of a TV screen, watching repeats of Friends, Game of Thrones and The Big Bang Theory and being totally unproductive. Here are a few suggestions to get you started!
Start Doing Needlework
Since we are about to walk into winter, pick up some knitting needles and a skein of wool, and try your hand at needlework. Knitting and crocheting are a lot easier than you think, all you have to do is spend a little time practicing to perfect different types of stitches and techniques. The best part about this hobby is you can craft personalised accessories for yourself and loved ones! There's nothing better than wearing or gifting something that you made yourself. Click here to take a look at a few beginner-friendly knit projects to try.
Zen Out With Meditation
We are dealing with a pandemic and it can be overwhelming, worrying and even saddening. During this time, focus on your well-being and mental health by doing daily meditation sessions. Not only is it great for helping you zen out during these tense and uncertain times, but it's good for your health. Meditation has proven to decrease stress, increase focus, control anxiety, regulate emotions and enhance self-awareness. If you're eager to incorporate meditation into your daily routine but don't know where to start, visit YouTube for beginner tutorials and guides. Namaste.
Pick Up A Paintbrush
Unleash your inner Picasso and get creative with painting. This is a fairly easy hobby to start, just get a few supplies, pick up a paintbrush and let your imagination run wild! However, if you're looking to take painting more seriously, learn from the professionals and get more in-depth theory on art, take a look at these online art courses. There's a course or class for all ages.
Become A Baker
Bored and have a pantry full of staple ingredients? Throw on your apron, take a look at our list of beginner-friendly recipes and get baking! Not only will you end up with a dozen sweet treats to enjoy when you're feeling peckish, but you'll also find that baking can be quite a soothing and relaxing hobby! And as you get more confident and comfortable with the baking basics, you can move onto baking more difficult delights, like a croquembouche!
How About Photography?
Always wanted to learn how to take beautiful pictures? Or discover what all of the different buttons on your camera are used for? Why not improve your photography skills during lockdown? There are various tutorial videos on YouTube to help you cover the basics. And for some inspiration, tips and tricks from the industry professionals, visit Canon Connected. It's a free-to-access content hub designed to educate, inspire and entertain photography enthusiasts and videographers across the world.
Grow A Green Thumb
Get your hands dirty and spend some time outside! Enjoy your afternoons weeding, pruning, planting your own veggie patch and getting some vitamin D while gardening. It might not seem like it, but gardening can be rather relaxing. Enjoy growing your own fresh produce, reconnecting with nature and unwinding with some digging!
Master The Art Of Makeup
The more you practice and play with makeup, the better you get at it! So, why not make it a hobby and master the art and application of makeup? Instagram and YouTube have thousands of tutorials to help you learn various techniques, tips, tricks and best practices to include in your application. Before you know it, you'll be a makeup pro! And if you need inspiration and ideas to get practicing and trying different looks, check out a few of South Africa's very own beauty gurus.
