10 Creative Hobbies You Have To Try This Year
If your New Year’s Resolution is to learn a new skill or try a new hobby, look no further. There are many new things you can add to your free time, depending on your interests and capabilities. Whether they use your mind, your body, or your talent, doing something new is beneficial at any age and can motivate you to be a continuous learner for life. Some hobbies, like reading, playing video games, and participating in sports are typical, but here are some more creative ones that look interesting enough to try.
10. Sculpture
Sculpture comes in a variety of forms, including soap, stone, clay, and ice. The creations made from each medium is limited only by your imagination and making something from a slab of clay or a bar of soap is rewarding. For soap sculpture, a bar of soap can be shaved and carved with a butter knife. You can either follow precise instructions or come up with your own design of a shape, animal, or plaque. Clay is versatile as it can be shaped with a wheel or by hand, and when fired in a kiln, is then ready for functional purposes.
9. Scuba Diving
There is an entire world underwater, and after a few lessons, almost anyone can enjoy swimming with the sea life that inhabits the algae and barnacles. There are a variety of courses from which to choose, but a good way to start is to see if your local instructor offers “try dives” first. Equipment can be pricey, so you will want to see if it is the right hobby for you. You will first learn dive theory and then practice hand-on skills. When you are qualified, you can do your own shore dives or go further out by boat. From there you can advance your training and become an instructor.
8. Zumba
Zumba is a form of fitness dance gaining popularity among all ages and abilities. It is a high-energy workout originating in Colombia by dancer, Alberto Perez. Instructors are licensed and offer workouts with music from a range of dance forms, including salsa, merengue, mambo, samba, hip-hop, and more. Like learning any dance style, Zumba takes some coordination and attention, but the reward comes in the form of 500 to 1000 calories burned per hour-long class. Variations are Zumba Toning, which targets specific muscles using equipment and Aqua Zumba, held in a pool.
7. Meditation
A person new to meditation might wonder how sitting still can be creative, but the practice offers many creative benefits. Creative people find inspiration in physical things, but with meditation, it comes from looking inward to find clarity and insight. When someone is in a state of meditation, he or she is required to focus, which improves concentration. The calmness instilled allows the mind to settle and discover an arena for new thoughts and ideas. Group meditation classes are offered at many community centers, but it can also be started individually and done anywhere.
6. Scrapbooking
In today’s world of digitization, there is something about getting back to using paper, glue, and scissors to preserve memories. A scrapbook can be created for any purpose and any subject of your choice. Whether you want to capture special family moments throughout the year or dedicate one to a single event, your creativity will be exercised. A scrapbook can also be a surprise gift for a birthday or wedding present and will be appreciated for the thought that went into it. Supplies are affordable and can be located in any craft, dollar, or department store.
5. Pooktre
Pooktre is a type of tree shaping using living trees. Architectural structures, framing, and furniture are made through different methods. Aeroponic culture is an ancient method using the roots while some trees are trained as seedlings or saplings to grow in a certain way. Grafting takes nature’s place when a branch of one tree is cut and is replaced by one from another tree. In addition to artistic structures, functional, pieces like chairs, bins, ladders, and fences can be made using the art of pooktre. Some people use specific patterns, while others follow the natural form of the tree and what it has to offer in terms of design options.
4. Photography
Photography is a skill for all ages and something anyone can pick up. Whether you are using a film or digital camera, the outcome is the same: capturing what your eye sees around you. Many photographers agree they see the world around them in a new way when they are looking at it through the lens. A photographer will learn perspective and a way of looking at one thing in multiple ways. Photographers also quickly gain the ability to notice things that many others would overlook.
3. Gardening
Gardening is a physical hobby which creates tangible results in the form of plants or vegetables, but it can also be therapeutic. Digging in the dirt has been linked to lowering stress and improving moods. There has even been some evidence that healthy bacteria exists in soil and helps boost the immune system with prolonged exposure. Gardening can be simple by filling containers with plants and vegetable seeds or advanced to include architectural design and using the latest gardening apps.
2. Writing
Writing is a creative form of expression with educational benefits. Writing comes in various forms, including technical, academic, and creative. A good hobby to take up on your own is creative writing because you can tackle any topic and choose to share it or keep it to yourself. Journaling is a means of preserving your own thoughts and allows you to look into your life, dreams, and experiences. Digital journaling is handy for anyone who prefers typing, but if you like the traditional pen and paper, find a book with pages designed to keep you inspired to write.
1. Cooking And Baking
For many chefs and bakers, cooking and baking is not only a job; it is an art form and creative outlet. The best thing is, as a hobby, you can do it right in your own home. You can craft up special recipes to enjoy yourself or to share with family and friends. Food and baked goods also make useful gifts that are well-received, so you will never have to worry about buying something for the person who has everything. It also activates all senses. Honing your skills in the kitchen allows you to learn about different cultures by researching and experimenting with recipes from around the world.