10 New Hobbies – To keep you busy during LOCK DOWN!

How is everyone doing? I hope you’re all hanging in there and keeping yourselves busy!?

I thought i would share with you some idea’s to help occupy your time, you never know you might have a new found love for something after this. 

1. LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE

Either learn a new language or brush up on one you studied in High School! Personally, i would recommend learning Sign Language, i understand each country uses different versions, but in University i did BSL Sign Language i believe. I definitely want to brush up on these skills! 

Not to be making excuses, but i have the most random Northern Irish accent, so trying to pronounce words in another language is impossible for me! I tried to learn basic Spanish one year and O M G i was awful! I just can’t dim down my natural accent which is a mixture of many different places!

2. MAKE A SCRAPBOOK

If you’re like me, you probably have thousands of digital pictures of friends and family from throughout the years on your phone, computer and half a dozen memory pens or, if your smart you know how to send them all up to that magical cloud.... You could either design a digital photo book and have it printed and delivered to your doorstep, or order prints (Snap Fish, Boots, Tesco, Asda there are literally so many) and create your scrapbook from things you already have at home. Some scrapbook theme ideas include family vacations, a specific trip you took, baby’s first year or first five years or a family or friends party (this would make an amazing gift). (For readers in the UK, I recommend The Works for scrapbooking bits and bobs.

I made a photo book from my recent trip to America at Christmas, i did this in CVS Pharmacy while i was over there, it did take some time and patience but it was 100% worth it! I have also created the old fashioned scrapbook by printing pictures and sticking them in, i done this in 2012 and LOVE it,i defiantly want to do another!! You can purchase so much stuff on Amazon to get super creative or specific craft shops. There are also loads of websites where you can print images just do a simple google search, as all countries have different services, i feel it would be too difficult to link direct websites. 

3. TAKE UP READING

Reading is a really good way to pass the time, and there is a wealth of books out there from crime to biographies to fantasy romance! There is a book for everyone. 

I love anything by Cecelia Ahern (an Irish author) but if your looking for something HD related i have shared a blog post before about HD books and also on my Instagram you will see a highlight “HD Books”.

We could even start a virtual book club... that's an idea!

4. START COLORING

Colouring is so therapeutic and a great way to calm your anxiety. Get onto Amazon or The Works and order yourself some pencils, markers and colouring books. There are also loads of printable resources on Google, just search adult colouring. I have a Harry Potter colouring book that has suffered some water damage but i still use! Give it a go, it’s very relaxing. 

5. BECOME A RUNNER

Im not going to lie, this is something i definitely won’t be trying!! BUT this would be the perfect time to build up your running ability, start small and work your way up. Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day. 

PLEASE REMEMBER – social distancing, don’t travel to a place to run etc. Stay close to home and avoid people! Wave and shout Hello from a distance! 

6. Arts and Crafts

This could be a number of things, i have ordered some white clothing off Amazon and a Tie Dye kit! I am so freakin excited! I already have some t-shirts from camps i attended. I ordered a kit, t-shirts, jumper, socks and a long sleeve t-shirt for under 50 pounds. I thought this was pretty reasonable. 

Another suggestion could be paint by numbers! I loved doing these as a kid. This is a great excuse to do all those things you loved to do as a kid!! Don’t worry, no one is judging! 

7. Yoga (become a Yogi)

My colleague is going to love that this is one of my suggestions, she is a massive fan of Yoga and the benefits it brings! I defiantly want to give it a go, and this is the perfect chance!!  Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube has been recommended by several different people! You can scroll through a few of her videos and pick some for beginners! This is probably the easiest hobby to start as you can do it without a yoga mat or any expense, i luckily have one because my mum did a class one time (that didn’t last lol – sorry mum). Yoga is great for calming your mind and body, it builds strength and builds on your flexibility. Im hoping it helps with my Knee and Back pain!! 

P.s i recommend putting a towel down if you don’t have a matt! 

8. LEARN TO COOK

Since most of us are stuck in our homes, now is the perfect time to learn how to cook or bake! There are loads of videos on YouTube showing basic cooking skills and also walking you through recipes. Square Bistro is doing cooking videos through Facebook Live on Wednesday nights @ 6 pm! I have eaten at this restaurant and O.M.G the food is amazing!! 

9. START A BLOG

I have said this before, #Imnotdrunk is a hobby i LOVE! It can be difficult sometimes as i do have a lot of HD in my life, but getting my thoughts and feelings down definitely helps! 

Pick something you’re really passionate about – this could be books, cooking, gardening, travelling, fashion, makeup the list is endless!!

You could also just write about your daily life, it’s a great way for family and friends to keep up with you since we can’t see each other right now. 

I use WordPress which is free! It takes some practice in getting used to it, but you will get the hang of it! You can keep what you have written private and no one will see it, or you can share it with the world. 

10. Knitting

Okay, so knitting is not for little old grannies sitting on a rocking chair! I can be a lot of fun! There are so many books out there to teach you how and even youtube videos. Let’s be fair the basics are all the same, so order yourself some knitting needles and wool and just crack on. P.s don’t get too excited at the start, maybe start with a simple square. 

and yes, i can Knit! My Granny made me learn, but i will admit I AM PANTS! 

Take this time to be creative and learn something new! It doesn’t have to be a negative thing that you’re stuck in the house if you think negative you will make yourself miserable. It will be extremely difficult and i don’t doubt that, but all we can do is stay positive and try to entertain our selves! 

Please Please Please share anything you do learn or try!! You can catch me on Instagram and Facebook!! 

Good luck! Be safe! Stay home!