As the late author Phyllis McGinley once said, “A hobby a day keeps the doldrums away.” In the present-day digital era, many joy-producing and boredom-busting hobbies have turned into pastimes that involve technology. Technology in itself is undoubtedly beneficial to the world, but too much tech-time can be detrimental to your mood, relationships, and general well-being.
If you feel stuck in a rut or are sick of all-things-digital, you can break free with fresh hobbies that are creative, fulfilling, fascinating, and practical. How so? Read on for a curated list of new hobbies to pick up instead of your phone.
Get Artsy: Embrace Your Inner Bob Ross
Many people mistake being “artsy” with the idea of being especially talented in an art form. The truth is that anyone can pick up an artistic hobby, despite their current skill level. Everyone has to start somewhere, right? Trying something new is the main objective—meaning that the scope of the challenge is entirely up to you.
Pick up basic supplies—brushes, canvas, paint, etc.—to make a piece of free-form art without any fine art expectations involved. Creating something out of nothing is a wonderful way to clear your head and express yourself.
Get Crafty: Discover the Wonder of Needlework
Putting your phone down is easy when you learn to enjoy picking up a needle and thread instead. Needlework is all about using the right techniques and tools to complete specialty embroidery, cross-stitch, or needlepoint stitching. After gaining knowledge of the beginner needlepoint stitches, you’ll find that the hours pass by. Not to mention that you’ll have a beautiful handmade keepsake to show for your patience, persistence, and effort.
Get Book Smart: Read Something That Changes Your Life
Nothing is as stimulating or relaxing as reading a book—one made out of pages of paper, that is. We spend endless time scrolling on the web or reading social media posts. But what about the words in a novel or memoir? Consider the last time you read a fictional or factual story that changed how you viewed the world around you.
You most likely already know if you enjoy the act of casual reading or not. But this hobby is one of the most accessible and noble pastimes to exist in our society today. Humans never stop learning, so why not pick up a book again for a spell?
Get Foody: Refresh or Learn Culinary Skills
Food is a necessity of life, and many turn to takeout or easy go-to meals in the modern hustle and bustle. For this reason, cooking and baking are some feasible new hobbies to pick up instead of your phone. These grounding, gratifying, and expressive hobbies are more than mere pastimes. Knowing how to cook or bake a myriad of recipes in the kitchen is a critical skill to carry with you throughout your entire lifetime. The best part is getting to share delectable nibbles, quality time, and full-bellied laughs with those you love.
