What started out as a few weeks dedicated to catching up on all our favorite TV shows has now potentially become months of being stuck inside due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now that you’ve got more time than you know what to do with, you can finally get around to doing those things you’ve always want to and start new social distancing hobbies.
Thanks to the internet and other technology, you can find help and instructions online — so no more excuses! Here are some social distancing hobbies to keep you occupied while you’re staying safe at home.
1. Latch hook
Try your hand at making rugs, pillows and art with yarn. Latch hooking consists of tying small pieces of yarn to a patterned grid with holes in it. There are patterns in every design imaginable, and you can order kits online that have everything you need.
2. Chess
Chess is one of the oldest and most well-known strategy games in the world. Learn about the different approaches and moves to help you beat your competitor. If you don’t have anyone interested at home, check out an online version where you can meet new opponents and play against others.
3. Break a world record
Some world records are difficult and take years to beat, while others don’t take quite as much time. There are also some you probably didn’t know existed, like most CDs balanced on one finger and most Jell-O consumed with chopsticks in one minute. Find one that interests you and start practicing so you can break it!
4. Knitting or crocheting
Some of the oldest and most popular hobbies include knitting and crocheting. All you need is knitting needles or a crocheting hook and some yarn to get started.
5. Whittling
Take a stab at carving wood by hand. You can make anything from home decor to figurines to useful household items, like spoons and bowls.
6. Origami
If you’ve got paper lying around, you’ve already got all the supplies for origami. There are a million different things you can make with origami, from a simple butterfly to an intricate dragon.
7. Sewing
Create something useful and unique for yourself. There are many practical things you can do with sewing. Make clothing, pillows and blankets from scratch. Or if you don’t feel comfortable with sewing something from scratch, you can start with alterations or up-cycling old clothing items you don’t wear anymore and turning them into something new and improved!
As a bonus, you can participate in service projects making simple things like masks, feminine hygiene pads and baby blankets for those in need.
8. Cooking and baking
Some of us don’t learn to cook or bake things because it takes time. Now that you’ve got a little more time on your hands (and you may not be able to get food from your favorite restaurant), you can try whipping up a few of your favorite dishes and desserts at home.
9. Paint, draw or just color
Bring out your artistic side with paint, pencils or whatever else you’ve got lying around. If you aren’t ready to create your own work of art from a blank canvas, you can always use a coloring book or print out a paint-by-number project!
10. Gardening
It’s just starting to warm up outside in many places, and it’s about the right time to start getting seeds planted. Take advantage of the beautiful weather and get a garden planted! Even if you only want to plant an herb or two in a flower pot on a window sill, it’s a fun way to keep yourself occupied and see the fruits (or herbs or flowers) of your labor.
11. Needlework or cross stitch
If you don’t have access to a sewing machine, but you’re still interested in sewing-related hobbies, take up needlework or cross stitching. There’s something for all levels to work on and it doesn’t take up much space. You can even get kits and patterns online, making it easy to follow along.
12. Learn to play an instrument
Learn to play the guitar, piano, recorder or another instrument. You’ve got the time to practice without interruption now — just make sure you aren’t annoying your significant other or roommates. If you’re feeling especially fancy, you can put on a recital for your family and friends via video call!
13. Rube Goldberg machine
Have you ever wanted to perform a simple task in the most interesting, indirect way possible? Create a Rube Goldberg machine using any objects you can find and taking up as much space as possible to make the easiest chore into something fun and entertaining.
14. Calligraphy
Take your handwriting to the next level and learn how to write beautiful, elaborate letters and words. There are many forms of calligraphy and various styles you can do, so choose one that fits your skill level and personal style.
15. New language
One of the most time-consuming things you can do is learn a new language. It requires hours of practice and study to learn even the basics of any language — and now you’ve got the time it takes. Once you’ve got the basics, you can practice by video chatting online, watching movies and listening to music in your new language.
16. Magic
Figure out how your favorite magic tricks are done and try to perform them yourself. Many magic tricks use objects you probably already have, like cards, spoons, coins or string. You can find instructions on how to do tricks or give yourself a real challenge and try discovering how it’s done only through watching another magician perform.
17. Photography
Most of us take pictures every day, so why not get better at it? You don’t need to have a fancy camera to take great pictures — your phone or whatever else you have will work just fine. Nikon is even offering free photography classes for a month, so you can get some professional tips and insights.
18. Sudoku
Choose between the classic pencil and paper or go for online sudoku puzzles. These can keep you occupied for hours and help you keep your mind sharp after you’ve watched thousands of hours of TV during quarantine.
19. Genealogy
Have you ever wondered about your ancestors — who they were, where they came from and what their lives were like? Work on your family history and discover a little bit about where you come from.
There are many online resources and genealogy sites that offer free accounts where you can create pedigree charts and story documents, like FamilySearch.org.
Now’s the perfect time for social distancing hobbies
You’ve got the time to start a new hobby, so take advantage of it! Time will go by more quickly and you’ll come out of quarantine with new skills and talents you never thought you would.
