Being stuck at home doesn’t have to mean punishment! In 2020, many people have had the opportunity to devote more time to their favorite old hobbies, while others try their hand at something new. From learning a new language to developing your knitting skills, there are countless ways you can turn 2020 into the year of self-discovery!
You’ll want to ask yourself how much time and money you have to devote to your new hobby before you dive in. Some hobbies require significant upfront investment – such as purchasing a drum set or paying for private pilot lessons. In contrast, hobbies like learning a new language can be practiced entirely free. Some hobbies, like gardening, may also require a significant amount of time. Deciding what you’re willing to sacrifice to achieve your goal will make it easier to commit once you’ve begun.
When you decide to try something new, there’s no need to play it safe. Go ahead and think outside the box! Be willing to make some mistakes, look silly, and stretch your adventurous wings. Below, we’ll explore 3 eclectic hobbies to try in 2020.
Wild Herb Gathering
Get in touch with your inner homesteader and learn about the regional, wild herbs and plants that grow naturally near your home. You may want to begin by purchasing a field guide about edible wild plants in your area. With this field guide, you can safely peruse your local landscape for plants that you can use in teas, tinctures, and medicines. This hobby is fun, quirky, and very useful. If the events of 2020 have taught us anything, it’s that we can’t always depend on our favorite items to be fully stocked on our grocer’s shelves. Learning about edible plants in your area (and how best to prepare, store, and use them) is an invaluable skill that could very well come in handy.
Hatmaking
Until the early 20th century, no outfit was complete without a tailored hat worn to adorn and protect your head. After falling out of favor for several decades, there’s been a recent uprising of enthusiasts wanting to return to the stylish hats of years past. If you don’t know where to begin your millinery journey, you can contact a company that provides millinery supplies and other instructional materials. Stand out by being the first in your crew to bring back the quality hats of yore! And don’t worry, the mad-hatter days are long behind us. Safe millinery practices are now standard for any reputable hatter.
Guide-Puppy Raising
Have a little more time (and love) to offer to a hobby? Perhaps you’d enjoy fostering and socializing guide-dog puppies before they enter their formal training. It’s hard to imagine a more rewarding and sweet hobby to undertake. Just remember that you’ll have to set your new buddy free once they reach the right age for guide-dog bootcamp! The good news is that another pup will be lined up behind, ready for your special care.
Conclusion
In the end, whether you embrace an old hobby that’s been gathering dust, or swim in the uncharted waters of something eclectic and new – it’s never been a better time to explore all the many beautiful activities life has to offer. Cheers to 2020!
