how to have hobbies?
September 12, 2013 6:00 PM Subscribe
I waste so much of my free time doing mindless things. I want to have hobbies and be productive but I don't know where to start.
I'm in my early 20s, not too far out of college and doing a post-bacc to get into professional school. I live with my parents. So my week mainly consists of going to school part time (painfully boring science classes with equally boring professors) and working ~10 hours or less.
I spend my free time taking naps, studying, and watching several hours of Netflix. I'm in a rut. I'm really unhappy with the amount of time I spend in bed every day.
I'm on Prozac and my sadness/anxiety has actually been at a minimum as of late. At this point it's more of a motivational issue, and I just don't even know how to go about pursuing my interests.
I was a bookworm growing up, but I don't remember the last time I got through an entire book. I have a habit of starting books and never finishing, or ordering books of interest and never even starting. I also love(d) drawing.
I realize loss of interest in hobbies/activities is a trademark of depression and I feel that a big part of my issue is that I was so depressed for so long that I had to focus on just getting through day-to-day tasks. Now that it's not a chore to wake up, see friends on weekends, get dressed and go to class, I want to invest my free time in worthwhile activities.
I'm obsessed with interior design and spend at least an hour a day browsing onekingslane.com and other such websites. Is there a way to more actively pursue interior design as a hobby? Since I live with my parents, I don't have much to decorate right now. I also love fashion design and art in general.
I used to play piano and really enjoy it, but I do not have a piano now so I'm not sure how to go about practicing or taking lessons. I really want to learn to play the guitar.
I love writing but don't know what to write about. I'm a perfectionist with impossible standards.
To sum up, my interests/potential hobbies are:
-art/interior design/fashion design
-piano/music/learn new instrument
-reading?
-writing
-volunteering
I also love heated vinyasa yoga but it's quite an expensive hobby so it's been on the back burner for a little while. I'll definitely get back into that once I get my hands on a GroupOn deal nearby.
I want to know how to pursue these interests in a way that will get me OUT OF BED, and allow me to meet some new people my age (maybe even score a date!) Ideally I could make money doing it so that I could have a more-substantial-part-time-job/hobby-fulfillment hybrid operation going. I realize that it's unlikely that I'll find a part-time job like that, but I thought I'd put it out there as a possibility. I just feel like there are roadblocks (i.e., lack of instrument/practice space, money, obscurity of hobbies) that are getting in my way. I need a starting point. I fear that my depression will creep back in when the winter rolls around and I'm spending hours each day laying around in bed.
Oh, and I don't like sports, although I realize that is a good way to get out there/meet people/etc. I have no hand-eye coordination, but I do like hiking and nature.
Thanks in advance!
I'm in my early 20s, not too far out of college and doing a post-bacc to get into professional school. I live with my parents. So my week mainly consists of going to school part time (painfully boring science classes with equally boring professors) and working ~10 hours or less.
I spend my free time taking naps, studying, and watching several hours of Netflix. I'm in a rut. I'm really unhappy with the amount of time I spend in bed every day.
I'm on Prozac and my sadness/anxiety has actually been at a minimum as of late. At this point it's more of a motivational issue, and I just don't even know how to go about pursuing my interests.
I was a bookworm growing up, but I don't remember the last time I got through an entire book. I have a habit of starting books and never finishing, or ordering books of interest and never even starting. I also love(d) drawing.
I realize loss of interest in hobbies/activities is a trademark of depression and I feel that a big part of my issue is that I was so depressed for so long that I had to focus on just getting through day-to-day tasks. Now that it's not a chore to wake up, see friends on weekends, get dressed and go to class, I want to invest my free time in worthwhile activities.
I'm obsessed with interior design and spend at least an hour a day browsing onekingslane.com and other such websites. Is there a way to more actively pursue interior design as a hobby? Since I live with my parents, I don't have much to decorate right now. I also love fashion design and art in general.
I used to play piano and really enjoy it, but I do not have a piano now so I'm not sure how to go about practicing or taking lessons. I really want to learn to play the guitar.
I love writing but don't know what to write about. I'm a perfectionist with impossible standards.
To sum up, my interests/potential hobbies are:
-art/interior design/fashion design
-piano/music/learn new instrument
-reading?
-writing
-volunteering
I also love heated vinyasa yoga but it's quite an expensive hobby so it's been on the back burner for a little while. I'll definitely get back into that once I get my hands on a GroupOn deal nearby.
I want to know how to pursue these interests in a way that will get me OUT OF BED, and allow me to meet some new people my age (maybe even score a date!) Ideally I could make money doing it so that I could have a more-substantial-part-time-job/hobby-fulfillment hybrid operation going. I realize that it's unlikely that I'll find a part-time job like that, but I thought I'd put it out there as a possibility. I just feel like there are roadblocks (i.e., lack of instrument/practice space, money, obscurity of hobbies) that are getting in my way. I need a starting point. I fear that my depression will creep back in when the winter rolls around and I'm spending hours each day laying around in bed.
Oh, and I don't like sports, although I realize that is a good way to get out there/meet people/etc. I have no hand-eye coordination, but I do like hiking and nature.
Thanks in advance!
Not sure of your location but maybe sign up for meetup.com. There should be groups for most of your interests.
As to the art thing - maybe try getting into art journaling. That could address both the art issue/interest and help with your depression. Added bonus: you can use pretty much anything in an art journal. There are probably art journal groups through your local craft stores or meetup.com (most scrapbooking clubs will let you join even though what you're doing is not exactly scrapbooking.) Maybe also consider taking up (subversive or not) cross stitch - start up costs should be under $20 and you should be able to find patterns online for cheap or free. Again, check for local cross stitch/embroidery groups.
On the interior design front: Check your local used bookstores for magazines. Check the library for books, check to see if there are any interior design business associations in your area, maybe go to a local interior design boutique and chat with actual interior designers to see how they operate, advice on getting started, etc.,
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 6:18 PM on September 12, 2013
As to the art thing - maybe try getting into art journaling. That could address both the art issue/interest and help with your depression. Added bonus: you can use pretty much anything in an art journal. There are probably art journal groups through your local craft stores or meetup.com (most scrapbooking clubs will let you join even though what you're doing is not exactly scrapbooking.) Maybe also consider taking up (subversive or not) cross stitch - start up costs should be under $20 and you should be able to find patterns online for cheap or free. Again, check for local cross stitch/embroidery groups.
On the interior design front: Check your local used bookstores for magazines. Check the library for books, check to see if there are any interior design business associations in your area, maybe go to a local interior design boutique and chat with actual interior designers to see how they operate, advice on getting started, etc.,
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 6:18 PM on September 12, 2013
If I could formulate a serum that could fix this, I would make a mint. This isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for this, just a lot of things to try and see which one works for you. And when you find a solution that kind of works... iterate, iterate, iterate. Small, organic changes.
My parents didn't have hobbies when I was growing up, and I feel like the fact that they didn't model how to have hobbies and finish projects (for fun) makes it harder for me to spend my free time doing stuff. Working on it, though.
A few broad categories to approach this from:
Mindfulness
Every so often I'll come across quote or saying or epiphany that will get me to change my habits a little bit. I write it down on a post it where I will see it. I memorize it. I repeat it to myself from time to time. When I find myself doing the thing I want to change (vegetating, procrastinating on the internet, being insecure, whatever the habit is), I try to become very aware of the moment, the consequences of the path I'm on, and what I'd rather be doing. Having a mantra/quote to fall back on in these circumstances is very helpful.
Social
Leverage friends (or friendly internet strangers) (or, I guess, a therapist) with whom you can have a conversation that is free of self-judgement. The idea is to use peer pressure and accountability to get you started on projects. Pick someone to check in with every day, who knows your schedule, and to whom you give permission to say "Did you work on X today? Tell me about your progress." If they have an aesthetic sense and can suggest projects and little things for you to do, even better. But hobbies are more fun if you can talk about them frequently and with a sense of continuity.
Just Do It
"Today's the day. Take a risk."
This is the least complicated but most difficult part.
Do anything. Pick up what's closest. Go to the first half-interesting meetup you can make it to. It doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be something. Doing it wrong will make it easier to know what's right for you.
There are lots of GTD techniques that can be helpful when you're trying to build new habits. Timers. Lists. Structures. What was key for me was picking goals, end products that seemed really cool or enhance my life in some way.
Three weeks ago I knew next to nothing about programming and absolutely nothing about electrical engineering, but I was determined to build a prototype of the product I've been talking about for over a year. Last night I demo'd a fully working Arduino version of the product, and could tell you exactly what every wire and every line of code was contributing to it.
Go to craftster, browse tutorials until you find one that looks fun, then STOP LOOKING, and make it. See it through, and then search for a new one.
Let yourself stay in bed as long as you are reading a physical book. Let yourself have Netflix on as long as you have a sketchbook in your lap and your pen is on the page.
There will be growing pains as you do new things. Forgive yourself and just enjoy making stuff. Quality will come with time.
I have many sympathies for your plight. Good luck. :)
posted by itesser at 6:29 PM on September 12, 2013 [8 favorites]
My parents didn't have hobbies when I was growing up, and I feel like the fact that they didn't model how to have hobbies and finish projects (for fun) makes it harder for me to spend my free time doing stuff. Working on it, though.
A few broad categories to approach this from:
Mindfulness
Every so often I'll come across quote or saying or epiphany that will get me to change my habits a little bit. I write it down on a post it where I will see it. I memorize it. I repeat it to myself from time to time. When I find myself doing the thing I want to change (vegetating, procrastinating on the internet, being insecure, whatever the habit is), I try to become very aware of the moment, the consequences of the path I'm on, and what I'd rather be doing. Having a mantra/quote to fall back on in these circumstances is very helpful.
Social
Leverage friends (or friendly internet strangers) (or, I guess, a therapist) with whom you can have a conversation that is free of self-judgement. The idea is to use peer pressure and accountability to get you started on projects. Pick someone to check in with every day, who knows your schedule, and to whom you give permission to say "Did you work on X today? Tell me about your progress." If they have an aesthetic sense and can suggest projects and little things for you to do, even better. But hobbies are more fun if you can talk about them frequently and with a sense of continuity.
Just Do It
"Today's the day. Take a risk."
This is the least complicated but most difficult part.
Do anything. Pick up what's closest. Go to the first half-interesting meetup you can make it to. It doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be something. Doing it wrong will make it easier to know what's right for you.
There are lots of GTD techniques that can be helpful when you're trying to build new habits. Timers. Lists. Structures. What was key for me was picking goals, end products that seemed really cool or enhance my life in some way.
Three weeks ago I knew next to nothing about programming and absolutely nothing about electrical engineering, but I was determined to build a prototype of the product I've been talking about for over a year. Last night I demo'd a fully working Arduino version of the product, and could tell you exactly what every wire and every line of code was contributing to it.
Go to craftster, browse tutorials until you find one that looks fun, then STOP LOOKING, and make it. See it through, and then search for a new one.
Let yourself stay in bed as long as you are reading a physical book. Let yourself have Netflix on as long as you have a sketchbook in your lap and your pen is on the page.
There will be growing pains as you do new things. Forgive yourself and just enjoy making stuff. Quality will come with time.
I have many sympathies for your plight. Good luck. :)
posted by itesser at 6:29 PM on September 12, 2013 [8 favorites]
I have a lot of the same interests, and recently really got into knitting. I find a surprising number of young people are getting into it, and you can meet fellow knitters on Ravelry. Plus, it's really relaxing when I'm getting stressed about school, and really meditative.
posted by DoubleLune at 6:34 PM on September 12, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by DoubleLune at 6:34 PM on September 12, 2013 [3 favorites]
You said you used to be a bookworm. Read some books that you used to love as a kid. They'll be easy and you can finish them, and for me at least it can work as kind of a warm-up to powering through a more difficult book. You want short, entertaining paperbacks with relatable characters. Also, there are a huge number of really good short stories, which are sometimes easier. On the social interaction angle, joining a book club is an option, if it's your kind of thing.
If your school has a music department, they will definitely have practice rooms with pianos and might have lessons cheaper than you could get them elsewhere. There are probably also clubs and groups on campus and around town who you could play with.
I have no idea what to tell you about design and art but it seems promising and the kind of thing that could lead somewhere down the road.
posted by vogon_poet at 6:39 PM on September 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
If your school has a music department, they will definitely have practice rooms with pianos and might have lessons cheaper than you could get them elsewhere. There are probably also clubs and groups on campus and around town who you could play with.
I have no idea what to tell you about design and art but it seems promising and the kind of thing that could lead somewhere down the road.
posted by vogon_poet at 6:39 PM on September 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
Some yoga and art studios will let you do a work for classes kind of trade off, usually this involves working a front desk or other volunteering type job in return for free classes. This might help you get on a schedule that commits you to going in to a place, and then you can get the classes for free ish.
In order to get over the perfectionist writing block I recommend Ira Glass' talk on the web about just making all the bad work in order to get it out of the way so that you can make better or even good work.
posted by tangaroo at 6:48 PM on September 12, 2013 [2 favorites]
In order to get over the perfectionist writing block I recommend Ira Glass' talk on the web about just making all the bad work in order to get it out of the way so that you can make better or even good work.
posted by tangaroo at 6:48 PM on September 12, 2013 [2 favorites]
Lessons are probably the best way to go to learn guitar from nothing. There are group classes too. There is also, though, some really good instructional stuff on the Youtubes.
But don't get too worried about if you are any good. Everyone sounds bad at first, struggles with changing chords, keeping good time, and all the basics.
We all need something beautiful in our lives, I think, something done for its own sake. But worries about if you are good enough can stop us from exploring the arts. A few months ago, I started to get really hung up about trying to have a really serious music practice regime. Before long, I was so worried about if I was practicing the right stuff, or doing it enough, that it was becoming a lot less of a joy. So I backed off on that, and I try to just make sure to play some every day, and to include periods of just free play and fun along with more ambitious stuff.
posted by thelonius at 6:51 PM on September 12, 2013
But don't get too worried about if you are any good. Everyone sounds bad at first, struggles with changing chords, keeping good time, and all the basics.
We all need something beautiful in our lives, I think, something done for its own sake. But worries about if you are good enough can stop us from exploring the arts. A few months ago, I started to get really hung up about trying to have a really serious music practice regime. Before long, I was so worried about if I was practicing the right stuff, or doing it enough, that it was becoming a lot less of a joy. So I backed off on that, and I try to just make sure to play some every day, and to include periods of just free play and fun along with more ambitious stuff.
posted by thelonius at 6:51 PM on September 12, 2013
A combination of factors virtually eliminated reading from my life for 2-3 years, where previously it had been a lifelong habit to read upwards of 125 books a year. When I took up reading as my primary leisure activity again, I found it was surprisingly hard to sustain the level of focus I'd been accustomed to. In the first year, it looks like I only read 29 books. Each year since, I've gotten a little more back in the habit, but I'm still not really up to speed. This year, I'm on track to complete maybe 90 books--impossible for many of my friends, still seems low to me.
What I'm saying is: even reading takes practice. You'd think it's the easiest thing in the world to just plunk down and enjoy yourself with a book, but if you hit a rough patch for some reason or take up another hobby and lose touch with years of habits, it isn't.
Personally, what I've done to help rebuild those habits is set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound goals (see this) around my hobby 'projects.' In my case, all the ones I recall have been of the form read at least X books with Y qualities in Z months. I haven't always succeeded, but having goals to track is kind of fun in itself if you make any progress at all. (And if you make zero progress, I'd suggest talking with your doctor about your meds.)
This isn't your problem right now, but laying out goals like that in advance also helps you to see what you can realistically take on in a span of time, so you're not bothered when you think of how you've made no progress with your drawing while you've been focusing on the piano, etc., etc. You can't do everything, and I bet you'll be happy if you pick just 1 or 2 things to work on for now and set modest but interesting targets.
posted by Monsieur Caution at 7:15 PM on September 12, 2013
What I'm saying is: even reading takes practice. You'd think it's the easiest thing in the world to just plunk down and enjoy yourself with a book, but if you hit a rough patch for some reason or take up another hobby and lose touch with years of habits, it isn't.
Personally, what I've done to help rebuild those habits is set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound goals (see this) around my hobby 'projects.' In my case, all the ones I recall have been of the form read at least X books with Y qualities in Z months. I haven't always succeeded, but having goals to track is kind of fun in itself if you make any progress at all. (And if you make zero progress, I'd suggest talking with your doctor about your meds.)
This isn't your problem right now, but laying out goals like that in advance also helps you to see what you can realistically take on in a span of time, so you're not bothered when you think of how you've made no progress with your drawing while you've been focusing on the piano, etc., etc. You can't do everything, and I bet you'll be happy if you pick just 1 or 2 things to work on for now and set modest but interesting targets.
posted by Monsieur Caution at 7:15 PM on September 12, 2013
Take a class in some hobby that interests you.
Based on your interest in fashion, I'd think that sewing would be right up your alley but there is a high startup cost if your parents don't already have a machine that you can use.
Knitting is an excellent backup plan (and my hobby of choice as well). There are many great yarn stores in NYC (I assume you're still there) and I'm sure they have classes/knit nights. You can also teach yourself pretty well from videos on YouTube.
The best thing about getting yourself involved in a regular crafting group, is that you have instant friends who share an interest with you. And knitting circles are super introvert friendly because there is lots of conversation downtime while people are focusing on their patterns or whatnot-- no need to be "on" for the whole time.
posted by sparklemotion at 7:52 PM on September 12, 2013
Based on your interest in fashion, I'd think that sewing would be right up your alley but there is a high startup cost if your parents don't already have a machine that you can use.
Knitting is an excellent backup plan (and my hobby of choice as well). There are many great yarn stores in NYC (I assume you're still there) and I'm sure they have classes/knit nights. You can also teach yourself pretty well from videos on YouTube.
The best thing about getting yourself involved in a regular crafting group, is that you have instant friends who share an interest with you. And knitting circles are super introvert friendly because there is lots of conversation downtime while people are focusing on their patterns or whatnot-- no need to be "on" for the whole time.
posted by sparklemotion at 7:52 PM on September 12, 2013
Oh my god, puzzles. I can't believe it took me so long since childhood to get geeked about jigsaw puzzles. OK, so I'm still leaving on mind-numbing Netflix on in the background, but I've nearly completed a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle I bought last week.
You can have friend over for drinks and dinner, and help with the puzzle you've got spread out!
And when you're done, you can hang it in a frame. It's a super cheap way to get some cool art on your walls!
Also, join a book club or a fitness group -- Crossfit, Zumba, whatever.
posted by mibo at 9:54 PM on September 12, 2013
You can have friend over for drinks and dinner, and help with the puzzle you've got spread out!
And when you're done, you can hang it in a frame. It's a super cheap way to get some cool art on your walls!
Also, join a book club or a fitness group -- Crossfit, Zumba, whatever.
posted by mibo at 9:54 PM on September 12, 2013
As someone who enjoys spending time aimlessly surfing around the internet I've found blogging a fun way to turn a formerly pretty mindless activity into something that feels a lot more "productive" than ambling around Reddit for hours on end.
Its a pretty niche blog as I mostly write about study skills, distance learning and dyslexia from my perspective as dyslexic mature student with the Open University in the UK.
Its nothing special, but watching it grow is a source of pride and achievement so It's nice to be able to develop my writing skills, talking about the things that are important to me; record my ideas and achievements for posterity and feel that I'm putting out more than endless advice animals!
posted by Middlemarch at 3:01 AM on September 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
Its a pretty niche blog as I mostly write about study skills, distance learning and dyslexia from my perspective as dyslexic mature student with the Open University in the UK.
Its nothing special, but watching it grow is a source of pride and achievement so It's nice to be able to develop my writing skills, talking about the things that are important to me; record my ideas and achievements for posterity and feel that I'm putting out more than endless advice animals!
posted by Middlemarch at 3:01 AM on September 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
One of the things that makes having hobbies easier is to have a schedule and a friend. You get together at the same time on the same day each week and do the hobby. That makes it so much easier. It's far easier to let yourself down than a friend in doing a hobby.
posted by plinth at 3:09 AM on September 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by plinth at 3:09 AM on September 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
I was also a bookworm as a kid who found, a few years ago, that I was barely reading books anymore (I blame the internet!). My solution was twofold: 1. I got a kindle, because I'm used to screens now, but it's a screen I can't access the internet on and 2. I gave myself permission to only read books I really enjoyed and that I found gripping. For the first year or so, I read the Game of Thrones books, the Hunger Games books, and a bunch of fluffy chick lit type things. Not the most enriching reading, but it got me back into the habit.
posted by lunasol at 8:23 AM on September 13, 2013
posted by lunasol at 8:23 AM on September 13, 2013
I can't say I agree with all of their practices, but if you want to consider hobbies, it doesn't hurt to look at the various merit badges offered by the Boy Scouts. A copy of all their workbooks/projects can usually be found in a decent library.
American Business
American Cultures
American Heritage
American Labor
Animal Science
Archaeology
Archery
Architecture
Art
Astronomy
Athletics
Automotive Maintenance
Aviation
Backpacking
Basketry
Bird Study
Bugling
Camping
Canoeing
Chemistry
Chess
Cinematography
Citizenship in the Community
Citizenship in the Nation
Citizenship in the World
Climbing
Coin Collecting
Collections
Communications
Composite Materials
Computers
Cooking
Crime Prevention
Cycling
Dentistry
Disabilities Awareness
Dog Care
Drafting
Electricity
Electronics
Emergency Preparedness
Energy
Engineering
Entrepreneurship
Environmental Science
Family Life
Farm Mechanics
Fingerprinting
Fire Safety
First Aid
Fish and Wildlife Management
Fishing
Fly Fishing
Forestry
Gardening
Game Design
Genealogy
Geocaching
Geology
Golf
Graphic Arts
Hiking
Home Repairs
Horsemanship
Indian Lore
Insect Study
Inventing
Journalism
Kayaking
Landscape Architecture
Law
Leatherwork
Lifesaving
Mammal Study
Medicine
Metalwork
Model Design and Building
Motorboating
Music
Nature
Nuclear Science
Oceanography
Orienteering
Painting
Personal Fitness
Personal Management
Pets
Photography
Pioneering
Plant Science
Plumbing
Pottery
Public Health
Programming
Public Speaking
Pulp and Paper
Radio
Railroading
Reading
Reptile and Amphibian Study
Rifle Shooting
Rowing
Robotics
Safety
Salesmanship
Scholarship
Scouting Heritage
Scuba diving
Sculpture
Search and Rescue
Shotgun Shooting
Skating
Small-Boat Sailing
Snow Sports
Soil and Water Conservation
Space Exploration
Sports
Stamp Collecting
Surveying
Sustainability
Swimming
Textile
Theater
Traffic Safety
Truck Transportation
Veterinary Medicine
Water Sports
Weather
Welding
Whitewater
Wilderness Survival
Wood Carving
Woodwork
posted by 99percentfake at 8:59 AM on September 13, 2013 [2 favorites]
American Business
American Cultures
American Heritage
American Labor
Animal Science
Archaeology
Archery
Architecture
Art
Astronomy
Athletics
Automotive Maintenance
Aviation
Backpacking
Basketry
Bird Study
Bugling
Camping
Canoeing
Chemistry
Chess
Cinematography
Citizenship in the Community
Citizenship in the Nation
Citizenship in the World
Climbing
Coin Collecting
Collections
Communications
Composite Materials
Computers
Cooking
Crime Prevention
Cycling
Dentistry
Disabilities Awareness
Dog Care
Drafting
Electricity
Electronics
Emergency Preparedness
Energy
Engineering
Entrepreneurship
Environmental Science
Family Life
Farm Mechanics
Fingerprinting
Fire Safety
First Aid
Fish and Wildlife Management
Fishing
Fly Fishing
Forestry
Gardening
Game Design
Genealogy
Geocaching
Geology
Golf
Graphic Arts
Hiking
Home Repairs
Horsemanship
Indian Lore
Insect Study
Inventing
Journalism
Kayaking
Landscape Architecture
Law
Leatherwork
Lifesaving
Mammal Study
Medicine
Metalwork
Model Design and Building
Motorboating
Music
Nature
Nuclear Science
Oceanography
Orienteering
Painting
Personal Fitness
Personal Management
Pets
Photography
Pioneering
Plant Science
Plumbing
Pottery
Public Health
Programming
Public Speaking
Pulp and Paper
Radio
Railroading
Reading
Reptile and Amphibian Study
Rifle Shooting
Rowing
Robotics
Safety
Salesmanship
Scholarship
Scouting Heritage
Scuba diving
Sculpture
Search and Rescue
Shotgun Shooting
Skating
Small-Boat Sailing
Snow Sports
Soil and Water Conservation
Space Exploration
Sports
Stamp Collecting
Surveying
Sustainability
Swimming
Textile
Theater
Traffic Safety
Truck Transportation
Veterinary Medicine
Water Sports
Weather
Welding
Whitewater
Wilderness Survival
Wood Carving
Woodwork
posted by 99percentfake at 8:59 AM on September 13, 2013 [2 favorites]
For writing, you could give NaNoWriMo a try this November. The goal is to write a novel in one month. It's a lot of fun, has a great community, and the entire point is to stop being a perfectionist and just get something written.
You could spend the time between now and November 1st planning a story, practicing writing, setting up your preferred writing environment, reading the NaNoWriMo forums to familiarize yourself with it, starting early, or by doing nothing at all. A lot of people wing it as they write for this event, so having a specific plan is 100% optional.
You can donate every free minute of November to writing or thinking about writing. It's not a pace that's sustainable year-round, but it's a jump start into writing every day, and actually producing something substantial. I've done a lot of writing this year because of joining NaNoWriMo last November, which I definitely would never have gotten around to otherwise.
posted by Zebulias at 10:41 AM on September 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
You could spend the time between now and November 1st planning a story, practicing writing, setting up your preferred writing environment, reading the NaNoWriMo forums to familiarize yourself with it, starting early, or by doing nothing at all. A lot of people wing it as they write for this event, so having a specific plan is 100% optional.
You can donate every free minute of November to writing or thinking about writing. It's not a pace that's sustainable year-round, but it's a jump start into writing every day, and actually producing something substantial. I've done a lot of writing this year because of joining NaNoWriMo last November, which I definitely would never have gotten around to otherwise.
posted by Zebulias at 10:41 AM on September 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
I started taking music lessons a little over a year ago, and really enjoy them. One nice thing about them is the inherent push that comes with meeting with someone once a week where your progress/lack of progress is obvious. A good teacher can provide difficult but attainable goals that keep you motivated.
The teaching studio I go to offers the first lesson for free, so you can see whether you like the teacher or not. You might see if one in your area has a similar offer. They can also advise you on buying an economical-but-decent-quality instrument.
In any case, I have been in your position before--I hope you find a hobby you enjoy.
posted by Quonab at 11:21 AM on September 13, 2013
The teaching studio I go to offers the first lesson for free, so you can see whether you like the teacher or not. You might see if one in your area has a similar offer. They can also advise you on buying an economical-but-decent-quality instrument.
In any case, I have been in your position before--I hope you find a hobby you enjoy.
posted by Quonab at 11:21 AM on September 13, 2013
Seconding the idea of a work trade at your favorite yoga studio. The opportunity is probably not advertised, so you'll have to ask the owner. This will give you a chance to get to know all the regulars (great for social time and maybe dates, esp. if you date women), and you'll get free yoga. Depending on the tasks you're assigned it could be helpful work experience, too.
posted by TrixieRamble at 12:04 PM on September 13, 2013
posted by TrixieRamble at 12:04 PM on September 13, 2013
Create a blog about fashion/art/design! It will help you focus the time you spend looking at those sites (and maybe encourage you to start reading again -- you can review those types of books on your blog) and you can practice your writing. Once you get it going you can see about monetizing it somehow.
posted by jabes at 9:29 AM on September 14, 2013
posted by jabes at 9:29 AM on September 14, 2013
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Geocaching, orienteering or birding?
Birds are easy to get started with. You need a basic field guide and your eyes, or maybe a small pair of binoculars. Find the species list for your state and start learning to ID them by sight and sound. Take part in The Great Backyard Bird Count. Specialize! Songbirds, water birds, raptors, migratory birds. And so on!
When you go into the woods, take your field guide, binoculars, lunch and a book. No birds around? Eat lunch and read outside on a log. Go home, satisfied with another good day afield. Repeat as necessary! Too cold for going outside? Refill the feeders. Dive into some lovely nature writing to keep the fires going until Spring. But keep an eye on that limb near the window...you just never know.
posted by jquinby at 6:13 PM on September 12, 2013