Hobbies I’d Like to Try in 2021
By Elizabeth Dubos
While it’s a new year, unfortunately it’s not a happy one. During this time of year it’s tradition to make a list of resolutions and goals that you would like to complete in the upcoming year. New year’s resolutions are helpful because it offers motivation to complete your goals. However, due to the massive amount of disappointment in 2020, people threw tradition to the wind and didn’t make any lists at all. It’s understandable that people didn’t want to have their hopes and expectations dashed again. Since people didn’t make new year’s resolutions or goals to complete, what will they have to look forward to in times of uncertainty?
To be honest this weighed on my mind throughout the holiday season because I baked, cooked, and decorated my heart out this past year to combat my 2020 disappointments. Besides everyday mundane life, what would I have to look forward to motivate myself during extra stressful times? My little solution: hobby experimentation. Hobbies are important because they provide relaxation and mental stimulation to improve your physical and mental health. As I write this blog post, I’m looking forward to the new hobbies that I’ll try throughout the year. Here is a list of hobbies that I would like to try in 2021.
BookTube. This is a book specific subset of the YouTube community. I think it would be a lot of fun to create a BookTube channel to discuss my bookish thoughts. It’s a virtual community that could expose me to new genres, books, and authors. Making BookTube videos offers me the opportunity to learn new video editing skills. This is a great motivational tool because each week I can look forward to creating and editing new content for other book lovers.
Bullet Journaling. I’ve always been an organized person with my scheduling, to-do lists, and brainstorming. However, in 2020, I wanted to enhance my organization skills by making it look aesthetically pleasing. On my research journey, I found a whole bullet journal community on YouTube that showcases their organization and creative talents. I enjoyed watching AmandaRachLee, The Bliss Bean, Jenny Journals, and Journal with Chloe. In 2021, I want to utilize that knowledge and keep a bullet journal myself. Maybe, I’ll use it as a way to document my hobby experimentation in 2021.
Chess. As a child I loved playing chess because it was challenging. As I got older, I grew out of it because I didn’t have anyone else to play with. After a bit of research there’s numerous apps and websites to play against others. This hobby was inspired by the Netflix TV miniseries, The Queen’s Gambit; I binge watched the entire season in one weekend because I enjoyed it so much.
Painting. I love painting and have always done it throughout my life. However, doubt manages to creep in and causes me to become insecure and give it up. Therefore, I think it would be a lot of fun to watch YouTube videos to teach myself how to paint. If I could improve my painting skills, it would help combat my insecurities that my paintings aren’t good enough.
Drawing. Like painting, I’ve always had an appreciation for drawing. I’ve admired people who can draw what they visualize in their head. I think this would be a great time to enhance my drawing skills.
Welding. My partner has a welder sitting out in the garage where he regularly welds items for work. I think it would be fun if he taught me how to weld because it’s couples time together and I could learn something new.
Learn a new language. I used to love traveling and always wanted to travel to foreign countries. I could use this time to learn a new language and prepare myself for future traveling adventures. I understand Spanish, Italian, French, and American Sign Language, however, I cannot have full conversations. I think it would be fun to enhance my language skills.
Learn a new educational subject. I’m like a sponge as I love absorbing knowledge. I’m passionate about wildlife conservation and the environment. I think it would be interesting to learn more about microbiology, environmental science, oceanography, geology, wildlife biology, and ecology.
Would you consider trying a new hobby in 2021? If so, comment below what you’re planning to try out this year!
Edited by Emelyn Ehrlich