After one year indoors, the end of quarantine finally seems to be near. In the meantime, social distancing is still necessary to help everyone stay safe. Making the best of this continued time indoors not only keeps boredom at bay, but can also relieve stress and improve your mood. One of the healthiest and most productive things you can do during the rest of quarantine is to take up a new artistic hobby.
What makes a hobby artistic
An artistic hobby is any activity where the end goal is simply to express yourself in a creative way. A few of the most common examples are photography, drawing, writing, and playing music—but there is a whole world of creative pursuits with endless possibilities! Some off-the-beaten-path examples include:
- Making jewelry
- Quilting
- Cosplay
- Woodworking
- Origami
- Collage art
- Dancing
- Calligraphy
No matter which hobby suits you, the point is for you to have fun doing it. Hobbies aren’t supposed to feel like work. The benefits of taking up a new artistic hobby can be muddled if you put too much pressure on yourself.
Why you should start an artistic hobby today
Artistic hobbies are more than just a way to pass the time. Pursuing a new artistic hobby can have a noticeably positive effect on your brain. In fact, a 2016 research study conducted at Drexel University showed that test subjects who engaged in 45 minutes of art making experienced a significant reduction in levels of cortisol, a hormone linked to stress.
Another study reported on by the New York Times found that just 10 minutes of coloring or doodling can improve your mood. It also demonstrated that this sensation is true regardless of skill level. It’s not the success of the end product, but the concentrated focus on your task, that makes artistic hobbies so worthwhile.
How to begin your new artistic hobby
When you’re thinking about starting a new hobby, one of the things that can stop you in your tracks is indecision. With so many pursuits to choose from, it may feel overwhelming. The first thing to keep in mind is that there is no wrong choice. You don’t have to impress anyone with your hobby, and there are no exams you need to pass.
Think about the interests you already have. One of them can become your new hobby. Maybe you loved art class in high school and you want to reignite your passion for drawing—you can easily join a virtual session of NYC Drawing Meetup! Maybe you watch The Great British Baking Show and you want to try your hand at sourdough—why not attend an online class through From the Scratch Baking to learn the basics?
Be kind to yourself by setting reasonable expectations. It would be counterproductive to take up baking as a healthy way to spend your time indoors, only to get down on yourself because you aren’t an expert at French patisserie after one month. The fear of being ‘bad’ at a new hobby is one of the most common reasons people never end up starting one. But hobbies aren’t meant to be judged, simply enjoyed.
Make the most of your hobby with Meetup
Meetup groups are an amazing resource for anyone starting a new hobby. You can find groups filled with people dedicated to the same passion project as you, and attend online lessons with your fellow hobbyists. Making friends while you make art is a bonus benefit of pursuing a new hobby. To give you an idea of your limitless hobby opportunities, here are just a few active Meetup groups you can check out today:
- Denver Knitting Meetup
- Snap Happy: Photography Lover Club for Beginners!
- Austin Live Jazz Meetup
- Actors Helping Actors
You can get started immediately by searching for online events that are happening right now.
If you want to invite others to join you in your new artistic hobby, you can also create your own Meetup group. You don’t need to be an expert to organize a community of creative people and have a good time. Plus, gathering together can provide all the motivation you need to stick with your new hobby.
Last modified on June 23, 2021
