The COVID-19 pandemic has forced people worldwide to adjust to a new normal. With most countries implementing quarantine or stay-at-home orders, people have had to adapt to social distancing, remote working, and limited outdoor activities. While some have had the opportunity to pick up new skills or hobbies, most have found themselves struggling to fill up their free time. With no end in sight, finding the best hobby to pick up during quarantine has become increasingly significant.
The Importance of Hobbies during Quarantine
Hobbies have always been a great way to relieve stress, distract from the daily grind, and have some fun. Even more so during quarantine, having a hobby can help break the monotony of staying at home, provide mental stimulation, and enrich your life. With the internet at our fingertips, it is now easier than ever to start a new hobby or develop existing ones.
The Best Hobbies to Pick Up During Quarantine
While everyone has different interests and passions, there are a few hobbies that are perfect for quarantine life. Here are some hobbies that you can try out:
Baking and Cooking
Baking and cooking are great hobbies to pick up during quarantine. With restaurants closing down and limited food deliveries, it is an excellent opportunity to learn how to whip up your favorite dishes at home. Baking and cooking also have therapeutic properties, as the act of measuring ingredients, kneading dough, or chopping vegetables can be meditative.
Gardening
With summer finally here, gardening is a perfect hobby to pick up. It allows you to connect with nature, spend time outdoors, and grow your food. Starting a vegetable garden is also an excellent way to ensure a steady supply of fresh produce, and it’s an activity that the whole family can participate in.
Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts are perfect for those who enjoy creating. Whether it is painting, drawing, knitting, or crocheting, there are endless possibilities to explore. With online tutorials and classes, it’s easy to get started, and you can progress at your pace. Arts and crafts also have therapeutic properties, with studies showing that it can reduce stress levels and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Fitness and Yoga
With gyms closed down, fitness and yoga are excellent hobbies to maintain physical and mental well-being. With online classes, apps, and tutorials, it’s easy to find a routine that works for you. Moreover, exercise releases endorphins that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Conclusion
The best hobby to pick up during quarantine is one that you enjoy and that suits your lifestyle. Starting a new hobby can be overwhelming, but with some patience and commitment, it can be an enriching and rewarding experience. Remember that hobbies can be a helpful tool in reducing stress, staying motivated, and improving mental health. Try out one of these hobbies, or find one that speaks to you. Investing in a new skill or passion could be the best decision you make during this quarantine period.
FAQ
What are the most common lockdown hobbies?
When Covid-19 hit in 2020, many people found themselves spending more time at home due to lockdown restrictions. As a result, people began exploring different ways to occupy their free time, leading to an increase in various hobbies. A recent study conducted on 2,000 adults in the UK revealed that gardening, reading, and baking were among the most popular lockdown hobbies.
Gardening was found to be the top hobby, with 58% of respondents saying they took up gardening during lockdown, due to it being a calming and therapeutic activity. Many used the opportunity to plant flowers, fruits, and vegetables, providing a sense of achievement and connecting with nature. Reading was a close second with 53% saying they took up reading during the lockdown. Books are a great way to escape, learn new things, and develop new interests. It’s also a mindful approach to switch off from the news around the world, providing an escape from everyday worries. Lastly, baking was the third most popular hobby, with 51% saying they took up baking during the lockdown. It was found that the process of baking provided a sense of comfort, and the finished product was a tasty reward, and a way to share with family and neighbors.
The study also found that many of those who took up new hobbies, such as gardening, reading, and baking, enjoyed them so much and found them so beneficial that they will continue with those hobbies, even now that restrictions are easing. As many as 80% of those polled stated that they cannot imagine giving up their lockdown hobbies, and 91% continue to practice them.
It’S clear that peoples’ hobbies changed during lockdown restrictions, and people found new hobbies that they would never have considered pre-pandemic. Gardening, reading, and baking are just a few of the most popular lockdown hobbies that have emerged. The study findings highlight the positive impact that hobbies can have on people’s physical and mental wellbeing during difficult times.
What is lockdown lifestyle examples?
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic forced countries worldwide to adopt necessary measures such as lockdowns, which have dramatically altered individuals’ lifestyles. The term lockdown refers to a restriction protocol that aims to minimize person-to-person contact and curb the spread of the virus. As a result, people’s daily routines, habits, and behaviors have undergone significant changes. Let’s discuss some of the lifestyle modifications that occurred during the lockdown.
Firstly, lockdown measures limited exercise opportunities, resulting in reduced physical activity levels. With gyms, parks, and other public places closed, people had fewer opportunities to engage in physical activities and maintain their fitness levels. Studies have reported that people’s physical activity levels have declined during the lockdown, leading to negative health consequences such as weight gain and decreased muscle mass.
Secondly, the lockdown increased food consumption and affected dietary quality. Due to limited access to fresh produce, a disrupted food supply chain, and more people cooking at home, individuals may have altered their diets, resulting in an increase in processed food intake. Moreover, increased stress and anxiety levels may have led individuals to turn to unhealthy foods as a coping mechanism.
Lastly, the pandemic’s impact on sleep cannot be overlooked. The lockdown resulted in a loss of the structured routines that many people had previously followed, which may have affected sleep habits. Studies have indicated that lockdowns have led to an increase in sleep disturbances, reduced sleep quality, and sleep duration.
The lockdown measures have dramatically altered individuals’ behaviors and lifestyles. It has restricted physical activity opportunities, increased food consumption, and affected sleep. Therefore, it is crucial to identify these changes and develop strategies to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the lockdown to minimize the negative health consequences.