January 6, 2021

Top Hobbies To Take Up This Year

Note: This post has been contributed.

Photo by Daian Gan from Pexels

 

It is a new year and that invites in plenty of opportunities to take up some new hobbies. It could be that you are looking for something new to do outside, to get healthier, or you just want to add something new to your skillset. Whatever the reasons, there are so many things to think of. Hobbies are great for both your mental and physical health. They allow you to destress and keep your mind busy on something other than any worries you might think about daily. They also allow you to get out and about or just focus on something completely different, learning new skills and becoming a more well-rounded person. If you are looking for some top outdoor hobbies to take up this year, here are just a few ideas…

 

1. Painting

Painting is a fantastic hobby to take up. Not only does it leave you with a new skill, but you can also create paintings to go up around your home. There are many different types of painting too, so it is a good idea to have a play around with different mediums and styles and see which one you prefer. Whether you decide to go for watercolor, acrylic, or oil paints, each provides different finishes that will look great on your wall!

 

2. Fishing

If you are looking for a hobby that will get you right in the midst of nature, then fishing is a great one to choose. It is particularly good for when the weather is nice, you can head out with your equipment, pack a lunch and sit by the water taking in your surroundings. There is plenty of research you can do about fishing to help you in your quest to be successful and you can also teach yourself about the various different fish to be found. Make sure you have all the right equipment for where you are fishing, for example, lures for walleye if you are going Walleye fishing.

 

3. Cooking

Not only is cooking a great hobby that will help to feed your family and friends, but is great fun too! You will learn how to experiment with different ingredients and flavors and find out what works together and a whole host of new dishes to try. Why not look into a cookery school or course that you can enroll in? It is a great way to meet new people, learn a new skill and really get stuck into the action.

 

These are just a few ideas of hobbies that you could take up in 2021. Why not speak to a friend or family member and ask if they want to take these up with you? It can be a great motivation if someone else does it too, and also a common interest that you will have to do together. It is a much better and more sociable way to spend time together than sit on phones or watch a TV series! What are some top hobbies you are looking to take up this year? Let us know! 

 
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December 15, 2020

Looking After Your Mental Health This Winter

Note: This post has been contributed. There is no getting away from the fact that the winter months can be difficult for many people when it comes to mental health.
 

Image by Couleur from Pixabay
 
 

With the temperatures dropping, shorter days, spending more time at home, it can lead to us feeling like we need to sleep longer, have changes in our appetite, and find the things we love less appealing. 

 

As we go through the winter, we need to make sure that we think about the simple things we can do to help our mental health as well as spot the signs that we may need some additional support. 

SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder

So, what is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? It is a form of depression that people experience at certain times of the year, it’s most common during winter. The majority of us are affected by the seasons changing, and it can be normal to feel a little sluggish in the wintertime, however, for others the effect it has on our energy labels and mood can be much more significant and impact everyday life. If we already face symptoms of depression at other points of the year, then these have the potential of being worst from SAD. 

What Should You Do?

SAD is only one of the ways that the winter can have an impact on your mental health. Below are some self-care tips that you can follow to help you cope if you aren’t feeling yourself: 

Do Something You Enjoy 

Although you may not feel the motivation to get up and about to do something that you would enjoy, it’s one of the best ways to tackle feeling down. You could even try doing something new and looking at things such as A Beginner’s Introduction to the Basics of Woodturning or starting a cooking course online. 

Make The Most Of Natural Light

Ok, so being outdoors through the winter won’t cure SAD. However, it is something that can help to ease it slightly. It is always worth making the effort to get some natural light in when you can. 

Try To Avoid Stress 

This can be easier said than done, and more people find that they experience more stress during the winter. If you find this time of the year more difficult, think about planning ahead and minimize the number of stressful activities you take on. If you know that something brings you more stress, could you organize it for another time of the year? Particularly huge tasks like moving home or changing your job. 

Exercise And Eat Well

You should try to stay physically active in the winter. You may not feel like it all the time, however, physical activity is a really effective way of lifting your moos and improving your energy levels. You don’t have to do anything that is extremely strenuous, gardening, a gentle walk, or doing housework can even help. If you can do something outdoors, such as the countryside or park, it can be especially helpful. 

 

A healthy diet is also something that is extremely important, and you should always try to balance the common SAD cravings for carbs, such as pasta and potatoes, with plenty of vegetables and fruit. For some people taking an extra Vitamin D or B12 supplement is helpful. 

 

Do you have any other ways that help you stay positive during the winter? Please share them in the comments. 

 
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