Expanding horizons helps many cope during pandemic
From beekeeping to breadmaking, quarantine hobbies are helping people get through the tough times as we aspire to stay socially distant but still active and engaged.
Even though international travel is not an option for many Americans, learning a new language is.
“I got into studying Italian during the pandemic. I started casually learning last fall, but when lockdown and social distancing happened, I had more time for it and dove into it headfirst,” said Chelsea Mae Plummer, owner and food blogger at Mae's Menu based in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Studying a different language is a productive, structured activity that helps Plummer connect with others.
“I now participate in our local Italian language meet-up group on Zoom, which has given me another safe social outlet,” she said. “I also now follow Italian-speaking people on Instagram and feel I've developed new friendships on the platform. It also helps me look forward to and prepare for a day that I can travel again.”
Learning in lockdown
When quarantine began, it seemed like the only safe
place to interact with others was online, so Bridget Shannon, owner of lifestyle blog A French Tulip, was “determined to use it to expand my horizons.” She signed up for all sorts of classes and lectures.
“I made educating myself a hobby. Anything that was remotely interesting, I gave a try,” she said. “I took writing classes. I learned how to paint my kitchen countertops. I studied gardening and simple masonry. I even learned how to caulk, which was surprisingly the most difficult task to complete well.”
While some of Shannon's new hobbies were one-offs that she may not return to, others have become personal pursuits.
“The best part of all these online classes is realizing how many accomplished people there are hidden across America, truly coming to appreciate the nuances of their craft, and seeing the internet be used for good,” she said. “Having time to expand my interests and knowledge is a gift and one I hope I don't have to give up when the world goes back to being busy.”
An outlet
Woodworking is a satisfying hobby and one that Don Povia, sports marketing veteran and the founder of Transition Sports & Entertainment in New York, took up during quarantine.
Some of his builds include a stand-up desk for his wife, a desk for at-home learning for his middle child and a Little Free Library.
“I always had a creative side and have worked in creative industries and spaces. It gave me the ability to create something tangible, while alone, that I could share with others for their enjoyment,” he said.
“It's been a creative, mental and physical outlet. It's been Zen-like and the opposite of a distraction to the point my business partner noted how I seem refocused, less stressed, and more engaged and enthusiastic.”
Change of pace
To keep herself from getting stuck in a rut and give her brain something to look forward to, Waheeda Haris, a stay-at-home mom who blogs at HabitsBuzz.com, focused on acrylic painting and healthy cooking during quarantine.
“I am a complete beginner to both, and that has really helped me to challenge myself and keep myself engaged,” she said.
A new hobby is a refreshing change of pace, especially during times we may feel stuck — at home.
“The new hobbies have been helping me to escape from the feelings of being trapped and transports my mind to new places. When you paint, you are lost in another world, and it's like mind-traveling for me. I also feel proud when I am taking efforts to take care of my health and take each day as it comes, feeling strong,” Haris said.