It is the end of 2020, and as we find ourselves more cooped up at home due to the colder weather and the pandemic, we’re bound to run out of things to do. To keep yourself occupied and entertained through the upcoming winter months, here are some hobbies to try to outwit the inevitable boredom to come.

CRAFTS

Stop at your nearest fabric store to pick up some needles this winter, because learning a crafting skill will not only challenge you mentally, but will also take care of your holiday gifts next year (unless you are a fast learner, you might be able to this year)! Whether attempting crocheting, knitting, sewing, or quilting

– pick the method that fits you best. Why buy hats, scarves, or even face coverings, when you can learn to make them in your own style for less? Grab your supplies, pop on a YouTube tutorial, and a whole world of unique crafts awaits.

ART

Painting with acrylics, watercolor, or oils; drawing with pencils, markers, pens, or pastels; sculpting with clay, wax, wood, or plastic – art can be made with anything you can think of to create. With endless possibilities, art has always been a fun way to keep the boredom away.

MUSIC

Learning an instrument can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be with the resources now available at our fingertips. If you are not quite dedicated enough to purchase an instrument, a lot of libraries and schools offer instrumental rentals for those deciding whether or not to take the plunge. Still iffy? Just ask a friend who plays to teach or lend you their instrument, most guitarists and musicians have a few handy – trust me! If you are not the instrumental type, try your hand at singing by downloading any number of tuning apps.

GAMES

Games, games, games! There are video games, board games, card, dice, or trivia games, and so many more. Learn a new game or get better with the ones you already know, play by yourself or have the family join in.

RECREATIONAL

If you don’t mind a little cold, pick up an outdoor hobby. With a multitude of parks and venues in our area, try cross-country skiing, sledding, snowboarding, or ice skating. If you prefer staying indoors during the winter months, sign up for online fitness classes, or find barre, yoga and Pilates tutorials on sites like YouTube to explore.

Hannah graduated from WMU in 2015 with a degree in Economics and currently resides in Portage. In her free time she enjoys strumming the guitar and painting. She is the author of two YA books under the pseudonym, H.B. Catherine. You can find information on her books and writing at  hbcatherinewriting.com.