Great Hobbies for 2021
2020 was a challenging year for all of us. Whether you were impacted personally, professionally, or both, major shifts away from what we are used to can be difficult to navigate and adjust to without feeling overwhelmed on some level. This major change that swept the globe opened the floodgates for content on self-care; blogs, social media posts, business articles, you name it. Oodles of advice from every direction on how to prioritize yourself and your loved ones and put your energy into what matters most to you, and rightfully so.
So far, 2021 is not looking any different from what we’ve had to adapt to as our new ‘normal’, but if you are starting to feel like you’re ready to dedicate some time to taking on something new, we’ve put together a list of great hobbies to try this year…
1. Writing
This could take many forms, from journaling (bullet journaling is all the rage these days), to letters, to blogs. The beauty of taking on writing as a hobby is that how you write, when you write, and what you write about is all up to you. There are no formal guidelines (unless you choose), no deadlines and no limits.
Don’t put pen to paper much anymore? For an added challenge, see how well you can write in cursive. It’s truly an art that many younger generations don’t know how to do or read.
2. Cross Country Skiing
Cross Country Skiing is a great way to get outside and enjoy our beautiful province this winter. It’s fun, challenging and a great calorie burn! You can enjoy cross country skiing recreationally on your own or in small, socially distanced groups. If you’re interested in joining a club or taking part in competitive skiing, Cross Country Saskatchewan can help you get started.
Ready to hit the trails? Gear up with everything you need at a sporting goods retailer near you.
3. Juggling
Be honest, when you see someone juggle, are you not both amazed and frustrated? It seems so simple, but when you give it a go, it’s a disaster. Right? Right. Luckily, as with almost everything these days, there are TONS of online tutorials to set you up on your path to juggling glory. Already a pro? Check out The Juggling Edge, the Saskatoon Juggling Club for info on workshops, events and performances.
4. Pottery
Looking for a hobby that is both satisfying and practical? If Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze taught us anything in Ghost, it was that sitting down to a pottery wheel can be very…relaxing. Or, at the very least you are probably creating something you can use in your home. If you’d like to get out of the house every once in a while, there are many studios in Saskatchewan still offering classes including Saskatoon Clayworks and Cathedral Art School in Regina.
If you’d rather not join a class, you can find pottery kits online or grab supplies at a studio near you on your next outing!
5. Dancing
There are so many options for learning or improving your dance skills this year! You can take classes in a studio or online, or just crank up the tunes and find your rhythm grooving around your house. Dance by yourself, with your kids, or your partner or spouse. Hone the skills you already have or try a new style that you’ve always wanted to learn!
6. Magic
Slight of hand. Not everyone can pull it off, let alone pull if off well, but if you’ve never tried, you’ll never know. If you have access to Netflix, Magic for Humans is next level. Whether you think magic is cool, just ok, or you don’t even like it, this show will leave you asking, “how did he do that?”
Here in Saskatchewan there are workshops you can attend in person or online and great shops like 8th Street Quentin’s Comics & Toys in Saskatoon for your magic trick and supply needs.
7. Upcycling
Have something in your home that needs refreshing? Upcycling is the art of taking something old and repurposing or making it like new again. The perfect hobby for at home. Not only can it be a cost-effective hobby (depending on the materials you need), it’s a great opportunity to learn multiple new skills or teach your kids (if you have them) about reducing waste through re-use! Win-win.
If you’re up for it, try one or a couple of these activities over the next few months. Your new favourite pastime could be right around the corner!
-Paige Sandvold is the Content Manager on the Brand and Digital Platform Team