Upcoming event:
Writing and Yoga Weekend October 12-14
Summer is winding down and school is about to resume – and, for many people, the sad reality is that the list of things left undone only gets longer as the sunny season grows shorter. That winter is coming is even more disheartening for many! For those troubled by this inevitable change, chances are good that you’re seeking some way to keep yourself occupied and distracted during the colder days.
That’s why we compiled this list of uncommon hobbies to start during the summer and continue the rest of the year. Each time you return to the, it will feel like a breath of fresh air as you are reminded of the more relaxed time of year when you began them.
Write letters to your friends
Handwritten letters might not be the first activity that comes to mind when you think about ways to spend your time, especially in today’s world of digital communications. It should be noted, however, that writing letters is experiencing something of a renaissance as more and more people appreciate the personal touches that go into them. The forgotten art of handwriting notes is slowly but surely making its comeback, and offers a variety of benefits.
Letter writing is not only an excellent way to keep up with your friends but is also a unique method to enhance your communication skills. Consider writing a letter to the friend(s) you don’t have time to see during the year. Eventually, the skill will pay off in other areas of your life where concise communication is key. You can also use it as a cathartic experience by airing grievances with people that you don’t want to say in person. You can then choose to not send the letter and just keep it as a reminder in case you are ready to talk about it eventually. In any case, letter writing comes with a bonus – you get to look forward to checking the mailbox now.
Start thrifting
Thrifting imparts crucial concepts of financial valuation. You also can end up with some pretty cool finds! Pay a visit the nearest consignment store and attempt to value some of the items there on your own to see if it’s worth your money. Antique stores and Goodwill are such places that can teach you about what quality, durable pieces and fabric look like, if they’re worth an investment, etc.
For example, some fabrics like hemp might not catch a trendy eye, but are very durable and can match almost any décor. Additionally, thrifting is an easy way to make extra money. Sometimes just buying an item and simply cleaning it is a way to add resale value to it.
If you want to invest more time into it, painting or re-covering a piece can sometimes double or triple the value of an item that was close to useless before. If you are willing to put in the work no one else wants to, you’ll be the one to reap the benefits!
Learn to play a new (not video) game
Learning a new game is no easy feat. At first, it can be a challenging, frustrating, and even a hopeless affair. But isn’t it true that good things tend to take work? Consider the advantages of learning a new game. It is not only a great opportunity to make new friends, but is also an opportunity for you to advance your problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, gaming allows you to meet new opponents every day who can positively impact your growth as an individual.
However, note that competitive games can take a toll on the body and potentially lead to anxiety, frustration, and sometimes insomnia. In such cases, it is advisable to take a short break from the game. Just like learning any new skill, it takes time and practice. Teaching others is also a way to solidify your knowledge while gaining new playmates.
Learn how to make your own Kombucha
It’s no secret that Kombucha has a world of health benefits, but that also means it comes with a hefty price tag. It can become a much more sustainable part of your routine though if you learn to make it yourself. It has just a few ingredients, tea and sugar, and a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) to ferment it.
You can buy a SCOBY or make your own, but the key is having clean supplies so that unwanted bacteria doesn’t grow. The SCOBY creates a barrier between the jar and the outside so that the tea can ferment properly with no unwanted additives, and help create those little probiotics that make us feel so good.
It might seem like a daunting task at first, but becoming a kombucha-maker will save you money and always give you something cool to talk about.
The end of summer might seem like the end of all good things, especially if it’s your favorite time of year, but it doesn’t have to feel like that all year. Starting hobbies in the summer and carrying them with you during the year will help carry that forever summer feeling that we all love.
