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Culture August 8, 2016
It’s Friday night and you have no idea what to do. Your friends are busy, your calendar is empty and you feel like, well, one of the lamest 20-something women on the planet. According to a study reported by No Exam, starting a hobby might be the key to a well-rounded and happy life.
Not sure where to begin? Here are ten hobbies – with some help from Bustle and All Women’s Talk – that you can start in your twenties and love for life.
When was the last time you played a card game? Maybe it was Uno with your cousins or Cards Against Humanity with your closet pals. Either way, mastering a collection of card games – from Bridge to Poker – could spice up your social life. You can search for local card clubs in your area or even start one yourself. Not only is this a cheap hobby to start, but it is also portable and easy to practice or play anywhere! And, as Bustle points out, you haven’t experienced a hardcore card game until you’ve competed against a group of old ladies.
You need to eat. You’ll need to eat for the rest of your life (or it’ll be a very short one). Why not learn how to make meals so tasty that you finally throw out that Domino’s takeout menu? It’s easy to learn how to cook at home using YouTube videos, blogs or even episodes of your favorite cooking show. If you live near family, this might also be the perfect time to show Mama (or Papa) some love – and get their favorite recipes in return! A hobby has never tasted so good.
When you think of exercise, what comes to mind? If your answer isn’t in the “An activity I do to be happy and healthy” ballpark, why not give your mindset – and exercise routine – a makeover? Take time to explore which workouts make you feel strong, motivated and proud. Instead of sticking to the gym, try exploring rock climbing, adult kick ball or even roller derby. Joining a team sport could bring you back to your middle or high school days when exercise was fun instead of a chore. Not to mention, you’ll love getting in shape while staying social.
If sports aren’t your thing, look for any book clubs in your area that sound like fun. If you’re an avid reader, you’ll enjoy getting to meet fellow book nerds to talk about your latest read. If you’re not big into books, a book club will motivate you to keep turning those pages – and, depending on the books you read, who knows what facts you’ll learn or which authors you’ll fall in love with.
For homebodies who want a sense of social interaction without having to change out of their PJ’s, look into virtual book clubs. Since members can be from all over the world, meeting new and interesting men and women shouldn’t be a problem!
Whether you grew up in an apple orchard or only recently realized that carrots grew in the ground, gardening can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Depending on where you live, you can plant a garden in your backyard or perch pots on a balcony. Many places offer gardening clubs that share tips or exchange seeds. If you’re a foodie, you might also want to ditch the flowers for beautiful homegrown fruits and vegetables. Gardening can take as little or as much time as you want to put into it, as long as you choose plants with your desired level of upkeep.
You might never become a fashion designer competing on “Project Runway,” but learning how to sew can have its perks. If you learn the basics, you’ll probably be able to, at the very least, reattach buttons or fix a hole in your favorite sweater. This can save you money and, as Bustle states, keep your favorite items from turning into worn kitchen rags.
If you fall in love with sewing, you could even design clothes that perfectly match your style. Say goodbye to expensive outfits that fill nearly every girl’s closet and hello to a cheaper, more unique wardrobe!
Love music? Then maybe you should add a new instrument to your repertoire! Depending on what you decide to learn (think flute versus grand piano), you can take up music without needing tons of money or space. While you may want to take lessons, you could also learn from YouTube videos, websites, books or even friends and family. Whether you’re 20 or 50, you’ll love jamming to your favorite tunes.
In this case, old school is definitely new again. According to All Women’s Talk, cross stitching offers the same therapeutic benefits as knitting and is a great way to keep your hands busy while watching TV, waiting in the doctor’s office or listening to music. It’s also cheap – all you need is a cross-stitch board and thread. When it comes to what you stitch, the options are limitless. You can download templates online or buy kits in the store. but whether you want to stitch”Happy Mother’s Day” or your favorite quote from “Breaking Bad,” there’s a pattern for you.
It seems as if everyone – from your little sister or that crazy cat lady next door – has a blog, so why not you? Blogging can be a cheap, easy way to express yourself, connect with others online and show off your creativity. Not only can you build relationships with companies and future employers, but you can also establish your credibility in your chosen field. All from the comfort of your plushy computer chair!
You’ve probably heard the advice, “Keep it simple, stupid.” Well, it applies to hobbies too. If you’re not sure what you want to do with your free time, start a collection! Though some collections may be frowned on more than others (think serial killer memorabilia or medieval torture devices), you really can collect anything that interests you – from toy cars to dishes to props from every episode of “Friends.” The main requirement? It makes you happy, simple as that.
