It's raining outside right now!  So while we can start visiting with a few friends outside tomorrow, perhaps the weather won't cooperate with some outdoor entertaining.   If that's the case,  with months of social distancing behind us, perhaps you need something to do this weekend that will fill the time that doesn't include Netflix.  

Consider keeping your mind active while making use of the downtime you have by picking up a new hobby. You've likely had one or two things you’ve always wanted to learn, but never did because you just couldn’t find the time. Well, now is the perfect time to get started. Below we're discussing five hobbies you can try now without leaving your home. 

Hobby #1: Knitting 

Knitting is a great hobby that can easily be picked up while staying at home. Not only is knitting a fun craft to try during quarantine, but it’s also a great stress reducer. It allows you to focus on a specific task and obtain a tangible result. Since the spread of COVID-19, global sales for We Are Knitters, a brand known for its bagged kits, have been increasing more than 75 percent weekly.¹ There are other popular organizations offering bagged knitting kits as well, and there are thousands of tutorials online. People are clearly giving knitting a shot, and you may want to consider it too. 

Hobby #2: Baking 

Yes, many of us have been baking since the pandemic started but perhaps you need to try a new challenge.  By now you should have graduated from chocolate chip cookies.  Let's try a  complex layered cakes this weekend! For many, baking can be calming and serve as a source of stress relief. For others, it's all about eating that delicious end product. If you turn to social media, your friends, the internet, YouTube, etc., you will find thousands of baking ideas and recipes to try. 

Hobby #3: Gardening 

In times when we’re all stuck at home, going outside might just be the thing we need.   Even though it is raining, you can get some soil, seeds, and some pots and find a place in the garage or basement to pot up some flowers or veggies to enjoy during the rest of the summer.  I found some cucumbers that work very well in flower pots and they gave me a large number of cucumbers for those summer salads.

Hobby #4: Painting 

If you have watercolor or any other paint at home, now’s a great time to bring the artist out in you. Not only can painting be a soothing hobby, but it allows you to tap into your creative energy as well. There are thousands of painting tutorials online if you want some guidance or inspiration. You can even make painting a social event by hosting a wine-and-design night with your friends or family over Zoom.

Hobby #5: Crossword Puzzles

The Saturday Winnipeg Free Press has a great crossword section in the Diversions section.  I especially enjoy the Sudoku puzzles.  The New York Times puzzle is challenging and I have to admit I don't often complete the whole puzzle.   Doing crossword puzzles are relaxing and are apparently supposed to be very good for your brain.

1. https://www.forbes.com/sites/loisaltermark/2020/03/27/knitting-has-become-the-cool-activity-during-the-coronavirus-crisis/#8cd2ac1921c8

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