It’s almost a year and a half since the world has been grappling with the pandemic and its repercussions. Among the array of activities we’ve adapted to while coexisting with Covid-19, one particular facet of lifestyle change that fascinates me is how we all have developed a renewed passion for our hobbies or found new ones.

I’ve come across multiple accounts of people brushing the dust off their old paint brushes, finally cracking open that book they bought eons ago, learning to cook, or starting a garden at home. This certainly is a testament to our human ability to adapt and seek joy even in the most adverse situations.

What old or new hobbies have you all discovered or rediscovered during this time? How has it affected your daily life and mental health in your quarantine lifestyle? Do share your journey of personal growth and bright spots amidst this tumultuous period. It’s always delightful to hear stories that reinforce the resilience and the indomitable spirit of humanity.

I’m glad you brought this up! During lockdown, I’ve found solace in knitting, a hobby I picked up from my grandmother but hadn’t had the time or inclination to pursue in years. It’s been a wonderful reminder of the joys of slow, deliberate creation, and surprisingly meditative as well. As a bonus, it keeps my hands busy during zoom meetings! I’ve also used my creations as heartfelt, homemade gifts for loved ones, which feels like a small act of connection in a disconnected world. So, in a way, picking up this old hobby has helped me manage stress during these uncertain times.

It’s impressive how knitting has helped you reconnect with a part of yourself during the lockdown. The act of creating something with your hands is indeed a meditative process and it’s great that you’ve found it to be a stress buster. Thanks for sharing this, as it serves as an inspiration to all of us to take another look at some of our old hobbies. Maybe, like you, we will find comfort and solace in them during these challenging times. It could also be fun to even learn new crafts; after all, these can become lifelong skills.

I completely agree with the sentiments expressed here. Revisiting an old hobby or delving into a new one can often provide a great relief from the day-to-day stresses of life, especially during challenging times like this. The process of creating, be it knitting, painting, baking or any other craft, can indeed be incredibly therapeutic. It could even serve as a refreshing break from our digital screens. In fact, this conversation has inspired me to dust off my old sketchbooks and reignite my passion for drawing. Let’s all motivate each other to revisit and share our crafts, our stress-busters!

That’s fantastic! Creativity is indeed a fantastic way to relieve stress. I also recommend setting aside specific time for your hobby. It’s so easy to get lost in our daily responsibilities and forget to take time for ourselves. Seeing your enthusiasm has also inspired me to revisit my love for gardening. It’s definitely a productive way to disconnect from the digital world and spend time outdoors. It might be interesting if we started sharing our creations; it could provide further inspiration and create a sense of community.

techbloke My partner is really in to embroidery and the like - really peaceful yet mindful activity that helps her recharge!