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7 Hobbies You Can Learn Online!

Roy George
Feb 25, 2019
3 min read

You’re already online. Have you thought about what you’re going to do when you’re done reading this article? You could read the news, look at some cat memes, or watch music videos on YouTube. But you’ve been there and done that so many times before that it’s getting a bit old. It’s time for something refreshing. The internet is a treasure trove if you’re looking to expand your mind and learn new skills that’ll enrich your life and banish boredom. Besides, hobbies have some surprising mental health benefitsand can helpwith addiction recovery. You can even invite your friends over to join in the fun. Here are some ideas.

Playing an Instrument

The internet is a great resource for learning to play a new instrument, whether you want to learn via videos, downloadable instructions, or with a one-on-one instructor. You can find lessons for free on sites like YouTube, or you can sign up for services like Lessonface, which connect you with an instructor in real time. It’s never been easier to become a rockstar from the comforts of home!

Dancing

Place your laptop so everyone can see as you take your first tentative steps to the waltz, cha cha or merengue. Dancingputs your mind and body to work in an activity that’s as therapeutic as it is fun, which is ideal for seniors looking to keep their edge as well as those recovering from addiction.

Cooking

Everyone should know how to do this, as it’s a basic life skill. Besides, it will help you stay healthy because you can control what goes in your food, unlike when you’re eating out. Perhaps the best part is controlling the tasteand preparing a meal exactly the way you want while having a little fun slicing, dicing, steaming, and baking. Be careful, though. If you’re going to bring the laptop into the kitchen, don’t spill anything on it.

Drawing

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to add a little doodle to your Christmas cards before sending them out? That’s another thing you can learn quickly and easily with the help of video instructionat Drawspace that guides you through sketches line by line, helping you create realistic portraits, landscapes, or even comic strips. Besides having something to show your friends, you’ll hone your abilities to visualize the world around you while developing valuable hand-eye coordination.

Yoga

This ancient Indian practice has taken the world by storm thanks to the wonders it can do for your health, from strengthening your core to relieving stress after a hard day at work. In fact, one writer at DoYogaWithMe recountshow he was unable to live a fulfilling life due to crippling anxiety until he discovered yoga in his late 30s. Spend a few minutes at that site, and you’ll find videos for beginners so you can get started in your first poses and breathing exercises.

Knitting

Hats, gloves, and scarves -- you’ll need them all before winter comes, and in a variety of colors if you have any sense of style. They also make great gifts, which is just one more reason to take up knitting, an age-old pastimethat’s made a comeback in recent years. Working on a knitting project gives you a sense of accomplishment while offering the same peace and tranquility as meditation by focusing your mind on the action of your hands in rhythmic and repetitive motions.

Creative Writing

If you’re not a strong writer but have always wanted to create stories, don’t give up; just get a few pointers on how to do it right. If you’re willing to make a payment, you can get guided instructionfrom famous authors like James Patterson and R.L. Stine. You’ll be brimming with satisfaction at the completion of your first short story.

Pick one of these activities or find something else that piques your interest, and get started. Life’s too short to spend wondering what you could be doing with your spare time.

Image via Pixabay.