These 5 Hobbies Will Make You More Interesting
If you’re burnt out on life and can’t seem to find joy in your daily routine, it’s time to break it. Keep reading for five skills and hobbies you can learn alone or with friends that will spice up your life and become awesome icebreakers when you meet new people.
1. Travel
You might not think of travel as a skill, but traveling well is. Learning how to get out of the commercial mindset when it comes to travel takes practice. Nonprofit organizations, such as One World Center, even offer programs that teach how to travel, specifically for those interested in global sustainability. Consider taking a class to become a travel agent, which will help you discover tips and tricks on how to move about the country – and world – on a budget.
2. Photography
Photography is a skill that people of all ages can learn. But it’s not as simple as point and shoot. Capturing a moment is not just about taking photographs of people or objects, but providing an immortal reminder of a specific mood or feeling. Photographs that display a balance of proper lighting, color contrast, and composition can evoke emotion. Furthermore, learning photography can help you document your own journey through life. If you want to expand upon your creativity, you can also use photography as a gateway to learn graphic design.
To get started on a hobby in photography, there’s no reason to run out to purchase a digital camera because some of the newer smartphone models allow you to capture high-quality photos. The iPhone 11 Pro Max, for example, has introduced a triple-camera system which allows for ultra-wide photos. While the Google Pixel 3 has Super Rez Zoom, which enables the user to catch more details when zooming in on a shot.
3. Music
Contrary to popular belief, singing and playing musical instruments is not an activity reserved for those born with a golden voice or magic fingers. With a little practice and guidance, anyone can learn to play, especially with the widespread availability of online music less. While the guitar and piano may be two of the most popular instruments, consider playing the off the beaten path by learning the flute, cello, or tuba. You don’t have to take in-person lessons because there are plenty of apps available that can help you learn.
An added benefit of learning to play an instrument is that it can amp up your social life and open up more opportunities to meet other interesting people. Select your instrument based on your budget and physical abilities as the larger they get the more difficult they are to handle for long periods of time.
4. Genealogy
Do you really know where you come from? Online genealogy courses can help you dig deeper into your personal history. It will open the doors to learning about the people who have contributed to making you and the lives they’ve lived. You might, for instance, find that you are related to a Revolutionary war hero, president, or your next-door neighbor.
5. Education
Your college diploma does not have to be the end of your education. The advent of the Internet has made it possible to learn about literally anything with a Google search and push of a button. Many major universities, including Harvard, offer free online classes on everything from cell biology and cooking science to justice and applied calculus. If you’d rather make it a social event, contact your local arts society to find out if they offer programs for private groups.
Keep in mind that this tiny list is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. If nothing here grabs your attention, hope is not lost. There is literally an endless array of possibilities waiting just beyond your comfort zone.
Image via Pixabay