LYNN — The extra time spent at home with limited social interactions over the last year has led some people to experiment with new hobbies.
The need to pass time in ways that don’t include TikTok and binge-watching Netflix have brought on unique activities people say they wouldn’t have had time to do if it wasn’t for the global COVID-19 pandemic.
On a Facebook post asking people what their new hobbies have been, some responded by saying they’ve started learning new languages, including Dutch and Portuguese, while others have turned to cooking and drinking.
Reading, wood burning, piano and painting were also common themes of hobbies seen throughout social media platforms. These creative hobbies have allowed some people to find peace of mind during what has been an unprecedented and tough year.
According to a survey by The Healthy Work Company, a workplace mental health consultancy, 22 percent of respondents had taken up a new hobby in lockdown, while 35 percent had rediscovered an old one.
The survey also found that 41 percent of those who took up a new hobby reported a positive impact on their mental health, compared to 30 percent for those focusing on old hobbies.
Montana Galvan of the North Shore said she started building model boats during the pandemic.
“I’m used to such a fast-paced environment and I needed something I could put laser focus into,” she said. “I can work on a boat for hours and it’s so detailed, it requires all my focus and before I know it, I’ve passed half the day.”
While some people practiced new recipes and explored YouTube workouts, others have turned to knitting, embroidery and crocheting.
Rosalyn Brianna and Kendra Jamilette, both of the Greater Boston area, said they spent some time sewing while quarantined.
“I relearned how to sew on a sewing machine and made masks galore,” Brianna said.
She also mentioned the increase in free time allowed her to get back into spiritual and witch practices, which led her to become a certified Reiki practitioner.
The urge for outdoor activities accompanied the pandemic, encouraging some to turn to gardening. Good Morning America and the Today Show hosted multiple segments on how to incorporate gardening into one’s life throughout the pandemic.
“Victory gardens,” which were created during World War I and II in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Germany, grew in popularity last summer.
ABC News did a segment on “victory gardens” and said “backyard gardeners are coming together, mostly virtually, to learn and share stories on how to grow vegetables, fruits and flowers as the novel coronavirus raises fears about disruptions in food supplies and the cost of food in a down economy.”
Gabrielle Dindinger, of the North Shore area, said she picked up gardening during the pandemic.
“I had my tiny city lawn sodded and I planted hydrangeas,” she said. “I amassed a large collection of orchids that are constantly re-blooming, hibiscus and other plant babies, which I harbored inside with me throughout the winter, but are patiently awaiting their return to my patio.”
She said she ordered new plants last week to continue planting in her yard this summer.
Art has become somewhat of a stress reliever to many as well. Adult coloring books grew in popularity over the past few years, but USA Today said suppliers in the industry saw an uptick in interest for their products since the pandemic started.
Emily Bucklin of Lynn said she began an Etsy shop and an Instagram page to share her art.
“I started making greeting cards, customized portraits and digital wall prints,” she said. “I bought an iPad last May and have been making and selling art since,” she said.
Dr. Daisy Fancourt, associate professor of psychobiology and epidemiology at University College London, told Positive.News that taking up a hobby or improving a new skill can have positive effects on mental health.
“Creative hobbies and learning new skills can help by distracting people from their worries. It can help them come to terms with or reappraise things and get a new perspective; plus it can really boost confidence and self-esteem,” she said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages people to take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media, and to spend some time doing an activity that helps you unwind.
“Try to do some other activities you enjoy,” the CDC advised.
Allysha Dunnigan can be reached at [email protected].
