Back in 2020, I wrote a post about quarantine hobbies that had kept me sane. You can read on that post here. This post will be a tribute to the winter hobbies that have kept me going.
After the holidays and the long, long month of January, I thought that maybe we were over the coldest days of the winter. But then I remembered that February is usually the most brutal month for the weather. The short and cold days can be rough so I wanted to note all the things that have been filling my cup lately, somewhat for myself, but also for anyone reading looking for something to try.
1. Puzzles
I recently rediscovered the joy that puzzles can bring. The feeling of reward from accomplishing a puzzle can trigger the release of dopamine, and the focus and attention you give while working on a puzzle can release serotonin. Talk about feel-good chemicals to combat seasonal affective disorder. Working on a puzzle has been a great indoor activity while it’s cold outside. Some recent favorites of mine are linked here:
1000-piece puzzles:
300-500-piece puzzles:
In general, RoseArt and Ravensburger have a lot of different puzzle options!
2. Painting
This has been another activity that I can focus on and just zone out on. Something about using different colors and watching the paint fill the canvas is super relaxing. As someone who does not paint very often, I have found that paint-by-numbers kits are helpful to start. Some good beginner kits can be found here:
3. Exercising
In general, I need a lot of variety in my workouts. I mix things between following YouTube videos at home, solidcore classes, yoga, and dance. In addition to feeling stronger, the mental energy required to follow moves or steps and replicate them, especially in dancing, has also been helpful. I also recently tried a boxing class and loved it. There was something very therapeutic about punching a bag.
These are all hobbies that have helped me find joy in the cold winter days lately. What have been some of your favorite hobbies that you are enjoying?
Life of an Aloo 