5 hobbies you should take up today

Need something to do outside of the daily routine slur? Here are five hobbies you should take up today. You could even take all of them up, but it might be best to try one and not spread yourself too thin!

1. SUPing

If you’re a fan of surfboards or water sports in general, this trendy hobby is definitely for you. SUPing or Stand Up Paddling is exactly what you think it is- standing on a surfboard-like board and paddling. You’ll not only get a great workout in, but you’ll also get to experience the peace of the nature around you. Plus, it is also great fun with friends!

Want to go SUPing and save the world? There are many initiatives out there that allow you to go SUPing and clear plastic waste from the waterways as well. Take El Kombi, based in Alkmaar, for example. This company organises “Sup it UP” activities, where you can enjoy SUPing and do your bit for the environment. Benefits for you and mother nature- sounds pretty good to us!

2. Getting your nose in a book

Yes, nowadays we are busy, busy, busy. When was the last time you took some time to read something or even listen to an audiobook that had nothing to do with your job? If this sounds like you, then taking some time out to read is just what the doctor ordered.

You don’t even have to pick up a physical book, although that is my preferred method, you could just download an audiobook. Reading is a great way to de-stress and offers your mind a chance to explore. With the rise of streaming services like Netflix and sites like YouTube, it feels like we are constantly consuming information. With books you get to imagine the characters for yourself, even if you and a friend have read the same book, you’ll probably have imagined the characters differently, whether it be how they speak or what they look like.

So, don’t let the imagination part of your brain shrink, open a book. On the plus side for work, perhaps letting your imagination run free for a little bit each day, or at least every week, could help you to come up with an innovative solution to a work-related problem? Doesn’t hurt to try, right?

3. Volunteering

This hobby is one that could not only improve your life, but the lives of others too. There is always a demand for volunteers and functions can be found across the board. You could, for example, chat with the elderly in homes, become a board member for a foundation, tutor, help with plastic clean up or even blog for certain projects which help the community.

Another great thing is that you don’t even have to speak Dutch to be able to volunteer, people from all backgrounds can do it. It’s also a great way to integrate into a community and meet people you may not necessarily come into contact with otherwise.

The easiest way to find volunteering positions is to Google search “volunteering” and then your city. Sometimes, you will be asked to fill in a kind of personality test to see what kind of volunteer work you would be best suited to. No point spending your free time doing something you don’t actually like. But really, and I can’t emphasise this enough- there are so many volunteer opportunities out there, even I was surprised, so there is definitely something for you.

4. Sharing your green fingers

Gardening. Yes, it sounds like something only grandparents do. But maybe there’s a reason they do it. It is darn therapeutic! Watching your own plants grow from a seed to flowers or fruit is extremely fulfilling. It is like raising a baby, but then in a super short space of time. And unlike a child, you then eat it or cut it and put it in a vase.

The great thing about gardening, especially when it comes to fruits or veggies, is that they taste phenomenal- nothing like the bland tomatoes you get at the supermarket, for example. Additionally, you learn how nature works and how to grow something. Not everything is the same and although you can get almost everything all year round in the supermarket, actual vegetables don’t work like that and you have to sow them at certain times of the year and pay attention to when it is time to harvest etc.

This hobby certainly has you appreciating how much work goes into producing all the things on your dinner plate. You don’t have to do it alone either; why not join a community garden and get gardening with your neighbours. This is an especially good idea if you live in a Dutch city and don’t have a garden. It’s also a great way to meet your neighbours and swap gardening tips. Oh, and one more thing- by gardening, you’ll be helping the bees- and they need some help right now…

5. Anything with crafts

Get creative and make something, whether it be a painting, scarf or an upcycled closet. There are plenty of ways to let your creative side loose, and you don’t have to make things you will never use, either. Why not paint your cabinet in funky colours, watch tutorials on YouTube and start knitting or simply jazz up your house with a fluid art piece. You could even make your own one-of-a-kind jewellery!

Getting crafty can be a great way to unwind and focus your attention on something else than the stress of everyday life. Also, the end results are usually pretty great and give you a sense of pride- you made that! Once you have gotten to grips with your crafty side, and even if you haven’t, you can use it to make things for others- handmade gifts are always the most thoughtful after all.

The best thing about crafts is that it is all about experimenting. Anything goes and nothing has to be “perfect”. You can find art supplies at various specialised shops, but also at others like Søstrene Grene and Xenos, so you don’t have to break the bank to finance your new hobby.

Which hobby will you be taking up?

So, which of these five hobbies will you be taking up? Or do you already have one of these as a hobby? Let us know in the comments below! Also, if you have a weird and wonderful hobby, please share it with us. We are very curious about what you like to spend your time doing.  

This article originally appeared on IamExpat in Germany