When the government announced the continuation of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), many of us felt disappointed. The possibility of returning to our normal lifestyles seemed further away. In times like these, having a personal hobby is an excellent way to distract yourself from reality and maintain a source of comfort and stability.
Journaling
Photo by Cathryn Lavery
Journaling is one of the most effective ways to stay grounded during the pandemic. As online classes and assignments come with their own set of worries and stresses, it is easy to feel anxious and overwhelmed. According to PsychCentral, journaling can help you sort out your thoughts and feelings, especially now that it’s hard to make sense of the world around us. You can use your journal to keep track of how you are coping with the pandemic as well as set goals in your personal and academic life.
Writing down your ideas and emotions can also help you understand yourself better. Many people are not used to spending this much time alone, and this can lead to having harmful thoughts and a sense of isolation. To improve your mindset, journaling can help you get in touch with your inner self as you reflect upon your feelings and experiences. Becoming more self-aware lets you realise the changes you need to make in life to become the best version of yourself.
You should try writing in your journal everyday 𑁋it can be about any random thoughts in your head or specific topics that you want to explore. Besides that, you can express your creative side by decorating your journal pages with stickers and fun drawings.
2. Online Thrifting
Photo by Campaign Creators
Recently, thrifting has grown in popularity among the youth as an alternative way of shopping. According to Goodwill, thrifting is buying gently-used items (usually clothing) at a discounted price. While we are stuck in our homes, there are still various online platforms for you to satisfy your fashion needs.
In online marketplaces such as Depop and Carousell, many vendors sell various preloved clothes at a discount. Some sellers also curate their own collection of products which are bought from other larger thrift stores. If you are lucky, you can even find some pieces from brands like Adidas, Champion and Tommy Hilfiger at a bargain price! You can also start your own online shop to clean out your closet while generating some side income.
Apart from that, you can use this time to develop your own fashion style. This is a great opportunity for you to experiment with different outfits and aesthetics as you won’t have to worry about other people seeing you. Pinterest is a good platform for you to seek out inspiration and useful fashion tips.
Although online thrifting is generally more affordable, it may not be suitable for people who are trying to save money whenever they can. Nonetheless, thrifting is a more sustainable way of shopping as it reduces wastage and your carbon footprint.
3. Starting a Herb Garden
Photo by Bonnie Kittle
Starting your own herb garden is much easier than it seems. Firstly, you can buy some fresh herbs such as mint, basil and thyme from your local supermarket and then place their ends in water. When they have taken root, you can plant the cuttings in small pots by a window. Do remember to water your herbs when the soil gets dry and fertilise them occasionally. When the plants have grown big enough, feel free to pick off some sprigs to use in your cooking or other purposes.
Having an indoor garden greatly enhances the interior environment of your home. It brings in a natural element and makes your space feel fresh and lively while some plants can also purify the air and deter insects. Of course, you will always have a source of various fresh herbs which you can use to spice up your meals and try out different recipes. According to an article on Alive, besides cooking, you can also make herbal tea, ointment and natural remedies.
Maintaining your own herb garden gives you a unique sense of joy and accomplishment. This lets you see your hard work and patience manifest through the growth of your plants. Caring for your garden can help you relieve stress while learning to be more responsible. However, gardening does require some care and patience so you should be prepared to dedicate time and effort to your plants.
Although I have only listed three hobbies in this article, there are many more interesting activities out there that you might resonate with more. Hobbies can bring in small amounts of happiness into your life which can do wonders for your overall mood and wellbeing. Why not make the best out of this situation and learn new skills for your self-development?
By Jordan Lam