Every year there always seems to be different hobbies that are trending, which people turn to for entertainment. The year 2024 is obviously a unique and strange year due to COVID-19, which has led many people to pick up new hobbies and find new ways to spend their time. There are all kinds of trending hobbies that have emerged this year, and this should give you a few ideas for new hobbies you could have a go at yourself. Hobbies can be a great way to spend free time and can improve your mental health, so they are particularly useful for difficult times like these. Keep reading to discover the main trending hobbies in 2024.
1. Meditation
Meditation is an activity that people of all ages have been turning to during the pandemic, and for good reason. In such a stressful time, meditation can help people to feel much calmer in their life both in the short and long term. It can take a while to get the hang of, but meditation can bring many benefits to your life, and it is an activity that you can easily do at home and in just 5 or 10 minutes.
2. Jogging
Due to COVID-19 and restrictions, many people have had to change their exercise habits, and a high percentage of people have turned to jogging. This is a fantastic form of exercise that can improve your mental health and allows you to enjoy spending time outside. It can be tough to start with, but jogging is hugely rewarding once you start to progress and feel yourself getting fitter.
3. Knitting
People have been spending much more time at home than normal during the pandemic, so many have been looking for enjoyable hobbies that they can do in the home. Knitting has proven to be popular with both men and women and can be a fun and satisfying activity that can easily be done while relaxing on the sofa and watching television. You can also make things for yourself or other people, such as scarves, blankets, and hats.
4. Chess
Popularity in chess has skyrocketed in recent times, both due to people spending more time at home along with the remarkably successful TV series The Queens Gambit. Chess is the ultimate game when it comes to strategy, so it can be interesting to learn and good fun once you know how to play to a decent standard. You can also play this in-person against others, online against people all over the world, or simply against a computer (a good way to learn and practice).
5. Hunting
Many people have started hunting during the pandemic, and this is another good hobby that allows people to enjoy spending time outside, and it is both good fun and rewarding. Not only this, but hunting can also help people to feel more self-sufficient, which has been important in a time where so much of life has changed. Hunting is a fun hobby that can bring many benefits, but obviously, you must learn how to hunt safely and ethically. Check out www.ilearntohunt.com for interactive hunter education courses.
6. Gardening
People’s gardens have become even more important spaces in recent times as a safe place to spend time outside and an area where people can spend time with loved ones. Gardening can also be an active, fun, and rewarding activity that allows you to make improvements to your living space. Even those with limited outdoor spaces can bring these to life and create a space where they can enjoy relaxing in their own private bit of nature.
7. Reading
Reading is another hobby that many have turned to in recent times and can be a great way to forget about the stresses of life, especially when people spend most of their day looking at some kind of screen. Reading can bring many advantages to your life, and it is something that people of all ages and interests can enjoy because there are so many options whether you are reading romantic fiction, thriller, autobiography, non-fiction, or any other kind of book.
8. Baking
When you have to spend more time at home than normal, what better way to spend the time than baking? Baking will obviously give you tasty treats to enjoy, but it is also an activity that can be interesting and highly rewarding. You do not have to be a pro to bake amazing treats, and there are lots of great recipes online for beginners that will help you to get started even if you have never baked before.
9. Learning an Instrument
Many people have always wanted to learn a musical instrument but never really had the time, but now many people have a lot more spare time on their hands and are spending more time at home. Additionally, you can learn practically any instrument to a decent proficiency simply by teaching yourself online (and lots of practice). Learning how to play a musical instrument is one of the most rewarding things that you can do in life and should give you a much greater appreciation for all of your favorite music.
10. Painting
Having creative hobbies is always helpful in life, but particularly during stressful times such as these. There are many creative pursuits that people have been taking to over the last 18 months, but painting is perhaps the most popular. This is an artistic form that has no limitations; it can be calming and something that you can easily do at home. It can be daunting at first, but you quickly progress with practice, and there is a lot of helpful tips and advice that you can find online to start developing your skills quickly.
These are a few of the most popular hobbies that people have been turning to in 2024. Never before have hobbies been so important and helpful in life, and it is important that everyone has a hobby or two that they can enjoy in their free time to improve their mental health and overall wellbeing.
