Now that the new year is well underway, many people find themselves casting around for a new activity to put their energy into. The flurry of new year’s resolutions for fad diets and intense exercise regimes has faded away, leaving people at a bit of a loose end outside of work and socialising. Self-improvement is something that can be and should be thought about all year round, but there should also be plenty of time for fun, creativity and relaxation. Luckily, the internet exists. This enormous resource gives people across the globe access to hobbies and activities that hit several, if not all of, the aims outlined above.
Just think – following a yoga class on YouTube is fun, relaxing and gives your body a gentle workout. It also teaches you a new skill, keeps you entertained and gives you a sense of connection to a wider group of people. Who’d have thought all those benefits were contained in one half hour living room yoga session?
With this in mind, read on for more suggestions about how to get your new hobby fix via the internet in 2021.
Social Media and Blogging
Although social media sometimes gets a bad rap these days, it can actually be a great hobby when approached with the right mindset. Whether you use a pure social media platform like Instagram or Twitter.com, or return to the default long-form blog format, there is a rich seam of creativity, connection, and mental stimulation available. A couple of good places to start with are: an existing interest of yours, like photography, food or crafting; your life in general, including relationships, daily life and travel; or even your work, whether you’re switching careers or are an experienced employee.
Re/Selling
For more entrepreneurially minded folk, the internet can be a lucrative place to set up a side hustle or simply sell for fun. Platforms like Depop, Shpock, Vinted and Ebay have all proven their worth as legitimate, trustworthy and easy ways to resell unwanted items like clothing and furniture, as well as sell new or hand-crafted goods. Whether you’re an eager knitter who has run out of family members to gift your hats and scarves to, or a fashionista running out of space in your wardrobe, re/selling online is the perfect way to free up space and make a bit of extra cash. It can also teach you the rudimentary skills needed to run a business, including how to deliver good customer service, how to price items correctly and how best to use deals and special offers.
Gaming
If you’re after pure diversion and relaxation, then online gaming is a great way to achieve that goal. However, it can also stimulate your brain, teach you new cerebral skills, and connect you with fellow gaming enthusiasts worldwide. But where to start? Well, for those who love traditional table games, platforms like casinos.co.za are a good place to start. Providing an expert guide to the very best online casinos in your area, they assist you in making the correct decision about which one is right for you. They research everything from the biggest casino bonuses to the best banking methods, so that you can simply enjoy the games with minimum hassle and no time wasted. Alternatively, checking out the Google Play Store and Apple App Store will lead you to a different subset of games altogether, including breakaway hits like Fortnite, Pokémon Go and Call of Duty: Mobile. The choices are practically limitless, so it’s really up to you to follow where your interests lie and have fun doing so.
Learning and Education
If you prefer to feel like you are demonstrably learning a new skill with your latest hobby, then there are literally hundreds of different educational platforms available online. Many are free or have free versions, meaning that you don’t even need to invest a lot of money to focus on self-improvement. The time, energy and enthusiasm, however, still need to come from you. Websites such as Skillshare and FutureLearn host different courses put together by qualified teachers, researchers and experienced practitioners that you can work through at your own pace. If you’re after something a bit quicker that will fit into a five minute break or twenty minute commute, then language learning apps like DuoLingo or Memrise are effective and accessible. So, what are you waiting for? The world’s your oyster!