AD| With the summer holidays just around the corner, many parents are looking for ways to keep their children (and themselves) busy over the break. Why not use it as an opportunity to take up a new hobby? Pursuing hobbies is important because it allows us to relax and do something we love, while also develop our skills and knowledge. There are obviously lots of options, such as sport or music lessons, but I have teamed up with a private school in Hertfordshire to share some more unique ideas of hobbies you could consider, either for yourself or for your child.
1. Swimming
Not only is swimming fun for adults and children alike, it’s also an opportunity to keep fit and make friends. In fact, it provides an all over body workout, because all of your muscles are used, and your cardiovascular fitness is improved without putting too much stress on your body. What’s more, your posture, balance, and flexibility are all improved. Just be sure to warm up your muscles before you start. In addition to the physical fitness benefits of swimming, it’s also great for your mental health because it can alleviate stress and help you relax. It may even be an opportunity for you/your children to make new friends.
2. Coding
In a world where technology is rapidly expanding, coding is a fantastic skill for both children and adults to develop. Who knows, it may even lead to some fantastic career options.
3. Photography
Photography is a fantastic hobby because it allows you to find the beauty all around you, no matter how small. This will help you see things in a different light, which can be massively therapeutic and help reduce stress. Taking photos can help you preserve your memories and allows you to explore your creative side. You could even take it one step further and start scrapbooking with the photos you have taken.
4. Astronomy
This is a great hobby for those interested in space, no matter their age, and all you really need is a decent telescope. It’s a fascinating pastime that can help you get to know the night’s sky. Many amateurs have even contributed to important research, but many people like to draw or paint what they have seen at the telescope or take some fantastic photos.
5. Gardening
If you’re looking for a hobby that allows you to get some fresh air, exercise and much needed vitamin D after what seems like an eternity in lockdown, gardening might be a good option. It’s very rewarding because once you take a step back to admire your work, you’ll more than likely be thrilled with the results and have a beautiful space for the family to hang out during the warmer months. It’s also something you can all do together. Head to a garden centre and have a chat with the staff there to get some information on which kinds of flowers and shrubs you should plant at this time of year, or perhaps stick to vegetables as a starting point. If you have no idea what you’re doing, there are plenty of books and online resources that can give you relevant information.
What are your current favourite hobbies? Are there any hobbies you would like to start taking part in?
