Out with the old, in with the new! As the year comes to a close, it presents the perfect opportunity to shake things up a little. For many people, this might mean trying to get in better shape or even searching for a new career direction. But something as simple as finding a new hobby that you’re passionate about can be the perfect way to get the ball rolling and start making positive changes in your life.
Sadly, some people will try out a few new hobbies and find that nothing sticks, and end up giving up on finding their new passion. Sometimes it helps to think outside of the box, and perhaps go for a more obscure hobby that you may not have even heard of before! Here’s a quick guide to some more unusual pastimes you may have yet to encounter.
1. Soap carving
Carving is a popular artistic pastime for many and has been for centuries. Although we usually associate carving with materials like marble or wood, there is in fact growing popularity among crafty enthusiasts who prefer to carve bars of soap! This makes for a cheap and accessible alternative to wood carving or sculpture, as these often require specialised materials.
2. Spinning yarn
Spinning yarn is a three-step process that sees makers take strands of fibre and spin them into usable fabric or threads. Yarn is something that most people will encounter once it’s already been created, but making it from scratch opens up the possibility to create your own colours and patterns of yarn and use it for all manner of projects - from artworks to woolly sweaters!
3. Birdwatching
Birdwatching is one of the easiest and least expensive hobbies anyone looking for a new passion can explore. Simply grab a pair of binoculars and head out to the nearest wooded space, and you’ll be amazed how many varieties of birds you will encounter. Plus, birdwatching makes for a great excuse to get some fresh air and enjoy the beauty of nature!
4. Disc golf
Disc golf, also known as frisbee golf, is a fun take on traditional golf that sees players use frisbees as opposed to a ball and clubs. While it might sound lighthearted, it’s a legitimate sport that has a huge following around the world and a multitude of international competitions.
5. Circus arts
If you’ve ever been to a circus, then you already have a good idea of exactly what is meant by circus arts. Many people now join clubs or go to special circus schools to learn impressive skills such as acrobatics, juggling, and fire breathing!
6. Chess boxing
Chess boxing is a surprising pastime that combines the very best of brains and brawn! This hybrid sort is exactly what it sounds like, and combines the game of chess with the sport of boxing. Players compete by playing alternating rounds of chess and boxing until one ultimately wins either through a checkmate or a knockout.
7. Zorbing
Zorbing is a relatively new hobby that consists of climbing inside a giant inflatable bubble and rolling around! It’s as fun as it is simple, and a growing number of people now enjoy going out with their friends to hilly areas and engaging in zorb racing.
8. Stargazing
Stargazing is perhaps the oldest of humanity’s hobbies, and to this day remains a popular choice for people who are fascinated by the world around them. Stargazing is truly a hobby for everyone, as it can be done in solitude or enjoyed with friends!
9. Building miniatures
Building miniatures of any kind - whether it be cars, airplanes, or buildings - is a crafty skill that requires patience and focus. It can be highly therapeutic to simply switch off and focus in on perfecting the tiny details of a miniature model.
10. Terrarium
A terrarium is pretty much exactly like an aquarium, except made of earth. Building a terrarium means creating a miniature ecosystem in which all manner of plants and small creatures can thrive. Terrariums are a great way to combine a calming hobby with learning about nature.
11. Cosplaying
Cosplaying has become an incredibly popular pastime over the past couple of decades. It essentially consists of dressing up either as a character you yourself have invented, or borrowed from a piece of media. There are massive communities of cosplayers around the world who put an incredible amount of dedication into creating intricate costumes and showing them off either at home or at one of the thousands of cosplaying conventions that are held all around the world.
12. Collecting
Collecting is a classic pastime, although the sheer range of things that people choose to collect can sometimes come as a surprise! People have been known to collect everything from stamps, trading cards, and coins to milk bottles, police badges, and hotel “do not disturb” signs!
13. Geocaching
Geocaching is a relatively new pastime that has taken its growing community of enthusiasts by storm. It takes place outdoors and consists of using GPS technology to place hidden treasures in special containers all around the world. Using a series of clues, participants are able to track down the treasures, and can leave ones for other players to find!
Any one of these unique and exciting hobbies makes for a great way to spice up your new year and add a bit of something new and unexplored to life!
