We’ve said goodbye to 2020, but with a rocky start it's time to start thinking of the things you can do to improve your 2021. From new hobbies to activities to take you out of your comfort zone we’ve got 21 brand new things for you to try in 2021!
1. Crochet
Crochet is has been gaining popularity for the last few years with more and more people taking up the hobby. Not only is it a calming and fulfilling hobby to take up it’s also known to have many health benefits, from arthritis prevention to keeping you mentally sharp and helping relieve stress.
2. Needle felt craft
Another hobby that’s popularity has increased in recent years is needle felting. But what is it? Needle felting is a craft that involves continually stabbing a needle into a piece of wool in order to stiffen and shape it into a chosen form, usually a small animal due to the fur texture of the finished result.
3. Read a new book every month
Create a list of 12 books you’ve always wanted to read these can be classics or newer books you haven’t had the chance to read yet.
4. Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is the perfect activity for everyone no matter how crafty or creative you are. Recent times have given us more and more reasons to be grateful for the memories we have made, start scrapbooking to look back on all your wonderful memories, they also make amazing and personal gifts.
5. Cardmaking
Card making is a great activity to try out with the whole family from easy and effective cards made with children to amazing papercraft creations made by alone, a homemade card is always welcomed by the receiver.
6. Bullet journaling
Are you a lover of lists or just need to find a way to streamline your plans? Bullet journaling lets you get creative with your plans, tasks and to-do list all while fitting them within one, easy to stick to, organisational plan. Making it easy to prioritise and manage your life and goals.
7. Pyrography
You might have seen some of these amazing wood creations on your social media timelines, but how do they do it? Pyrography is the art of decorating wooden or other materials with freehand burn marks. Want to know more? Check out our Pyrography blog.
8. Hand lettering
Another hobby whose popularity has surged over the last few years is hand lettering. But don’t get confused, hand lettering is not “just calligraphy”. Rather than using basic strokes to form letters and words, each letter is carefully thought out, and created to fit an individual word, design or idea that is always unique.
9. Finish a jigsaw
Now we know lots of people picked up a new jigsaw in lockdown, but did you finish it? Why not try again, but remember, a jigsaw doesn’t need to be finished in a particular time frame. If you can, set aside an area of your home for it to live so you can keep coming back to it, if you don’t have the space pick up a mat or carry case so you can put it away and start again where you left off. For more tips on how to become a puzzling pro, check out our blog.
10. Tie-dye old clothes
Tie-dye is one of those amazing techniques which just keeps coming back, it’s easy and effective so all you need to decide is what item you’re going to tie-dye next!
11. Take up yoga or meditation
There’s no denying that we live in stressful times, so finding small ways we can combat daily stressors is essential for your physical and mental wellbeing. Find a time and technique that suits you and your life and try and implement it as often as possible.
12. Try new foods
We all get stuck in the same patterns sometimes, but more than ever we need new things to push us out of our comfort zones, why not pick up a new cookery book and discover a new dish? Who knows it might even become a new family favourite!
13. Learn a language
Don’t worry we don’t expect you to become fluent in a new language by the end of 2021 but why not take some time out of your week to focus on yourself and start to learn a language. There are many cognitive benefits to learning a new language from improved memory to enhanced concentration.
14. Learn to juggle
Now this one might sound a little silly but juggling can be a great tool for improving hand-eye coordination, reaction time, reflexes, spatial awareness and concentration, so if you’ve got some extra time on your hands why not impress your kids with your new juggling skills.
15. Bake something new
After all those years watching The Great British Bake Off and judging soggy bottoms it’s time for you to test your own baking skills. Pick up a cookery book and find your new favourite dessert!
16. Go veggie for a month
Veganuary might almost be over, but trying a new lifestyle can start at any time, whether you’re looking to pick up some healthy habits or just want to challenge yourself in the kitchen, going veggie or vegan for one month can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
17. Make up a new cocktail
Who doesn’t want to learn to make better drinks? Take a step outside your comfort zone and get creative, from mocktails to cocktails there’s a new drink out there waiting to be discovered by you!
18. Rearrange a room in your home
Rearranging a room in your home can be a very therapeutic activity. With us all spending more time at home changing your space can make it feel new and exciting again!
19. Try writing your own story or poem
Whether you decide to jot down some fun anecdotes from your life, write a short poem about your recent experiences or just create a fun bedtime story for your family. Writing has an amazing ability to transport us to a different place and time from the comfort of our homes.
20. Read the book that inspired your favourite series or film
After the hours we’ve all spent enjoying Netflix over the past year maybe it’s time to try binge reading instead. If you’re stuck for a book, why not think about the films and series you’ve enjoyed and read the books that inspired them!
21. Make a list of 10 things you are grateful for
If you only try one thing from this list, let it be this, with all the stresses and life changes we’ve gone through this year it’s never been more important to take a step back and remember what we’re thankful for. From more time spent at home, to the catch-up calls with friends. Sit back and think about 10 things you are grateful for right now. And make sure to let someone know if they or something they did made your list.
Think you might try out some of these ideas? Make sure you share your images with us on social media or, let us know some of the new things you’ll be trying this year!
