Hobbies to Sustain You Through Winter

In the blink of an eye, the warm afternoons of late summer/early fall are drawing to a close and there is a distinct chill in the morning air.  The days of gardening, cycling, kayaking, or outdoor swimming are nearly over and once the leaves are raked, more of our time will be spent indoors.  This is why now is the perfect time to start thinking about what hobbies will carry you through another round of social distancing under the current COVID-19 restrictions. 

In order to stay fit through the winter months while enjoying the benefits of spending time outdoors in nature (and off screens), more people are thinking of winter sports the don’t require travel.  According to a recent CBC Canada News reports, already retailers are seeing a spike in interest from novices planning on taking up cross country skiing and snowshoeing.  If snow isn’t plentiful in your neck of the woods, nordic walking poles might be a good investment this autumn.  

In addition to winter sports gear flying off the shelves early, small group and online art classes are filling up within hours for the fall and winter sessions.  Always wanted to learn to make jewelry, stained glass, or play guitar?  Now is the time to get signed up for a local or online course; and don’t delay, as soon and the snow flies, the classes may already be filled. 

Many people are also returning to the hobbies they left behind when life became too busy.  But it’s never too late in life to revisit a pastime you once enjoyed.  Have the piano tuned and start playing again, learn to knit, or take a refresher photography master class.  Maybe you begin painting again or practice yoga or Tai-Chi at home.  When we all start having family and friend Zoom calls again, you will have something to share with others.

Cooking will likely play an important role in our daily lives again as outdoor seating at restaurants no longer is an option.  Try cooking in large batches over the weekend or commit to a new recipe each week to keep you motivated.  In all things, choose activities that nourish the mind and the body to help keep stress at bay and promote better overall well-being.