Dip Your Toe into a Creative Hobby to Get You Through the Gloom

Have you been feeling a little gloomy lately? It’s not just in your mind. The UK has been suffering from an anti-cyclonic gloom where during the first 10 days of November, England saw an average of just 1.7 hours of sunshine. So of course you’re looking for something to unwind and de-stress yourself while you try unpack your winter wardrobe and sink into the knitted cardigans.

Have you considered trying a new hobby? It could be just what you need. Creative hobbies are a great way to express and distract yourself, relax, and even make new friends. Here are five new creative hobbies to consider this cosy season.

1. Painting

Painting, it can be meditative and relaxing or it can be frustrating and painstaking. Regardless of which route you go down it will refocus your mind and you might end up with a masterpiece. Or a lovely decoration.
Take the relaxing route and grab some watercolours and a brush to create abstract pieces or reflective landscapes.

We like Watercolour for relaxation: 25 Meditative Projects to Help You Unwind a book that’s bound to inspire your next sketchbook.

2. Knitting or Crocheting

If you think knitting and crochet are for Grandmothers, you might be right. But they’re also surging in popularity with younger people again as we embrace a slow fashion revolution. It’s not just clothes that can be made either. Anything from home decor, to bags, hats and blankets can be created with just yarn and needles and hooks. If you’re even more adventurous then try sweet amigurumi as a challenge. Whatever project you’re looking for, our first port of call is free tutorials on YouTube or free patterns on Ravelry.

3. Photography

Whether you have a camera or you just want to use your smartphone, photography encourages you stop in your busy life and look at the beauty in everyday moments. If you want to step up your phone photography skills, there are even free courses you can take to help you. This smartphone photography course from Alison.com is even CPD accredited. I’m not sure that’s completely necessary for a cosy photoshoot of our hot chocolate but it looks so inspiring.

4. Cooking or Baking

Fill your abode with the beautiful scent of freshly baked bread. Or even better, of delicious cake. There’s nothing more cosy than food and warmth and baking will bring you both, with a little bit of work. Fortunately, there’s an online course for practically everything and baking is no exception. Brush up on your baking fundamentals on Cursa to make sure your loafs always rise and you never get a soggy bottom. Then make a cuppa and settle down to eat your hard work in front of The Great British Bake-Off.

Experiment with new recipes and discover the joy of making delicious meals. Try plant-based recipes to bring a sustainable angle to your cooking.

5. Writing

The art of writing is not past it’s heyday yet, and with the rise of AI, it’s going to be more important than ever to distinguish real writing from generated “writing”. Whether you’re staring a blog, journaling or writing a book, writing is an important form of human self expression that will never go away. Join a writing club or take part in some writing challenges. If you don’t feel ready to write your magnum opus just yet, maybe try the Tim Clare 100 day writing challenge podcast for a 10 minute challenge a day, with no homework. Sign me up!

Whatever cosy creative hobby you choose, remember that it’s ok, and in fact healthy to take time for yourself. Creative hobbies can be fun, and wether it’s to distract, entertain, a creative hobby can improve our moods and contribute to our sense of fulfilment.