The New Year is a time for fresh starts, goal setting, and thinking about ways we can get more from life. For some, the focus is on physical fitness, reaching savings goals or eating healthier. If it is important to you to maintain or improve your independence this year, embracing a hobby is a great place to start.
Here’s how each can contribute to your sense if independence and fulfilment:
- Create: Undertaking creative hobbies like painting, gardening, knitting or writing can stimulate you mentally and provide a satisfying creative outlet. They may encourage you to express yourself creatively and discover hidden talents you were not aware of.
- Consume: Becoming acquainted with and having an appreciation for something someone else has created, such as artwork, music, listening to podcasts or reading can spark a new interest. This could develop into a new hobby or turn into a passion of your own!
- Cavort: Any hobby or activity that motivates you to be outside, move your body, enjoy the surrounding nature and your outdoor environment can improve your mood and wellbeing. This could be as active as beginners water movement class, or as light as a twice weekly short walk to the end of the street, greeting your neighbours as you go.
- Commune: Social hobbies and classes bring people together and create connection. Consider joining a group through your local U3A (University of the Third Age) or finding an educational, cultural or recreational offering through your local community centre. These hobbies can build relationships and foster a sense of belonging.
Whatever the “C” you decide to embrace, it can add purpose, help with new connections and enhance your wellbeing. With a fresh hobby in your routine, 2025 could bring a new level of independence and happiness.
Thinking about hobbies?
Many Prestige clients have hobbies that connect and stimulate them.
Janet is learning to play the piano and receives lesson via Zoom from her sons’ friend in America! This brings her great enjoyment, and it keeps her mind active. Mark loves completing the crossword puzzles. His hobby keeps his mind stimulated, and it helps him relax.
To explore ideas and hobbies that might suit you in your area, ask your carer to help you research local options online. They could even accompany you as part of their support service to you.