Over the last two years, there has been a lot of uncertainty. Everyone is spending more time at home. People have been out of work or working from home. There are less things to do and less people to connect with. Inspiration has been low. Motivation has been low. It’s only natural. When there isn’t external stimuli, there is nothing to become inspired by. Inspiration comes from within, but it can be provoked. Are you feeling uninspired? You are not alone. When you’re not feeling the inspiration you used to, here are five hobbies to help you feel excited about life and what you are doing.
Cooking
We’ve all been spending less time out at restaurants. While your favorite places to eat are probably back open, if this time shows us one thing it’s that it is a great idea to learn how to cook for yourself. Beyond self-reliance, cooking is a wonderful way to find inspiration you didn’t know existed. It is a ritual. You will begin to think differently about recipes and techniques, and this mindset will find its way into other parts of your life. Cooking your food isn’t just good for your body, it’s good for your mind. You’ll feel better about yourself and the food you eat will be healthier.
Playing an Instrument
Another hobby that will inspire you is learning how to play an instrument. Pick an instrument you’ve always liked the sound of or wanted to learn. It can be anything. Of course the most popular instrument to learn is the guitar. You just need an acoustic guitar and acoustic guitar picks to get started. You don’t have to learn only acoustic songs, but when you are a beginner you might not want to buy an amplifier, cables, and other accessories. Whatever you choose to learn, playing an instrument is quite inspiring and motivating. It will provide the joy and self-esteem necessary to keep moving forward in your life.
Yoga
While you might not think of yoga as a hobby, it certainly can be. It is exercise, but it is also a spiritual practice. You can make yourself happier and more content by doing yoga. You will free great. Your mind will clear. It will be open for other ideas. Clearing your mind is a great way to find new inspiration. It’s curious how your thoughts change after adequate exercise and spiritual practice. The ideas will be fresh and inspiring. You don’t have to join a class, but doing so is a great way to stay dedicated to yoga and learn how to do it more effectively.
Visual Art
A lot of people don’t try a visual art medium because they are afraid to fail. What these people are missing is that’s what art is all about. It should be your own practice, a way to fulfill yourself that exists outside of the conventions of the world. When you take the time to express yourself this way, you will feel more content in your daily life. It doesn’t matter if you are “good” or not. What matters most is that you do it for yourself and try to improve little-by-little. Depending on the medium, you can take a class, look online, or simply dive right in.
Hiking
Like yoga, hiking may seem like exercise, but it is an inspirational activity that anyone can do. Clear your mind and find new ways of thinking as you trek through the wilderness on a trail. There is nothing like hiking. It is an activity unlike any other. By the end of a long hike, you begin to think about life differently. If you haven’t tried hiking in earnest, this inspirational hobby is good for you and one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself.
If you are having trouble finding inspiration for your life and vocation, try picking up a hobby that will get you thinking in new ways. You’ll feel the difference. When you change the things you do, your mind will always change. Inspiration is in your head, but you can conjure it very well with external factors. Whatever it is, find a hobby that inspires you!
Ryan Beitler is a writer, musician, and traveler. Follow him on Twitter @ryan_beitler