As the cold winter months draw closer, it's
a great time to develop a new hobby. Whether you want to get outside and brave the fresh air or snuggle down in the warmth of a blanket, winter is a great time to discover new interests and spend time doing the things you love. From solo activities to new hobbies with partners and friends, let's take a look at some fun activities you can enjoy over the coming months. Winter is a great season to go within, to take a step back and think about your own life. While a hard work ethic is admirable, sometimes you need to spend valuable time doing exactly what you want. Indoor activities are popular during winter for obvious reasons, especially if you live in a cold and rainy location. Cooking is the perfect cold weather hobby, with the food you create helping to fill your home and warm your body.
If you want to spend more time in the kitchen, it's normally a good idea to pick a particular cuisine or focus on a specific style of cooking. Learning to cook dishes from one country or region is a great way to learn more about the world. In the current global climate of social isolation and closed international borders, it's never been more important to step outside your comfort zone. There are hundreds of YouTube channels dedicated to particular cuisines and cooking techniques, so it's easy to get started.
If you want to nourish your spirit as well as feed your family, winter can be a great time to discover the gentle art of brewing, winemaking, or distillation. While it's always important to drink responsibly, learning to create your own alcohol from scratch can be incredibly rewarding. From small home brewing kits in the garage to micro gin stills and fresh wine, learning about yeast and the wonders of fermentation will help you get through the darkest of winters.
If you want a new creative interest this winter, there are plenty of options on the craft table. From artistic pursuits like painting and drawing to hands-on activities such as jewellery making, winter is a great time to make the kitchen table more colourful, messy, and full of joy. If you want the kids to share the fun, you could start a scrapbooking project, learn how to make cards, or write and illustrate a story together for something truly memorable.
If you want to stretch your brain over winter, the internet is a great place to start. It's never been easier to study for free, with lots of amazing short courses available from leading educational institutions. Websites like Coursera, Skillshare, and Udemy offer lots of great courses, with free and paid content both widely available. If you're looking for less formal education, just pick a subject and go from there. From learning a new language to studying investing, getting better at chess, or tracing your geneology, there are so many great things you can do with your free time.
If you're feeling brave over the next few months, winter can be a great time to enjoy the great outdoors. From hiking and cycling to outdoor workouts and camping adventures, brisk exercise in the fresh winter air can be a great way to spend some time. If you really want to step outside of your comfort zone this winter, ocean swimming will instantly make you feel more alive. The Icebergers swimming club operates in Melbourne each winter, with many other cities and regions offering their own version. Whatever you choose to do, inside or out, winter is a great time to discover new hobbies and live your best possible life.