Need some hobby recommendations? Here are some from fellow students

Phone dead, sitting at home bored and not knowing what to do? Or maybe you just want to take a break from all the constant screens? Here are some hobbies in order to fill that free time.

Picking up a Sport

Recommended by senior John Hand, he suggested picking up basketball. But really, any sport will do. As detailed by the University of Missouri, there are many benefits sports provide that don’t just improve your physical health. Sports can teach self-confidence which grows from pride of physical growth and or skill. Additionally, sports allow you to build connections and teamworking skills, which John Hand agrees with.

“I feel like the type of bonds you make when playing a sport or working out with someone is such a special bond.” Hand said. “I think everyone should have that experience.”

For where to pick up this hobby, Hand suggested heading to the local REC center.

“I would recommend going to the REC center with a couple friends and start playing basketball. Then you can also talk to new people and build connections from there and soon you will know all the regulars and be running games all the time.”

Along with the REC center, there are plenty of places around the Cedar Valley for someone to pick up a new sport. Places like local and school parks have open courts to the public. So find a local park, and go out and give it a try.

Dancing

Suggested by junior Alex Lena, he recommends learning certain dance moves like the worm. He especially expresses the importance of this dance move and its popularity as it can be used in a number of situations. 

“It’s fun and cool to do the worm,” Lena said. “It’s a universal form of communication, but it takes training and practice to achieve this motion, but it’s totally worth it.” 

As described by the National Library of Medicine, dancing can have just as many benefits as playing a sport. Plus there are so many ways to achieve dancing perfection. You can do ballet, tap dancing, and if you have a partner, you can waltz. Or maybe, you can freestyle, learn to breakdance or, like the worm, interpret more of a hip-hop style. Once you get into dancing, there isn’t really a shortage of things you can try. Another nice plus is that you can listen to your favorite music while doing it, or maybe try some new music styles!

Embroidering

Are your clothing missing something? Want to give it something to make them pop? Then I personally would suggest embroidering. Embroidering uses needles and threads, as well as wooden circles called embroidery hoops or frames. By using the frames, it keeps the fabric you’re putting your design on tight and easier to poke your needle through. By embroidering you can add all sorts of fun designs and color to your clothes. If you struggle to create designs on your own, there are plenty of templates and designs you can take from online sources. In my personal opinion, embroidery is easier to learn than other needle work and fabric arts. The motions are simple: you first draw the needle upward from behind the fabric, giving the thread a little leeway. Then, you draw the needle downward the position in which you want the design to go. Eventually, by repeating this action, you will fill in your design creating a full picture. Admittedly, it takes a lot of patience and a bit of practice. But, it’s one of my favorite things to do in order to pass the time and it lets me add fun designs to my clothes. If anything, there is something special about creating your own little masterpieces you can actively show off.