Summer is a great time to try new hobbies. If you struggle with depression or another mental health issue, trying a new hobby can help you in your struggles. Even if you do not have a mental health issue, summer is still a great time to pick up a new hobby.
Here are a few ideas to help you this summer for starting a new hobby.
1. Photography
One hobby to try this summer is photography. I personally love photography; however, I'm not a professional by any means. It is important to remember that you don't have to be a professional at the hobby — you just have to enjoy it.
I enjoy photography, but I'm not skilled enough to take aesthetic photographs, nor can I capture the sun at its most scenic.
Even though we might not be good at a hobby doesn't mean we shouldn't try it. After practice, we might become better at the hobby, or we might choose to continue in the hobby because it brings us joy.
Furthermore, you might discover the hobby wasn't right for you, and you might choose to pursue a different hobby for the remainder of the summer. The important part is that you are enjoying the hobby, and it makes you feel happy.
If you have chosen photography as a hobby you want to take up this summer, try to brainstorm what, where, and when you want to photograph. Maybe you enjoy taking photographs of your pet, or maybe you prefer the great outdoors.
Whichever you choose, it will be great, and you can try many settings as you are taking your photographs. One day you might want to photograph a waterfall, and another day you might want to capture a wild fox creeping through the woods. The possibilities are endless.
2. Writing
A second hobby you could take up this summer is writing. As a writer, I understand how difficult it can be at times to write. However, if you love writing, you might find it to be just what you need.
Writing can help you jot down many of your thoughts, and through writing down your thoughts, you will be able to process them. In this way, writing can be very therapeutic and healing.
If you want to try to write a fiction book, novel, or poetry, those are all great options also. Allow yourself to be creative in your writing and be unique in your style.
Nobody is exactly the same in their writing, and whatever you are writing, know that it is uniquely yours, which makes it special.
Even if you might grow discouraged at times, know that you can still complete your goal. If you are planning on writing an entire book, it might take longer than a summer, so make sure you give yourself enough time.
It could be that you might have to work on it a few summers before you are finished with your masterpiece.
3. Painting
A third hobby you could try this summer is painting. My mom and my grandfather absolutely loved painting, and they were great artists. Sadly, the gift of painting didn't pass on to me; however, the love of painting is still there.
Similar to other hobbies, I may not be good at them, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy them. Maybe painting could be a hobby you would also like to try this summer.
If you choose painting as a hobby, you will have limitless options of what you can paint. You could paint a landscape, a portrait, or an abstract painting. It is your piece of art; therefore, you can choose what you want to paint, the colors, and the meaning behind the artwork.
Painting can be a great time for self-expression, which can help us be more creative in our everyday lives.
Sadly, as we become adults, our imagination is not encouraged. Instead, we are told to have desk jobs, to stay focused, and to never think out of the box.
In actuality, God has given us the beautiful gift of imagination and creativity. He wants us to use these gifts and enjoy them. There is something fulfilling about finishing a beautiful piece of art and being able to call it your own.
4. Reading
A fourth hobby you could take up this summer is reading. While I understand a lot of people are not into reading, it is a great hobby for any time of year. Reading transports you into another land, another life, and can brighten your day.
If you have tried reading in the past and it wasn't your thing, try it again and see what you think. You could even try audiobooks if you wanted and see if you enjoyed listening to those while taking a walk compared to sitting at home.
If you want to get into reading and don't know where to start, I have a few suggestions. The Chronicles of Narniaby C. S. Lewis, Radicalby David Platt, and the Harry Potterseries by J. K. Rowling are all great places to start.
If none of these sound interesting, try to ask friends or family what books they recommend. Depending on what genre you're interested in could impact which books you are more likely to enjoy.
5. Gardening
A fifth hobby you could try this summer is gardening. While I have tried gardening many times and failed, it doesn't mean it's not enjoyable. I might not be able to grow anything except weeds, but it is still a fun hobby to try.
My grandfather loved gardening, and this influenced my mom's later fascination with gardening when my sisters and I were children.
My sister also loves gardening and cultivated her love for gardening after my mom passed. As we can see, gardening can act as a kind memory and can help connect with nature.
While it is often warm in the summer, you can pick times in the day when it is not too warm. Early morning or evening can be great times to avoid the heat of the day.
If you are unsure about gardening, start by buying a potted plant and try to grow it in a pot on your front porch. Once you feel you have mastered this part, try to move it into the soil, care for it, water it, and watch it grow.
There are many opportunities for our flowers or vegetables to die, but don't take this as a sign that you aren't a good gardener. Keep trying your best and continue gardening if it is something you enjoy.
If you find gardening is not your thing, but you still love plants, try an indoor plant, such as a cactus. Cacti are plants that thrive off neglect, so if you forget to water it one day, you know it's not going to kill it.
A New Summer
Nevertheless, whatever you choose to take part in this summer as your hobby, make sure it is something you enjoy. Maybe the hobby you were thinking about doing isn't on this list. Still, do the hobby you are thinking of and think about how it gives you more joy in life.
As kids, we would get summer off, but as we grow to be adults, we normally don't get the summer off. This doesn't mean we still can't try something new for the summer.
Try to choose a hobby and have fun with it. Other hobbies you could try could include hiking, swimming, or a sport. There are limitless possibilities for hobbies — you just have to find the right one for you.
For further reading:
5 Ways to Encourage New Faith Habits This Summer
Why Is Reading the Bible an Important Part of the Christian Life?
How Is Spiritual Growth Like Gardening?
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