by ABFRLadmin | August 23, 2024
Jackson Browne once said, “Just find a place to make your stand, and take it easy.” While our usual 9-5 grind is earnestly dedicated to the former, we often tend to neglect the latter. This relentless pace can leave us exhausted, both mentally and physically.
Enter slow hobbies – a delightful antidote to our hurried lives. Slow hobbies allow us to unwind, recharge, and find joy in the simple, unhurried moments. Whether you’re managing tight deadlines at work or juggling various responsibilities at home, these hobbies offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. How so? Because slow hobbies are done intentionally. Instead of being under the pressure of getting something done, you enjoy the process of actually ‘doing’.
So buckle up, I’m introducing you to the exciting spectrum of slow hobbies today. By the end of this article, you’ll surely be pumped to start one of your own 😉
Taking It Slow
I’ve experimented with my fair share of hobbies before I picked my top five to share with you. These have helped me unwind, reduce stress, and occasionally break into song when I least expect it.
1. Gardening
Gardening is the quintessential slow hobby. There’s something greatly satisfying about getting your hands dirty, nurturing plants, and watching them grow. Whether you have a sprawling backyard a tiny balcony, or even just a sunny windowsill, gardening allows you to connect with nature and find a unique peace among some of earth’s finest offerings.
You can choose from a variety of plants, depending on your interests and the space you have available. If you enjoy cooking, you might start an herb garden with mint, basil, and coriander. If you’re drawn to vibrant colours, consider growing flowers like roses, marigolds and hibiscus. Tomatoes, basil and marigold are a good starting point as they’re quite easy to grow and maintain.
2. Reading
In a world dominated by screens, reading offers a delightful escape. There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good book. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, reading expands our minds and transports us to different worlds. My personal favourite is curling up with a horror or fiction novel, preferably with a coffee by my side and my dog snoozing at my feet.
However, since we’re accustomed to constant stimulation from our devices, transitioning to reading might be challenging at first. For this, you must first focus on creating a distraction-free environment by turning off your notifications and finding a comfortable, quiet spot. You can then explore blogs, join book clubs or visit bookstores to find what interests you before you begin this journey.
3. Playing An Instrument
Let’s be honest, we’ve all had dreams of being a rockstar, a performer who enthralls crowds and inspires whole fandoms. If you think you’re past the point of fulfilling that dream, don’t give up. Step 1 is learning how to play an instrument, and we can always see where the journey goes from there. (Fingers crossed that you make it!)
While this is a hobby requires tremendous patience, dedication and commitment, it has also provides numerous benefits – improved memory, coordination and focus to name a few. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of sitting down with an instrument, becoming one with it and feeling your stresses slip away And of course, the much-needed escape from hours of mindless scrolling on social media platforms a.k.a the dreaded ‘digital addiction’.
4. Cooking
I look at cooking as an art form, one that allows for creativity and experimentation. Slow cooking, in particular, emphasises patience and encourages savouring each step.
If you’re someone who has seldom stepped into the kitchen, you might want to start with simple recipes like a steaming hot cup of masala chai, some cucumber raita, or jeera rice. Once you’re more comfortable, you’ll automatically find yourself moving to more complex recipes like some baked sourdough bread with some homemade cultured butter, or some Lucknowi biryani for your raita, or even some rich, slow cooked makhni dal for your jeera rice!
5. Photography
Photography, quite literally, encourages us to slow down and see the world through a different lens. It requires us to observe our surroundings carefully, and look for beauty almost everywhere. Whether you’re capturing a breathtaking view from your office window or the intricate work of a cobbler at the railway station, photography allows you to freeze moments in time.
A good way to start is with a simple photography challenge. My personal favourite is the cloud photography challenge. Capturing the sky over 15-20 days and then comparing your clicks. Believe me, you’ll be taken aback to see the detailed differences between what seems to be the same picture, and this might just motivate you to move on to the next, an even more exciting challenge!
That’s my top five, picked one for yourself yet? Or you’re worried about making time for one? Let’s explore solutions for that, shall we?
Overcoming Barriers To Adopting A Hobby
Starting a new hobby can be daunting, especially with a busy schedule. So, here’s a few tips to help you overcome barriers and embrace a slow hobby:
1. Time Management
Finding time for a hobby in a packed schedule requires some planning. Start by dedicating a small, consistent slot in your day or week for your hobby. It could be as simple as 15 minutes of reading before bed or an hour of gardening on weekends. Treat this time as sacred and non-negotiable.
2. Starting Small
Begin with manageable, small steps. If you’re interested in gardening, start with a few potted plants before moving on to a full garden. If cooking intrigues you, try out simple recipes before tackling gourmet dishes. The key is to build gradually and avoid overwhelming yourself.
3. Consistency is Key
Consistency is crucial in developing a new hobby. It’s easy to get excited initially and then lose interest. Commit to engaging with your hobby regularly, celebrate small milestones to keep yourself motivated, and acknowledge your progress. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the process, not to achieve perfection.
For my closing thoughts, if I haven’t reiterated this enough already, take it slow! Slow hobbies, in the simplest terms, gave me space to breathe and simply, be. So go ahead – plant a seed, pick up a book, learn to play an instrument, cook a meal, or capture a moment through your android or iOS lens. Who’s to say? You might find a burning new passion or a relaxing side hustle to enjoy over the weekend.
Happy hobbying!
