This is a shout-out to the two things keeping me entertained and fulfilled right now – running and reading. My two Rs.
Trying to take a selfie with a heron two weeks ago
Let’s make a list about why these two hobbies are so important to me right now:
- They entertain me for hours
- They give me goals and a sense of accomplishment and purpose
- They make me feel like I’m in control of something
- I learn from both of them (podcasts while running, and… books! ha)
- They give me a much needed break from being available – they’re an escape to someplace else, literally or figuratively
- They make me feel connected to people (via podcasts and stories)
I’m grateful to have these hobbies and time* to devote to them. Being under a stay-at-home order would be a lot harder if I didn’t have these solo activities to look forward to most days. I like a lot of lazy time, but I need to do a little bit of something. Winky face.
Is any hobby helping make your stay-at-home days better? What is it? (Also feel free to say no and it’s mind boggling to you that I have enough free time to have hobbies! All responses welcome, always!)
*I know a lot of people don’t feel like they have time right now for hobbies, and I don’t mean to be insensitive.
Love the heron selfie!
I think my hobbies have really helped me not lose my mind these past two months… Totally agree with you on the whys you listed. I would also say that my hobbies give me structure and focus to my day. My most important hobbies have been working out and walking/running, sewing and needlework, playing piano, and reading. Things I actually did before but I fit them into my day in a much more structured way now.
Thanks! I love seeing them!
Oh yes! Structure and focus are good points too. That was one of the main tips that went around when people were first starting to work at home – how much structure helps! It helps me for sure (but then I have to remember to be flexible if things change and I can’t run the day I planned, lol). Have you done any more needlework? I loved the first few things you made. Really made giggle and they turned out so nice! How is it more structured now? You have a set time you want to do things?
I have switched from my crossstitch to making face masks for my family, just sent two to my parents-in-law because they didn’t have any yet and needed some to go to a doctor’s appointment.
I think things are more structured now because I am at home much more and a routine helps me to function and get things done, for example by having set times that I do certain things (working out in the morning, cleaning bathrooms on Wednesdays, etc…)
Aww, awesome you could send those! I hope they use them!
Oh gosh, a cleaning schedule! Off topic, but I know people swear by them! I am more of a tidy up each day, and “clean it when it’s dirty” for the rest of the stuff. I should pick a day for bathrooms like you have.
In my downtime I’m really enjoying planning/working on projects at our new house. It makes me feel like I’m making progress, even if some of them are just plans for now! 🙂 <3
That’s awesome! I love seeing what you’re planning. It’s really fun for me to watch you transform your new home from far away! I love what you did in the master nook and am excited to see your new dresser reveal!!! Even if no one passing by would EVER think you were going to put it in your bedroom LOLOLOLOL.
I like that one of your hobbies is active while the other (podcasts notwithstanding) is sedentary – best of both worlds! I’ve spent more time knitting, but I’ve also spent more time walking than ever before – previously I’d only run, so adding in walking days is a novelty to me.
Yes! It is the best of both worlds! And I like that reading sometimes leads to a nap. Hee hee. I could blow my mind and listen to an audiobook but I don’t think I have the time with all the podcasts. LOL.
Do you think the walking is helping with your running? Do you wear workout gear for your walks? I was walking in jeans and whatever top and got so sweaty! But then one time I wore workout gear and it felt so much better!
My main 2 are the same as yours- except that at almost 36 weeks pregnant I’m walking instead of running. I do some basement workouts too- but getting outside for an hour makes such a difference. And it has the bonus of making me shower! Reading isn’t quite the escape it usually is because I am just rereading books I already own. The library is still closed and I don’t have a Kindle. Hopefully the library will open up soon!
How have your walks been? And yes to making you shower – lol – I see people asking on social (to be funny) “when was the last time I showered?” but I always know when I did – after my last workout. Ha ha.
Any idea when your library will reopen? I have no idea on ours 🙁 Maybe in our state’s Phase 3.
Walks are okay- I know I’m lucky to be in a place where I can safely walk, and the alone time and fresh air are desperately needed. But it is just isn’t the same as running. I don’t get that same mental and physical release.
No dates yet on the library reopening. I am hoping that since they are not taking materials back to quarantine/clean them that they have a plan to do some sort of reopening soon.
I totally get that! I don’t either. And walks feel a bit boring to me, even with a podcast 😉 But it is nice to get outside!
I hope they do too!
I’m glad you have both of those hobbies! It seems so healthy and important that you can engage, keep yourself physically active, and learn new things during this *unprecedented* time. (Are you sick of hearing this yet? I feel like I hear it at least once a day.)
Actually, as soon as I finish this comment, I’m going to go read in bed before I go to sleep!
Ha! I am not sick of hearing that, surprisingly! Are you? I don’t care for “new normal” referring to right now… but whatever people want to call it that helps them deal, I am fine with 😉
I hope you enjoyed your reading last night! Are you still reading the same book you told me about?
Is that a heron selfie or a Sandhill Crane selfie? (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sandhill_Crane) Not that it really matter – they’re both very beautiful birds. But herons (or at least, Great Blue Herons) hang out all year, and Sandhill Cranes only pass through, so a Sandhill Crane selfie would be more exciting!
I’m so glad I’ve been able to run through all of this, too. I expected outdoor recreational exercise (as opposed to, say, taking your dog out) to eventually be prohibited, so it’s been a nice surprise that up to this point, it’s been allowed. I appreciate getting outside much more now that we spend so much time inside! Plus, it’s basically the only way I manage to get steps in anymore, so my Fitbit is a lot less judgey of me when I run 😉
I have no idea! I can never recall the difference and usually avoid identifying them other than “bird” – not sure why I attempted here, ha! I have a video of me running with him for a bit. I wonder if you could tell from that!
I am so glad exercising outside has not been prohibited! Can you imagine?! 🙁 And omg, that is the only way I get ANY steps in too! Eek
Reading has kept me so sane over these past few months! I don’t know what I’d do without it. Except I’m in an epic book slump right now and have started and stopped no less than five books. My last book (The Dearly Beloved) gave me the craziest book hangover!
I’m also trying to exercise, at least every other day, to make sure I get out of the apartment and see sunshine at some point in my week 😉
And naps. Naps are a very crucial activity for me these days, haha.
Oh my gosh! That is epic! Did you finally find something to read? I am really looking forward to your review of The Dearly Beloved.
I love seeing your sunshine pics there 🙂
Ha! I thought about adding a third R – rest (aka, naps). Really… reading often turns in to a short nap, which I LOVE!