A Dive Into Some Unusual Hobbies

Hobbies are a great way for us to relax, unwind and have some fun. They can range from something simple and calming you can do at home to something more strenuous and outgoing.

Some of the most popular hobbies include cooking, baking, drawing and reading however there are many unusual ones out there!

Geocaching:

You may have seen geocaching on social media these past few years, it is essentially a giant treasure hunt all around the world. Individuals set up ‘caches’ (most commonly found outdoors) and share them on the geocaching app. From there, people go to the location in search of a small waterproof container and figure out how to open it as many creators get creative when making them. Inside, there will be a logbook and possibly a pen or pencil which you can log your name, along with the date; as proof that you have found it. After that, you must place it back where you found it so other people can get a chance to play. In some cases, there are larger containers that may contain items to trade with others. Just place an item of your own, take something, seal it up again and be on your way!

Soap carving:

You may have stumbled across some ASMR soap carving videos while scrolling on TikTok or YouTube Shorts and become mesmerised (because I know I have!) But if you haven’t, it is exactly as it sounds; carving soap. People carve intricate and delicate designs into a bar of soap and then it’s up to them what they do with it. They can give it as a gift, sell it or even use it as its function. It’s an aesthetically pleasing look and rather satisfying, also a pretty inexpensive hobby to take up if you’re artistic and want to do something relaxing. All you need is a bar of soap, a carving knife, a pencil and possibly some sandpaper to make it a better surface to work with. After that, have fun displaying your imagination and work!

Magic:

I’m not going to go and explain to you how to summon a dragon or how to teleport, as I’m afraid I’m not able to reveal those secrets just yet, but I can tell you about magic tricks. Aside from learning tricks to entertain your friends and family, learning and practising magic tricks can increase your sleight-of-hand, social and psychological skills as they require communicating with the audience and the power of illusion. Even if you know how they work, they are fun and entertaining to watch and participate in. All you need to start learning would be some cards and YouTube tutorials. (If you’d like to do any others aside from cards; there are fun magic kits to buy online!)

Extreme Ironing:

The past three hobbies I told you about I would recommend for you to try out, this one however I do not. Recently, I learnt about this extreme sport called Extreme Ironing and knew I had to get the word out since I find it very interesting! Extreme Ironing is when people participate in peculiar activities while also ironing pieces of clothing; these peculiar activities include skiing, snowboarding, climbing a mountain, parachuting, canoeing, bungee jumping and even ironing under the ice of a frozen lake. There are many championship videos you can watch if you want to know more. It was invented in England by a man called Phil Shaw in his back garden in 1997 who decided to combine rock climbing with his ironing duties. Whatever works, I guess!

After learning about so many different hobbies, I can appreciate the fact that we all can discover things about ourselves that we love doing. Sharing interests with other people is something I enjoy as it’s peaceful to see beauty in little things. All in all, you should be doing what makes YOU happy because that’s all that matters. Make sure to try new things every once in a while because who knows; maybe you’ll find something you’re passionate about!