New Hobbies
Activities From My Journey For Yours
This page is full of what I have been doing in my free time since starting this project. From workouts to books to new recipes, this page has it all. Throughout the project, I have been trying various new activities, as well as ones I used to love, in order to find my favorites. My hope for this aspect of the project is to leave this semester with new hobbies I enjoy. I also hope to give you ideas for trying your own new hobbies. Side note, some of these activities are connected to me being a student; however, joining groups and attending events are ageless. So, find what works for you.
Make sure to click on the photos to see more pictures or get more information.
Categories
Exercise Endeavors
Zumba (dance workout) has become one of my favorite activities. I feel great doing it and it is a ton of fun. Growwithjo is my favorite Youtube page because Jo makes you feel comfortable, emphasizes having fun, and is easy to follow.
Zumba
I used to do yoga when I was younger, and I really enjoyed it. Meditation was one idea my advisor gave me for this project. I decided to try doing yoga again because it used to be a go-to hobby of mine. I wanted to include this activity as a way to relax and feel great.
Yoga
Riley and I have been going on walks after dinner now that the weather has started getting nicer. It's been a great time to talk, feel good while exercising, and get outside.
After-Dinner Walks
Podcasts & Playlists
This podcast is hosted by Jeri and Ciara: two hilarious and often unfocused women. On their podcast, they talk about true crime, personal experiences, historical events, and more. I have been really enjoying their podcast.
Ladies & Tangents
I made this playlist so I would have some positive and upbeat music to start the day with. It was a lot of fun to make! You should make one whether it's for your morning, when you shower, while you drive to work, or whenever. It's easy and you can keep adding to it when you think of it.
Morning Playlist
This comedy-centered podcast features Nathan Zed discussing whatever is on his mind. I enjoy his podcasts because they are short and include videos that you can watch while you listen. He only has a few videos on Spotify, but a lot more on YouTube.
ZED Talks
Artistic Activities
I used to love painting, especially my Freshman year as a way to relax. Being able to get back into that this semester has been really fun. Painting is one of my creative outlets, but yours could be anything: drawing, coloring, photography, dancing, candle-making, etc.
Painting
When I was little, my dad used to create scrapbooks for every vacation we went on. He would use all kinds of stickers, colors, backgrounds, etc. They always looked amazing! This made me want to try my hand at it for this project. I've included a few photos of what I have created.
Scrapbooking
I have written some of my own poems and stories throughout the semester, which felt really good. One is the photo above, and one is on the home page. I've always loved writing. For this, I've included a writing prompt I came up with for you, and my attempt at it. Click the photo to see these.
Creative Writing
Motion Pictures & Paperbacks
I have been reading this book in my free time. While it takes me a minute to get into the book each time I stop, due to my lost love of pleasure reading, I'm really enjoying reading again. The subject matter brings together history and fiction in a fascinating way.
Conjure Women
Riley showed me this movie and I loved it! It was so bad in so many ways (plot holes, cheesy special FX, bad acting) that it was just so good. I laughed the whole time and it is one of my new favorites!
KISS in Attack of the Phantoms
This book was a gift and activity in and of itself. I spent an afternoon piecing together this book and its story. While I made some progress, I still have a long way to go. If you can get your hands on this text, I highly recommend it. This book has exceeded my expectations thus far.
Cain's Jawbone
Fresh Foods
This recipe is one of my new favorites. It tastes great, makes you feel good eating your greens, and is fun to make. I have linked my recipe, which evolved from a TikTok creator's recipe I had saved on my phone.
Tortellini Bake
These used to be a go-to of mine, but they slowly faded from my dinners as I felt I had less time in the evenings. This recipe is one I have (almost) perfected and am happy to be making again.
Chicken Fajitas
For this recipe, I made my mom's homemade spaghetti sauce and tried making spaghetti squash for the first time. It was a little odd but interesting to try. I had a lot of fun making it! I definitely recommend trying it. I linked the recipe I used for the squash.
Spaghetti (Squash)
Social Gatherings & Get-togethers
My boyfriend and I have been going to a lot of UW Basketball games this semester. They have been a great opportunity to get out of the house and have a fun time.
Wyoming Basketball
The Union After Dark events have been another activity that my boyfriend and I have been attending. They are a great place to hang out, play games, try new things, and have fun.
Union After Dark
I joined this club at the beginning of the year, and since starting this project, I have been motivated to go to more meetings. This is a great group, and I'm glad to be a part of it!
EmBody Positivity
Extra Activities
I love baking! This experience has given me more time to explore this hobby. I really enjoy making cupcakes whenever I go back to my hometown, and I'm getting better about making them from scratch.
Baking
Now that I live in an apartment with a patio, I was super excited to try gardening. After assembling some pots, decorations, soil, and plant starters, I spent an afternoon gardening. It was so much fun, and I'm excited to garden even more this summer!
Gardening
I have been trying to spend more time with my partner, family, and friends. It has really benefited my mood, and I always look forward to seeing them. Click on the photo for a collage of memories over this semester.