*Three Self Improvement Hobbies

Saturday, November 14, 2020
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With lockdown 2.0 in full swing, I thought I'd share three of my top self improvement hobbies to try out over the next month. The process of self improvement can be very different for each individual as we all strive for different goals but I think all three of these options, in some way, can help towards self improvement. I think having an activity or two that focuses on yourself (either your goals, physical health, mental health or skills) can be quite therapeutic and provides structure when the lockdown days seem to blur into one another. 

Distance Learning 
The first option is great if you want to learn about a new topic, improvement your knowledge in a certain area for your career or if you want to gain new information or qualifications towards a future job. I've been using online distance learning services for the past four or so years, through a variety of websites and I've thoroughly enjoyed not only the courses themselves and learning new information but also having the satisfaction of completing a course, gaining a qualification and having a new certificate to add to my CV. 

The Distance Learning Centre is an online distance learning provider with a variety of courses to choose from; they are the leading provider of distance learning in the UK! They currently offer over 250 courses which include GCSE courses and A Levels as well as courses focusing on education, business, social media, human resources and psychology. Additionally, they have a few courses with special offers and bundles including game development, web design and Microsoft office courses. 

There are many courses that would be fantastic to take part in to improve your job prospects and to add to your CV such as the Microsoft office bundle and IT essentials; along with many others that you could take part in to pursue a specific career in the future including: interior design, writing, photography, event planning and even cake making. I think online distance learning is a fantastic form of self improvement that has the added benefit of not only learning something new but it can be added to your CV, potentially help you start a new business or career and you may discover a new passion. 

Exercise
I think we are all a little tired of the push to lose weight, start exercising and getting rid of the lockdown indulgences but I think we need to be a little more kind to ourselves. We are living through a pandemic after all, it is a little stressful, to say the least. However, I find that having a goal of exercising a couple of times per week with no goal of losing weight in mind, can be very beneficial, not only physically but mentally too. 

I was one of those children who did everything possible to get out of PE lessons. Rounders? No. Running? Absolutely not. Dancing? Nope. I hated it all and would somehow stealthily sneak to the back of the queue or crowd during every lesson so I didn't have to take part and inevitably embarrass myself. Thankfully I've found a couple of exercise options that aren't strenuous and I can do them at home, while watching TV which is the only acceptable way to exercise. I use my crosstrainer, I follow along with a yoga video or I FaceTime my sister and exercise with her (we usually end up talking or complaining about exercising, rather than exercising). While I don't enjoy exercising on the whole, I do love the accomplished feeling it provides and it helps to move around instead of sitting down all day, which is what I'd normally do. 

Reading 

Since January 2017 I have been reading non-stop and I've found it to be such an incredible form of escapism which has been helping my anxiety immeasurably. I read a book or listen to an audiobook almost everyday - before bed, while cooking, as I edit photos or in the car. Reading not only makes me feel quite accomplished when I finish a book but studies have found that reading 'strengthens' your brain, builds your vocabulary, helps to prevent age related cognitive decline (such as Alzheimer's), reduces stress and helps to reduce symptoms of depression. 

I've personally found such joy in reading fiction, learning new information through the non-fiction I read and it has helped not only my anxious thoughts but it also helps me to relax in the evening. Additionally, I love writing book reviews and sharing my thoughts within my monthly reading wrap-up posts. Almost every time I publish my reading wrap-up posts, I receive comments such as: How do you read so much? The short answer is, I read so much because I love it. I think we should all make time for the things we love, that bring us joy and that can also be beneficial in many other ways. 

Do you have any self improvement tips or hobbies? 

12 comments

  1. These are some great ideas. I'd love to do distance learning but I'm not sure which subject to choose.

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  2. Exercise is so important to me!

    Danielle xx
    https://www.thereluctantblogger.co.uk/

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  3. I always thought I read a lot but not compared to you haha!

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  4. I think reading is great for a bit of escapism, which we could do with right now! X

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  5. Reading and exercise are two of my biggest things I do for myself now. I was the opposite in school though, I loved PE x

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  6. I need to get back into reading - I've been off the rails recently. Going for runs has definitely made me feel better in myself

    Jasmine xx

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  7. Going to the gym is key for me to maintain a positive mindset x

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  8. Reading is definitely one of mine and I try to do more yoga and walking to xx

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  9. Lockdown can be great for the reasons you mention. Exercise is a big thing for mental health.

    https://littlemissmelanie.com/

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  10. Reading is such a big thing for me, I don't often have a day where I've not got my head stuck in a book xx

    Tiffany x www.foodandotherloves.co.uk

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  11. Ah I seriously want to get into reading more.

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  12. Even just doing 20mins exercise really helps to improve my mood xx

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