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People Share The Absolute Easiest Hobbies To Pick Up

People Share The Absolute Easiest Hobbies To Pick Up
Joice Kelly/Unsplash

It's been an exhaustive year of trying to find what to do in quarantine. There have been puzzles galore, Netflix show after Netflix show, and an enormous amount of podcasts listened to on neighborhood walks.

It might be time to start looking at some new hobbies. If you're running out of things to do, interested in trying something new, or just plain bored, this is going to be the list for you.

But what's out there? Well, we went to Reddit to find out what are some hobbies or interests that are actually fairly easy to get into that maybe we haven't though of yet.


Redditor The_Pieces_Fit asked:

"What are some ridiculously easy and interesting hobbies that no one knows about?"

Reddit had some excellent answers, and a lot of these aren't expensive hobbies either. Let's see which one becomes your next creative adventure.

Learning is easy, mastery take practice.

"Guitar. People often think learning an instrument is too hard, but it's mastering an instrument that's difficult. If you're just making it a fun hobby you'd be surprised how easy it is to get into."

- ChaseDonovan

"This is what I needed to read actually. I should really dust off the guitar I got 6 months ago and practiced probably 2 times since then."

- OneMorePotion

Sea glass collecting.

"Me and my wife collect sea glass. You literally just walk on the beach and collect pretty, smooth glass. It is wonderful."

"Favourite find was probably an almost perfectly preserved bottle of Iodine from like 1920."

- ManXman64

"My grandmother had a large collection of sea glass, I always loved playing with the pieces as a kid."

- DoubleDastard

"If you get a UV light you can find uranium glass easily in the dark."

- pab_guy

For those interested in transit mapping.

"I create fake Metro (subway) maps for fictional cities or cities that actually exist but are lacking in a mass-rail transit system. Sometimes if I'm interested enough in the particular project, I go as far as bus routes, ferry routes, and station designs."

- Frites69

"Have you played the videogame Mini Metro, sounds like its definitely up your alley."

- Floh2802

"You might want to check out www.transitmap.net; it's a cool blog about mass transit map design with some really helpful tutorials and tips on the subject."

- SDFDuck

"Check Nimby Rails, that game is for you!"

- asbachkola

The art of folding.

"Origami. The paper is cheap and at its simplest the models are so easy almost anyone can make them but if you want to challenge yourself they can get insanely complex. John Montroll's and Robert J. Lang's books are particularly good for providing a range of models from 'so easy I could fold it with my butt' to 'how the hell is it even possible to do this with a sheet of paper?' I spent so much time with their collaborative Origami Under the Sea book as a kid that my copy was literally falling apart."

- schnit123

"[Ryunkin origami] a incredibly complex origami dragon that's notorious in the community for being ridiculously difficult to fold. It involves a lot of tessellation (a repeated pattern) for the scales that needs meticulous attention to detail, and some stupidly difficult collapses (sometimes in origami, you can't fold certain steps one by one. rather, you need to pre-crease your paper and all the folds sort of happen simultaneously to come together in a certain way. they can be really difficult to manage)."

"I'd strongly encourage you to google 'Ryujin origami'; It'll blow your mind. Remember, what you'll see has been made from a single piece of paper, no cutting or gluing, just folding."

"This is one of the rarer models that does involve glue, but it doesn't in any way detract from how incredulous the endeavor to fold one is."

- UnpromptlyWritten

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Treasure hunting in real life.

"Geocaching: a real world treasure hunt that has players finding and discovering containers placed by other players. All you need is a pen and a smartphone, and you're basically set."

- Vette_Boi22

"Wife and I started geocaching a couple of months ago. Wish we would have started decades ago, having a lot of fun and it takes us to places we wouldn't normally go. We're up to 42(!) found and only half a dozen dnf's. Mind you, we tried a 4.5(outa 5) difficulty yesterday and gave up after 20 minutes."

"Highly recommend to anyone but especially young families. Kids love the hunt and it's a great outdoor, binding activity. Our daughter got us started!"

- TheSmegger

Foraging.

"Mushroom picking."

"Hiking with a purpose. And it's not that tough to get into if you only look for a few very distinctive species."

- xmuskorx

"If you're getting into it solely for finding edibles, then sure, you can put yourself at higher risk. But I find enjoyment out of trying to identify different species. Or variants of the same species. Finding a rainbow of colors in one hike is pretty satisfying. As far as I've read, there's no known species to cause poisoning through skin contact in the US (but always wash one's hands afterward anyhow). Goal of mine is to compile enough good photos of personal finds to print and frame."

- Laynebutnotlayne

Maybe it's not as uncommon as once thought.

"Mushroom picking is definitely not unknown 😂 in Czech republic it's something like a national hobby haha."

- foreveralonegirl1509

Juggling.

"It's really just practice, takes a bit but I'd guess most people can do it to some degree, and at that point is almost like meditation."

- Billbaprophet

"Yeah it's a lot of fun. Got to 7 balls at one point. You can impress people just by learning one or two tricks though."

- WallOfTextGuy

"I am by no means a good juggler, but during covid I have learned a lot more than just the regular 3 ball cascade that I have known for years."

"In my opinion, balls are the easiest. Not just any balls, but get something with a bit more weight, that are easy to grasp and not very bouncy. (Don't learn with petanque balls, like I did. Almost broke my fingers. :D) Tennis balls are too light and too bouncy. I guess base balls, soft balls or cricket balls would work, or just get some actual juggling balls. Bean bags or hacky sacks (is that the word? Foot bag?) are good alternatives and can be made easily."

"I would not recommend scarves as some one mentioned, or balled up socks. Socks are too light and bouncy. Scarves are of course possible, but that would not translate well to juggling anything else, since they are so light and fly like scarves. ;) Starting with balls makes it easy to move on to other objects that do not spin when thrown. Juggling pins is an other matter all together."

"Also, look for Taylor tries from YouTube. She has some really good basic juggling tutorials."

- MrRokkomies

Making your own chainmail.

"I make chainmail. Think of the shirts of metal rings that medieval knights used to wear."

"Modern mailling can make pretty much anything. There's also tons of different weaves that you can do. Right now, I'm making a scalemail purse for my wife, but I've also made tons of chainmail draw-string bags (dice bags), I've made pieces of art for my kids, and I've also made myself a steel vest."

"All you need to get started is some rings, and 2 pairs of pliers. If you want to start right now, head to your local hardware store, buy some 18 gauge copper wire. Wrap that wire around a circular rod, then cut it the wire so that it creates little rings. You can make copper chainmail by hand because it's so soft."

- poptartmini

Disc golfing.

"Disc golfing doesn't get the attention it deserves. Low entry threshold with a high skill ceiling."

- twotall88

"Damn near free, too. Like fifteen bucks for a 3 disc starter pack, cheaper to buy used, and usually zero or five bucks to park at the course."

- 7788445511220011

Foreign coin collecting.

Collecting foreign coins is a hobby that's forgotten nowadays, so maybe it counts as a hobby that no one knows about?

- yaspino

"The extent of it for me is a small tea tin in my closet with a handful of random foreign coins I somehow ended up having, all from places I've never been. Indeed, I tend to forget that I have that tea tin."

- boulomai_mathein

When's the last time you just did nothing?

"Chilling on the couch and doing (physically) nothing while going on an adventure in your mind. I love to let my mind wander and have some in depth thoughts about ideas, scenarios, creating "mind" music etc. Its like playing with what your mind is capable of."

- t_o_o_l

"I used to put a record or tape of something instrumental on and make 'movies' to go with the music. Spent a lot of time flaked out on the couch staring at the ceiling doing that as a teen."

- Szwejkowski

If the idea of being alone with your thoughts sounds scary or unpleasant, you're not alone. This Redditor has some first hand advice:

"I couldn't imagine being alone with my thoughts most of my life. It was unbearable sad and dreadful and harmed my self worth. I'm still recovering from this 6+ year long severe depression, but I'm slowly climbing up. There are days where I make a step back or get a hit by truckload of emotions of my past, but that's okay, I'm a recovering human being."

"That being said, I recently discovered that being inside my head can be very entertaining, funny, interesting and wholesome. Not just sad, bitter, angry and anxiety."

"Its hard and it demands a lot of strength, but that's what molds your character and identity with time."

"We can do it :)"

t_o_o_l

Rock painting.

"Painting rocks is a sweet hobby for people who love being creative, and who like a more quiet way to spend their free time."

"Painting rocks can be done in a variety of ways - from faces, landscapes, shapes, and patterns."

"Just find some nice rocks - river stones work well - to paint some stones in whatever way you like."

- Back2Bach

If you're looking to get into some painting to make extra cash, you could try restoration.

"I've been restoring old faded lawn ornaments. Gnomes, statues, etc.."

"Same concept, really, acrylic paints...let it all cure then seal with a clear enamel."

"I get about $70 to $100 per, and I've got 2 cowboy statues in the wings that will bring $1500 each."

- IrocDewclaw

Magic.

"Learning magic tricks off the internet is so much easier now and its really neat to impress your friends or kids. And most tricks all you need are a deck of cards or some coins!"

- GrantMeCourtesy

"This is an odd one but here me out. Go to www.findagrave.com. This site has over 190 million graves documented by volunteers. Odds are many of your relatives are there. People go to graveyards and take pictures of the grave stone or marker. The inscription on the gravestone is also listed. In addition, people can send a request to find a grave of one of their loved ones that are buried near where you live."

"After my wife passed away from pancreatic cancer I started volunteering my time to go out and do this. For whatever reason, I find it peaceful to walk the graveyards and I especially like going to the really old cemeteries. Its also good exercise! If you are a genealogy buff you should visit this site even if you don't want to actually document anything."

- ItsMyView

Hobbies that don't cost a lot and allow others to join in are a great way to spend quality time with yourself and your loved ones. We hope this helped you get away from the Netflix specials and endless timeline scrolling and into something you've never tried before.


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Things Left-Handed People Deal With That Right-Handed People Never Do

Reddit user johnnyportillo95 asked: 'What’s something left handed people have to deal with that right handed people wouldn’t even think about?'

Left-handed person holding a Sharpie
Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash

Many of us who are right-handed never even think about how the world is designed to cater to us.

It probably doesn't even cross your mind that 10% of the world's population is left-handed.

Because of this, there tends to be a stigma for being left-handed since society tends to associate the left with negative things.

For example, the phrase "two left feet" applies to those who are clumsy and therefore, incapable of dancing.

Curious to hear more about the challenges facing those with the other dominant hand, Redditor johnnyportillo95 asked:

"What’s something left-handed people have to deal with that right-handed people wouldn’t even think about?"

If only manufacturers appealed to an ambidextrous world.

Furniture Obstacle

"Those desks or couch chairs that have a small desk attached. They do make left handed/sided ones but they are few and far between."

– Prussian__Princess

"And they’re only on one side of the lecture hall, and it’s never a good seat. There is ONE front row, lefty desk in the entire room and it’s in the far corner, obscured by an ancient overhead projector."

– earwighoney

Everyday Objects For Everyday People

"as a left-handed person myself, one thing we often deal with is finding left-handed tools or equipment. many everyday objects, like scissors or can openers, are designed with right-handed people in mind, which can make certain tasks a bit more challenging for us lefties. we also have to adapt to a right-handed world when it comes to writing on whiteboards or using certain computer mice."

– J0rdan_24

Dangerous Tools

"The biggest risk is power tools. I taught myself to use all power tools right handed because of risks using them left handed."

"Trivial, I love dry boards but they are super hard to write on."

– diegojones4

It's hard to play when you're born with a physical disadvantage.

Sports Disadvantage

"Allright, Sports when you are young. Every demonstration from PE teachers are right handed. You cant just copy the movements they teach you you need to flip them and your tiny brain struggoes to process it. As well, 98% of the cheap sports equipment the school uses is right handed."

– AjCheeze

No Future In Softball

"I tried to bat right handed for so long in gym class growing up because the gym teacher never asked me what my dominant side was and the thought never occurred to me as a child to mention it! Needless to say I never became a softball star."

– Leftover-Cheese

Find A Glove That Fits

"In softball and baseball we need a specific glove for our right hand that's often impossible to find unless you own one, and we have to bat on the other side of the plate."

– BowlerSea1569

"I was one of two left-handers in a 4-team Little League in the 1980s. Nobody could pitch to me. I got a lot of "hit by pitch" walks out of it."

– Jef_Wheaton

These examples are understandably annoying.

Shocking Observation

"Having right handed people make comments whenever they see us write, like we’re some kind of alien."

– UsefulIdiot85

"'Woah! You're left-handed????'"

"I find myself noticing when someone is a lefty, and sometimes I comment on it, but I try not to. I'm primarily left-handed (im a right handed wroter but do everything else left), and every single time I go to eat with my family, someone says, "Oh hey, give SilverGladiolus22 the left hand spot, they're left-handed," and inevitably someone says, 'Wait, really?' Lol."

– SilverGladiolus22

Can't Admire The Mug

"We never get to look at the cute graphics on coffee mugs while we’re drinking from them."

– vanetti

"I just realized…I always thought the graphics were made so someone else could read them while you drink. Hmmm."

– Bubbly-Anteater7345

"I'm right-handed and I often wondered why the graphics were turned towards the drinker instead of out for others to see."

– Material-Imagination

The Writing On The Wall

"Writing on whiteboards is a nightmare. I have to float my hand, which tires out my arm quickly, and I can't see what I've already written to keep the line straight."

– darkjedi39

"Also as a teacher, it means I'm standing to the left of where I'm writing, so I'm blocking everything I write. I have to frequently finish writing, then step out of the way so people can see, instead of just being able to stand on the right side the whole time."

– dancingbanana123

Immeasurable

"Rulers."

"How the f'k is no one talking about rulers? It's from 30cm to 0 cm to me, or I have to twist my arms to know the measure I want to trace over it."

– fourangers

Just Can't Win

"EVERYTHING. The world has always been based around people being right handed. As a Chef, my knife skills SUCKED until I worked with a Left Handed Chef. Then it all made sense."

"Literally, everything we do must be observed, then flipped around in our heads, then executed. This is why Lefties die sooner, on average, than Righties."

"I had to learn how to be ambidextrous, just to complete basic tasks (sports, driving a manual, using scissors, etc). I am used to it now, and do many things right handed out of necessity, as wall as parents and teachers 'forcing' it upon me."

"But, at least we are not put to death anymore, simply for using the wrong hand (look it up, it happened)."

"Ole Righty, always keeping us down."

– igenus44

The world doesn't need another demographic to feel "othered" for being different.

But if you're right-handed and tend to make assumptions about left-handed people, you may want to observe the following.

Ronald Yeo, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Texas-Austin told CNN:

"We shouldn’t assume much about people’s personalities or health just because of the hand they write with."
"And we certainly shouldn’t worry about lefties’ chances of success: After all (as of 2015), five of our last seven U.S. presidents have been either left- or mixed-handed."

Word.

Dog lying down on a bed
Photo by Conner Baker on Unsplash

Not all pet owners have the same relationship with their pets.

While anyone who decides to become a pet owner, or pet parent as some say, love their pets equally, some never ever let them leave their side.

Taking their pet with them to work, running errands, even on vacations.

Many pet parents even allow their pets to share their bed with them when going to sleep.

For others though, this is where a line is finally drawn.

Redditor Piggythelavasurfer was curious to hear whether pet owners allowed their pets to share their bed with them, as well as the reasons why they do/don't, leading them to ask:

"Do you let your pet sleep in your bed? Why/why not?"

The Tiny Issue Of Water...

"Absolutely not."

"I have fish."- Senior-Meal3649

Everyone Gets Lonely Eventually...

"I adopted an eleven year old cat the day before Halloween."

"She has mostly lived in my closet since I got her, and she hasn’t been too interested in coming out."

"Last night, she came out of my closet and jumped up on my bed, and crawled under my covers and curled up by my feet to sleep."

"I was so happy!"- YellowBeastJeep

The Comforting Reminder That You're Not Alone...

"I recently lost my Greyhound but I used to let him sleep on my bed with me."

"The company was nice and he was no trouble to have on my bed."- HoodedMenace3

Hungry Cookie GIF by De Graafschap Dierenartsen Giphy

What Do You Mean Allow?

"I have no choice."

"She is a cat, cats do whatever they want."- Small_cat1412

"He lets me sleep in my bed."- Poorly-Drawn-Beagle

Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way

"I carry my old boy upstairs to bed every night."- worst_in_show

Hug GIF by The BarkPost Giphy

Who Needs An Alarm Clock?

"I let my two cats sleep with me."

"They're so full of love and just want cuddles all the time."

"And so do I."

"We've all developed a lil routine."

"Get to bed, oldest sleeps on my feet to keep them warm, youngest lies in my arm while I lie on my side (she the little spoon), then when I snooze my alarm for work in the morning the youngest paws at my face and meeps loudly to wake me up."- GhostofaFlea_

Whose Bed Is It Anyway?

"Yes."

"They're also kind enough to let me squeeze into whatever space they've left for me."

"Although I do get a few dirty looks off them."- Therealkaylor

"I found this tiny kitten screaming her head off under a car."

"Would not come out."

"Got some food and some water in dishes."

"I stood by the tire so she couldn't see my feet."

"She got curious about the food and water and started gobbling it down."

"I thought she would bolt when I squatted down."

"She was too busy eating."

"I grabbed her by the nape of the neck and all four legs went straight out and she tried to scratch me to death."

"I got her in the door and tossed her toward the couch."

"She ricocheted off the couch as if she was a ping pong off a table and I lost sight of her."

"I put out food and water and a sandbox and did not see that kitten for three days."

"On the third day, I came home and she was on my bed pillow."

"I thought she would bolt when I came near, but she didn't."

"I wanted to sleep so I tried to scoot her little butt off my pillow."

"She would not go."

"I put my head down to sleep and that is the way it was from then on."

"She ran the roost."- Logical_Cherry_7588

sleepy kitten GIF Giphy

Sleeping Is A Prerequisite...

"No, he's a cat and he cannot keep still during the night."

"He walks across the headboard, opens the closet doors, jumps into the windows and rustles the blinds, etc."

"If he would sleep he could stay, but alas, he's a ramblin' man."- Spong_Durnflungle

Saying No Just Isn't An Option...

"'Let'."

"Lol."

"It's a cat's world and I'm happy to be on her good side."- milaren

Felines Only!

"The cat does, the dog doesn't and the horse certainly does not either."- Xcrowzz

Angry Tom And Jerry GIF by Boomerang Official Giphy

Is That My Hair On That Pillow?

"My dog is perfect."

"She comes up, cuddles til we start to fall asleep, then gets down to sleep on her bed so she doesn't get too hot."

"Jumps back up in the early morning for wake up cuddles."

"The hair everywhere is the only downside but she is so cozy, what can you do."- HoodieWinchester

It is easy to understand how some people are able to fall asleep more easily knowing their friend and protector is there, in bed, with them.

Though we can't blame others who don't want to run the risk of being scratched or bitten in the middle of the night either...


Close up of an owl tilting their head to side, looking bewildered
Photo by Josh Mills

The old wives' tales.

They are the stories of legend.

I think we all need a big DEEP Google dive though.

Where did they originate?

WHO ARE THE OLD WIVES!

You don't hear about them as much anymore.

It's like science and logic are suddenly a thing.

But they sure are a good way to keep your kids and their behavior in line.

Redditor the_spring_goddess wanted to discuss the tall tales we've all been fed through life, so they asked:

"What is an old wives tale that people still believe?"

"Wait an hour to swim after eating."

What a crock!

So many summer hours wasted.

I want revenge for that one.

Say Nothing

Giphy

"An undercover cop has to tell you he's a cop if you ask him."

LonelyMail5115

"Pretty much most advice when it comes to cops are old wives tales. I’m not even a cop but most of the advice you hear is pretty off."

I_AM_AN_A**HOLE_AMA

Say Something

"That you have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing."

Severe_Airport1426

"I really think this one is important and should be the top regardless. As it’s a piece of advice that needs to be relearned and the only way to do that is through awareness."

crappycurtains

"This used to be true. I think they changed it after some guy named Brandon went missing back in the '80s or '70s. You used to have to wait 24 hours if the missing person was an adult because they had 'a right to be missing' and then everyone realized that was stupid and stopped doing it."

AlbinoShavedGorilla

Body Temps

"That drinking ice cold water after eating oily foods will solidify the oil and permanently remain in your body. I informed my coworker that if your body temperature ever reached that point, you’d have bigger problems than weight gain."

chriseo22

"Oh, I have a cousin who 100% believed this. One of those guys who believed every early 2000s internet rumor and old wives tale. One night I chugged a big glass of ice water after dinner and he started freaking out and saying my guts were gonna harden."

"I sarcastically told him to drive me to the hospital if that happened. Obviously, nothing happened and the next morning I said something like 'Thanks for being on standby in case my guts filled with hardened oil.' He just walked off muttering under his breath."

apocalypticradish

Arms Down

"When I was pregnant, I was told by young and old alike that I should NOT raise my arms above my head or exert myself in such a manner because it could cause cord strangulation to my unborn sons and daughters."

Fatmouse84

10 Years Actually

Unimpressed Uh Huh GIF by Brooklyn Nine-Nine Giphy

"Chewing gum stays in your stomach for 7 years."

REDDIT

"I remember accidentally swallowing a piece of gum when I was a kid in like 1995 and just accepting my fate like welp, gonna have this in my stomach til high school I guess."

Gecko-911

I was so afraid to sallow my gum when I was young.

This tale is haunting.

High/Low

Hungry Debra Messing GIF by Will & Grace Giphy

"You can tell the sex of the baby by how you carry."

LeastFormal9366

"Pregnancy certainly wins awards for the most old wives tales. So much absolute BS was repeated to us by everyone we talked to."

IllIIIlIllIlIIlIllI

The Cursed

"If you’re a woman and you wear opal jewelry but opal is not your birthstone (October), you’ll never be able to have children, or will be widowed, or just generally have bad luck or something. You can counteract this by having a diamond in the same piece of jewelry as the opal, though."

"I have a nice opal ring that my parents gave me years ago, and I’ve had other women give me this 'advice' unprompted more than once when I’ve worn it. I have absolutely no idea where it started, but I’m pretty sure this little chunk of silicate rock has no concept of what month I was born in, let alone of how my reproductive organs work."

SmoreOfBabylon

Stay In

"Going outside with wet hair will make you get pneumonia. Or an earache. Or maybe arthritis. Depends on which old wife you listen to."

"Jokes on them - I haven't blow-dried my hair in decades and usually leave the house with wet hair in the morning. On winter mornings, the tips of my hair get frozen. No ear infections or pneumonia or arthritis yet."

worldbound0514

Dreams and Facts

"You never make anyone up in your dreams you've seen everyone in your dreams somewhere else before and never make anyone up entirely."

"How would you possibly prove that to be true? My partner adamantly believes this and tells me this 'fact' whenever I have a dream about someone I've never met before."

mattshonestreddit

"My late wife used to tell me that before she met me she would have dreams of standing at an alter on her wedding day but could never see the guy's face, no matter how hard she tried. After meeting me the face was filled in with mine. Don't know if it's true but one of those things I like thinking of every now and then when I miss her."

Darthdemented

Cracked

Getting Ready Episode 2 GIF by The Office Giphy

"Some people still believe cracking knuckles causes arthritis."

Choice-Grapefruit-44

"There's a doctor (Donald Unger) that cracked his knuckles a couple of times a day for 60 years, but only on one hand, just to prove it. Both hands remained exactly the same."

MacyTmcterry

I love my knuckles.

Do you have any tall tales to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below.

lottery tickets
Erik Mclean on Unsplash

A lot of workers daydream about some day winning the lottery and being able to say goodbye to their job.

Far too many workers are unhappy with their job duties, workplace dynamics or company culture.

But with a taste for luxuries like housing and food, they keep plugging away, year after year.

However not everyone feels that way about their job.

So what are these compelling careers?

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