To ask you to suggest a new skill to lean in lockdown

[justsayso]

Obviously the first time round there was a bit of a 'blitz spirit' going on, and I know some people used the time to develop a new skill or learn something. I didn't! I worked all the way through as did many others, but as the nights are long and lockdown is going to drag this time around I wondered if anyone had any suggestions of a fun skill or new talent to develop?
I run, badly but make myself go. I enjoy painting and printmaking, but have done quite a bit of this recently so am looking to branch out.
What have people learned recently or what can people do that they're proud of?
Instrument? New language? Yoga pose? Juggling? Chess? Please don't say chess!

@5foot5 that blanket is AMAZING.

Anoisagusaris
I don’t know how lockdowns mean people have all this spare time. I, and everyone I know, still have work, child, homeschooling, caring etc responsibilities. Where does all this free time come from?

I have a very good work-life balance, I worked towards that purposely. & I've already raised my children, thank you. It's my time now.

Vodka shots and Billie holiday appreciation

Buy a heavy bag and learn to box.

I tried to learn hula hooping during our lockdown (melb)I still can’t hula hoop but I’m quite determined to get it eventually

I'm currently learning Spanish 😁

I had a newborn in first lockdown so no time but she is now walking and sleeping ok so I've started learning a new piece of software for my line of work in 3d design. (It's blender) so I can do a portfolio.

I've discovered after months of avoidance I really need goals and limits to avoid procrastination. So decided to to do 1-2 hours per day learning for the whole of October. Ended up doing 50 hours and getting over that initial learning hump. I'm planning the same in January and have started a project for a volunteer group I know to do some artwork. I've promised to present what I have by the end of the month as motivation to have something.

I've also been writing but I find I can only do one at a time like they both use up my creative energy. However I do find one informs tithe other and thinking time away fron the task help to have idea.

@Finally2021 Thanks! Though I can't claim artistic credit. I got the pattern and yarn from a site called Attic24 and then crocheted for months and months

I don’t know how lockdowns mean people have all this spare time. I, and everyone I know, still have work, child, homeschooling, caring etc responsibilities. Where does all this free time come from?

With work and 2 small children, housework etc no I don't have loads more time really. I am a lot more bored, on edge and feeling like not a lot is being achieved and I think that drives me towards wanting a hobby in the very small amount of down time I have.

I suppose I do have slightly more time in some ways in that I'm not commuting on my work days, and on my non-work days I'm not rushing about with the kids, getting them ready for nursery, swimming, dancing etc, get them into the car, taking them on playdates etc. I'm still looking after the children during this time so it's not exactly free time to do anything particularly productive but we're all rather bored by now!

I can imagine adults at home without young children must be bored and some must be so lonely. It makes me anxious to think of.

The lady that started jump rope was because she was furloughed so had time on her hands. Her wedding was cancelled and she doesn't have children. She had a full time job then couldn't work so had all day free.

I was furloughed first lockdown but I have an 18 and 21 year old so they didn't need my attention.

That said I did not learn any new skills but walked, listened to lots of podcasts/read and watched films and series.

I dont mean to sound trite and please forgive me if you are already doing this or are vulnerable but with your spare time could you maybe help those that are not able to collect shopping, prescriptions etc.
If you have any healthcare training maybe you could complete the new vaccination training? How about supporting a lonely person , there are groups you can join that do phone calls each day .
I go out once a day to the shops for my vulnerable neighbours. Cant do much else unfortunately with work and homeschooling but trying to become a volunteer for vaccination and as soon as I am out of quarantine I'm giving blood.
People are dropping like flies , those that can help really should. I'm not being nasty but blitz spirit isnt learning crochet.

@frumpety Thanks! I've already found a lecture by a favourite author to listen to!

@Dontforgetyourbrolly

I dont mean to sound trite and please forgive me if you are already doing this or are vulnerable but with your spare time could you maybe help those that are not able to collect shopping, prescriptions etc. If you have any healthcare training maybe you could complete the new vaccination training? How about supporting a lonely person , there are groups you can join that do phone calls each day . I go out once a day to the shops for my vulnerable neighbours. Cant do much else unfortunately with work and homeschooling but trying to become a volunteer for vaccination and as soon as I am out of quarantine I'm giving blood. People are dropping like flies , those that can help really should. I'm not being nasty but blitz spirit isnt learning crochet.

It is a bit patronising. Everyone needs some downtime to help them cope and stay resiliant, it's not helpful to be "on" all the time. I have a disability, have a really demanding job in mental health, shop for my vulnerable neighbour, support family emotionally and need to crochet/sew/drink to keep myself as well as possible so I can do the things I am already doing.

Vodka shots and Billie holiday appreciation
5 foot 5 - that is lovely. I really must finish my quilt this year. Yes I am ignoring the fact that actually I am working more not less during lockdown as that'sjust a bit depressing atm

Missed a bit out!

Vodka shots and Billie holiday appreciation
Sounds like my kind of hobby!

Cross stitching!! Took it up during the last lockdown and honestly love it. Bought a few of the Mouseloft kits from Hobbycraft - they're only £2.50 each and each kit contains everything you need to complete the pattern, apart from a wee hoop (only £3). Really enjoyed them and have now moved onto bigger projects!!

I agree @Athinginitself. A lot of people taking up new hobbies/learning new skills during lockdown are to provide a distraction from all the responsibility like caring for vulnerable neighbours or doing their elderly parents' shopping. Something just for themselves-doesn't need to take all day.

I think everyone could benefit from learning sign language

Why?

Chess
Crochet
Knitting
Embroidery
Sewing
Baking
Air fix

I thought I would learn to crochet in lockdown 1. I can knit so didn't think it would be too hard.

I ended up making some massive woolly knots and gave up.

Just watched a lecture by Gresham college as suggetsed by someone up thread. Would highly recommend.

Another vote for Duolingo. Really easy to do in bite-size chunks, a few lessons per day doesn't take much time at all. Low effort, reasonably high reward - you probably won't get fluent by Duolingo alone but you can certainly get to a "get by on holiday" level. I topped mine up with various online dictionaries and lessons to nail particularly difficult points of grammar (it started as a hobby and I ended up taking it quite seriously). Wish it had been around when I was younger!

Another vote for crochet or knitting. Then Christmas presents this year are sorted, get some really chunky yarn and you can make a hat and scarf, or a small soft toy, in an evening