Whether you prefer quiet neighborhood walks or exploring local trails on a family nature hike, chances are that during lockdown, you went out walking. It was one of the only ways to converge with others.
Maybe you’re still walking as part of your fitness routine. Or maybe you’re still pursuing another new pastime or hobby you picked up. One study says that 92 percent of people learned a new skill during the pandemic.
For example, my older daughter Jane taught herself to crochet during that time. She’s since moved on to knitting, which she also taught herself. Years ago, I learned to sew and went back to it after taking a basic sewing class at Joann’s. In fact, if your itching to get back to your sewing machine, check out this easy elastic waist skirt pattern.
Pastimes and hobbies to pursue in Southern Maine
For many people, finding uncomplicated, enjoyable hobbies and pastimes may help foster self-care, enhance well-being and reduce stress. When was the last time that you challenged yourself to learn something new?
Consider these seven pastimes if you want to try something new this year. Many of these activities are on my skills’ bucket list. In addition to suggesting new hobbies you or your family might want to try, I’ve included where you can go in Southern Maine to learn them.
Try your hand at journal writing
Are you ready to explore writing? It is a great hobby to embrace simple living, suitable for people of all ages and physical conditions. Consider keeping a journal as a powerful way to reflect, plan and alleviate stress.
Writing each day allows you to chronicle your life journey, express emotions and cultivate gratitude. It’s also relatively inexpensive compared to some other pastimes.
To begin journaling, choose a quiet time of day and a comfortable spot. Use plain lined paper or a notebook.
You may prefer to treat yourself to a beautifully bound journal and a pen to make the experience more personal and enjoyable. Regular writing may become a valued daily ritual to center your thoughts.
Southern Maine classes on creative writing and journaling
If you’d like some help getting started on this pastime, consider these classes focused on writing.
- Creative Writing Workshop, University of New England. As part of the Maine Women Writers Collection, the UNE Library Services offer creative writing workshops throughout the year.
- Interactive Guided Journaling, Biddeford Adult Education. Throughout the winter and spring, you’ll find a handful of these guided journaling classes that adults can take. They are under the category “Enrich Yourself.”
- Write On! A Creative Writing Smorgasbord, Gorham Adult Education. In April there is a four-week creative writing evening workshop at Gorham Middle School. This is part of the Maine Adult Ed program.
Soapmaking pastime and hobby
If you love visiting the spa, try pastimes that include making beauty products, such as soapmaking. This craft combines artistry with chemistry, resulting in beautiful, usable products to enjoy or give as thoughtful gifts.
You’ll need basic supplies like lye, oils and a silicone mold to make your soap. Experiment with scents, colors and textures as you become more skilled. Soapmaking not only stimulates creativity but also gives a satisfying sense of self-sufficiency.
Soapmaking classes in Southern Maine
- Making Goat’s Milk Soap, Noble Adult & Community Education. It appears that there is a soapmaking class once a month through Noble Adult & Community Education in North Berwick.
Here’s another idea on finding soapmaking classes, if this hobby interests you. If you’ve ever been to a Maine farmer’s market or attended a Maine fair or festival like the Fryeburg Fair, then you’ve likely seen vendors selling homemade soaps. Once the farmers markets are back in season, I would ask those vendors if they offer classes on making soap. It can’t hurt to ask.
Knitting
This pastime is an enjoyable, meditative and productive pastime. Whether you’re creating scarves, sweaters or blankets, knitting offers a rhythmic, soothing activity that can be as simple or complex as you like. It’s also wonderfully portable.
Knit indoors or outdoors, at home, at your favorite coffee shop or while visiting a friend. You’ll need a set of knitting needles and a ball of yarn to start. Knitting can be a tranquil counterpoint to a busy life, resulting in beautiful, functional pieces that warm the body and soul.
Does knitting intimidate you? Then, do what my daughter Jane did. Start with crocheting. Here is the blanket she crocheted for us as a Christmas gift last year.
Southern Maine classes on knitting and crocheting
If you’d rather not learn knitting or crocheting via YouTube, here are places you can go in Southern Maine for in-person classes or private lessons.
- Bonney Knitting and Crocheting Group, Sacopee Valley Adult & Community Education. The Knitting and Crocheting Group at Bonney Memorial Library meets on Mondays to work on new projects and learn from other members.
- Crochet for Beginners, Massabesic Adult and Community Education. This is a six-week class, starting March 4, held at Limerick Town Hall.
- Granny Square Greatness and Kitchen Crochet. Both are one-off crocheting classes, in February and March, through Old Orchard Beach/Saco Adult and Community Education.
- How to Crochet, Biddeford Adult Education. In February and March, you can take two different “how to crochet” classes here.
- The Yarn Sellar, York, Maine. You can sign up for private lessons or instruction at this York retail establishment.
Sourdough baking
I swear everyone and their brother added sourdough baking to their pastimes and hobbies list in 2020 and 2021. Did you miss out? If so, now is a great time to take it up.
Baking sourdough bread marries the art of baking with the science of fermentation. Making sourdough starter, nurturing your starter, kneading the dough and finally witnessing your loaf rise and turn golden in the oven is magical.
Try the old-time art of breadmaking as a nice break from the hectic pace of modern life and enjoy the bonus of delicious, wholesome loaves of bread. Begin with a simple recipe and as you get comfortable, experiment with different flours and techniques, such as trying sourdough discard recipes.
Sourdough classes in Southern Maine
Last month, my husband took a sourdough pizza class at the White Sails Inn, a bed and breakfast in Kennebunk. They tend to offer these classes once a month. Check The White Sails Inn Facebook page for more information on sourdough classes.
In addition, I found one sourdough class in Feburary through Sacopee Valley Adult & Community Education in Porter. It is an introduction to sourdough baking
Taking a cooking class together is one of many great foodie date ideas.
Learn a musical instrument
I’ve been practicing yoga lately at The Daily Sweat in Kennebunk. And one of the instructors is starting a Jam Camp class. Every Friday night he gets people together to try their hand at playing a musical instrument, no experience needed.
It reminds me of the Music Together classes I used to take with my daughters Jane and Annie when they were toddlers. FYI, Music Together is alive and well and offering classes in Southern Maine. Here is the Music Together class locator you can use.
Sage Scott, a blogger friend of mine, recently took up the drums. Here’s what she told me about her decision to add drumming to her pastimes and hobbies.
“I recently read that dancing is one of the best pastimes one can pursue as one gets older. Since I look worse than Elaine from Seinfeld on a dance floor, I’ve decided to learn the drums,” Sage said. “It’s supposed to be equally stimulating but in a whole different way.”
Music lessons in Southern Maine
There are any number of instruments that you can learn to play. However, it’s fascintating how many Maine Adult Education programs have classes on learning to play the ukulele. You’ll find them through the following programs:
- Biddeford Adult Education
- Gray-New Gloucester Adult Education
- Sacopee Valley Adult & Community Education
Yoga
The holistic practice of yoga combines physical postures, breathwork and meditation. It strengthens the body, calms the mind and nourishes the spirit. With styles ranging from gentle to vigorous, there’s a form of yoga suitable for everyone.
Consider starting with a beginner class or online tutorial from the comfort of your home. All you need are comfortable clothes and some space.
When you become more comfortable, invest in beginner yoga accessories, such as a yoga mat, clothing or yoga blocks. As you grow in your practice, you may discover a sense of balance and inner peace extending beyond the mat.
As I mentioned, I’ve been taking in-person yoga classes along with the Peloton yoga classes I do at home. Anyway, when I decided I wanted to start practicing in person again, my younger daughter Annie convinced me to sign up for a free 30-day trial of Class Pass. It allowed me to try yoga classes without committing to an expensive membership.
After that free tiral, I ended up subscribing to Class Pass. It made the most sense financially because it gave me the flexibility to take classes wherever and whenever I wanted.
Pick up pickleball
When it comes to pastimes and hobbies, you have to think that pickleball is one of the most popular. Some have even deemed it America’s fastest-growing sport.
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It has quickly become a favorite among people looking for fun, social and accessible physical activity.
Not only is pickleball easy to learn, but it’s also suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Join a local club or community center to start playing and enjoy the health benefits and the opportunity to meet new people.
Local places to play pickleball
For example, you may want to check out Seacoast Pickleball. It is a gigantic, indoor pickleball complex that opened in 2023 on Route 1 in York.
Another indoor option is Pickleball Maine at Foreside Fitness & Tennis in Falmouth. They offer private lessons.
During warm-weather months, check out the pickleball courts at the Waterhouse Center in downtown Kennebunk. The town’s parks and recreation department oversees the complex and pickleball playing schedule.
Finally, a number of adult-education programs offer “learn to play pickleball” classes throughout the year. This includes:
Final thoughts on taking up new pastimes and hobbies
As you think about which pastimes and hobbies you may want to try, remember the most important aspect is the joy and fulfillment they bring. Whether writing reflective journal entries, creating sourdough bread with your hands or engaging in physical activities like yoga or pickleball, these pastimes offer enrichment and a positive outlook for the days ahead.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.