Bored Britons are switching off their TVs and finding new ways to entertain themselves during lockdown with a new study revealing the nation’s most popular isolation hobbies.
Penny pinching experts from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk used Google trends data to research which affordable new hobbies the UK public are adopting from their homes.
They found increasing numbers of us are turning away from our screens and finding new ways to stay entertained as the lockdown continues.
As well as classic hobbies such as baking, gardening and DIY, many of us are using the lockdown to learn a new language or get fit with home workouts or yoga sessions.
A spokesperson from NetVoucherCodes said: “Many people have a lot more time on their hands right now than they are used to and as the lockdown continues increasing numbers are switching off their televisions and finding more interesting ways to keep themselves entertained.
“The perfect hobby is one that lets you tap into some of your energy and creativity but doesn’t tap into your wallet in a significant way. Families up and down the UK need a break, and hobbies provide them the chance to have fun and relax.
“Immersing yourself in a new hobby can be really good for mental health and helps reduce stress, which is really important at the moment.
“Using Google Trends’ search data in the UK over March and April, many hobbies had increased search interest. Using this we calculated the percentage increase in interest in those topics, and identified the date of peak popularity.
“Alongside ‘How to make a facemask at home’ and ‘How to claim 80% of wages’, here are the results of the UK’s most searched isolation hobbies, along with tips for getting started with each.”
- Learn a Language
The UK population doesn’t have to give up on their dreams of becoming fluent in a second language. As we are all in lockdown, many Brits are prioritising learning a new language.
With the most searches occurring on 29 March, the great thing about learning a new language is you can set your own pace and milestones. Consequently, you won’t get a failing grade if you don’t reach your goals.
There are many apps that are free which give great introductions to a new language, whether it be Italian or German. You may not have spoken French or Spanish since school, but there’s no reason why you can’t finally master speaking a new language this year.
- Training With Resistance Bands
With gyms and health clubs closed due to COVID-19, the UK is looking for alternative ways to keep up with their fitness and training programmes. In the world of weight training, resistance bands tend to fly under the radar. But due to current circumstances, they are perfect for home workouts for all levels.
With peaked interest for both weight training and resistance bands on the 22nd March, using resistance bands can hit all muscle groups and you can progress difficulty really easily. Not to mention they are lightweight, easy to store and relatively inexpensive.
- DIY
DIY is always a popular pastime for Brits, but we have seen a steady increase in interest throughout April as lockdown measures are continuing. This is a perfect time to pick up those jobs you’ve been putting off for ages, and if you are unsure on how to do something, buy a book on DIY, or research through YouTube.
You can still get deliveries and do click and collect to buy the tools you need. It’s a good opportunity to start a new project and you’ll learn a new skill while improving your home!
- Yoga
With mental health and wellbeing at the forefront of the UK’s minds, it is no surprise to learn that interest in Yoga peaked in March. Studies have shown practising Yoga regularly can help with anxiety, improve your concentration, ease pain, and boost your cognitive health overall.
Before you dive into a sun salutation or downward dog, have a look through YouTube videos to learn the basics. Starting small is actually a good idea if you want to make yoga a part of your regular routine.
- Baking
Baking might seem a little intimidating for first-timers out there, which is why many are starting with basic recipes such as Banana Bread. The UK has seen a remarkable peak in searches for both baking and more specifically Banana Bread in March and April.
Alongside Banana Bread, there are a wealth of beginner bakes for Brits to start out on; Victoria Sponge, Brownies and Cupcakes are all relatively straightforward household favourites.
- Gardening
Gardening is a great exercise for both the body and the mind. Usually associated with the older generation, interest in gardening is now peaking.
Whether we’re planting new flowerbeds, nurturing an allotment (following Government guidelines) or simply tending to indoor plants, the UK is finding that gardening is more than a hobby and can provide food for the family at a fraction of the cost. Online gardening centre Gardening Express has seen a huge rise in sales since lockdown began.
Growing your own vegetables also eases concerns over food availability as lockdown has slowed distribution of some crops.
