12 Winter Friendly Hobbies to Try in 2022
Once more we have arrived at January—a month filled with possibility, the hope of a new year, and absolutely abysmal weather. To say January comes with conflicting demands is to put it lightly. That’s why this year we tried to find a happy medium between activities that satisfy ambitious new years’ resolutions and help combat seasonal depression. However you are planning to approach 2022, we’ve got something for you. Below you’ll find our list of winter-friendly—and largely COVID-safe—hobbies to explore in the new year. Take what you want, leave what you don’t, and as always, invite a friend to join you.
Create Your Own Rituals
The long and largely indoor months of winter are the perfect time to refresh old rituals and start some anew. Brainstorm where your routines could benefit from some added structure as well as times to pad in rest and rejuvenation. Tools like meditation, journaling, and exercise can help your mental health and add pockets of energy that help you recharge amidst a busy schedule. For more adventure, consider adding rituals like tarot pulling, exploratory hikes, or “artist’s dates” each week. And yes, intramural bowling can certainly be a ritual worth trying in 2022!
Crochet the Days Away
If you’re extra cold this winter, consider adopting a hobby that feels both warm and productive. Try your hand at knitting or crocheting your own hats, scarves, and ear warmers. If you find you enjoy it, you might even want to make some cozy winter wear for your friends and family. If you’re curious how and where to start, check out this breakdown from Skillshare, which highlights the differences between the two and how to get started with each.
Dip a Toe Into Snow Sports
Whether you’re a seasoned winter athlete or a begrudging summer child, getting outside does wonders for the spirit—even when it is positively (or negatively) freezing! There are a wide variety of nearby skiing, snowboarding, and tubing spots, perhaps most notably are the several resorts in the Laurel Highlands: Hidden Valley, Seven Springs, and the Laurel Mountain Ski Resort. Alternately, if you’re looking for something less expensive and closer to home, consider ice skating Downtown with the Chatham Activities Board at PPG Place on Saturday, January 15—more details here. By the time the Olympics start, you could impress your friends with your newly-acquired winter sport knowledge!
Read for Fun
Though binge-watching may be more tempting in the chilly winter months, reading is an equally cozy activity you can do from bed or the couch. The JKM Library has ample books that will match your interests and ideas of fun. Not to mention, they’re always offering curated reading lists to give you some inspiration of where to start. If you’re into e-books and audiobooks, you might want to check out the Carnegie Library’s extensive e-book collection. And finally, if it’s too overwhelming to read for fun alongside lots of schoolwork, considering taking an English class that piques your reading interests.
Expand Your Exercise Routine
This may be our most cliched suggestion of all, so let us check the “new year, new body” implications at the door. In 2022, we challenge you to find a style of exercise that you find fun and freeing above all else. Exercise is one of the most consistently proven ways to reduce anxiety and depression and to complete the stress cycle. If you already have a steady exercise routine, try a new monthly challenge or simply incorporate a few workouts you haven’t tried before. If you’re looking to create a fitness routine, sign up for one of Chatham’s PED classes, a yoga class in Squirrel Hill or Shadyside, or even a versa-climber, climbing, or boxing class at Club Elevate.
Join a New Club
Try something new in 2022 by joining one or more of Chatham’s wide variety of clubs and student organizations. You can get to know quite a few of our student organizations by checking out Pulse@ChathamU’s student org spotlights. You can also get to know our orgs in person at the upcoming Student Engagement & Employment Fair on Wednesday, January 12. And keep in mind, if there isn’t an organization that speaks to your interests, you can always create your own!
Craft Sustainably
If crafting feels too old-school for you, consider crafting in newly sustainable ways. We highly recommend gathering crafting supplies at Pittsburgh’s Center for Creative Reuse and if you’re looking for sustainable craft inspiration, check out Gathered’s list of 43 Sustainable DIY Crafts. Plus, find your very own campus crafting community at Marvelous Mondays in the Carriage House, where you can complete crafts like macrame keychain designing.
Skate Towards Summer
Did you know Pittsburgh is home to a vibrant and inclusive skating community? Whether you want to shred on a board, lace up some roller skates, or do both, we encourage you to join us for a Skatepark Night at Switch & Signal on Sunday, January 23 @ 8:00 pm. (Author’s note: I attended a Shred Your Fears Skateboarding Workshop at Switch & Signal despite never having ridden a skateboard before—it was awesome, exciting, and very welcoming. I highly recommend checking out Shred Your Fears if you have an interest or curiosity in skateboarding).
Explore New Cultures
If you’re hoping to travel abroad soon or hone your skills in another language, we encourage you to get involved with Chatham’s Office of International Affairs (OIA). Their new Global Tea program—starting Thursday, January 13—invites both domestic and international students to mingle and share their stories of study abroad and traveling. If you’re looking for some advice or friendly insight, that’s a great place to start. Keep in mind, OIA helps facilitate study abroad opportunities year-round and makes a great resource for exploring your options.
Nourish Yourself
Feed your inner homebody this winter by making all the cozy stews and delicious breads you can find. With a little practice and experimentation, you might just find that you especially enjoy the food you make for yourself and those you love. If you’re looking for dinner inspiration, check out this list of Cozy Winter Dinner Ideas—complete with vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and omnivorous recipes. And for sweeter treats, catch All Recipes’ list of 15 Things to Bake When It’s Too Cold to Go Outside.
Garden Like a Natural
Did you know that successful gardening and plant care often starts in the winter months? If you’re looking to kickstart the garden of your dreams, start with Pulse@ChathamU’s guide: How to Start Your Own Home Garden, which features tips for prepping your plants and seedlings before they’re read to go outside. Whether you’re planning for an indoor or outdoor garden, starting ahead of time is key. Begin cultivating your seedlings by a sunny window a few months before the last frost.
If All Else Fails…Walk Outside
If you can bear the elements on the milder winter days, getting outside is always worthwhile for your wellbeing. Explore local trails in Schenley and Frick Parks on snowy but sunny days. Grab hot coffee or cocoa with a friend and head out on a nature walk. Along the way, keep track of all the different animals you see. By the end, you might just find that you appreciate winter more than you expected. ☺️
Welcome back to campus, Cougs! We encourage you to stay active, healthy, and well-cared for this winter. For an additional boost, check out our guide to Beating the Winter Blues from 2020 and remember, Chatham’s Counseling Center is just a phone call: 412-364-1282 or email: counselingcenter@chatham.edu away!