10 hobbies to try during Diwali if you’re away from family

Maybe you’re studying abroad, living apart from your family for work or simply can’t be around them for mental health reasons this year. Maybe you’ve been working for what feels like weeks on end and finally have some time to unwind. Maybe unwinding for you doesn’t mean bed rotting but finding something to do as a protest against toxic productivity. Put the spring-cleaning on pause this year and find something to do that will not only help you relax but also bring warmth, joy and a touch of home to wherever you are. Our list of hobbies to try during Diwali is great to get through either alone or with others, and there are plenty of resources and tips available online to help you get started.

1. Make your own Diwali decor

Arts and crafts are one of the most therapeutic hobbies out there. They’re also a great way to spend time with flatmates, colleagues and friends. Try your hand at making paper lanterns, hand-painting diyas or learning origami to create animals, flowers and more. You can also make candles with scents that remind you of home—cardamom, rose, sandalwood, etc.

2. Paint, sketch, draw, doodle—even if you’re bad at it

These activities can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not an artist or have never considered yourself good at art. But as intimidating as they seem, they’re also incredibly fun to do. Even if you are an artist but just haven’t had the time, the holidays are a perfect opportunity to pick up a paintbrush or pencil. Draw whatever your heart desires. Explore different painting styles and techniques. Sketch your friends, your parents, your pets, or even that view you really miss from home.

3. Play a game—not on your screen

For the iPad babies who have now grown up, crosswords, Sudoku or even a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle can be really fun to do. You can pick up game books at the bookstore too. These activities are great for groups as well: host a board game night with classics like Monopoly, Sequence, Catan or Scrabble.

4. Learn a language instead of relying on Apple’s Live Translation

Pick up that dusty French book you abandoned after high school. Sign up for a Duolingo course. Learn that ancestral language you’ve always wanted to speak to your grandmum in. You might not become a pro instantly, but the holidays are a perfect time to start learning a new language.

5. Go on a photography walk to get to know the city you’re in better

This is a foolproof way to get better at photography. Simply take your phone or any old camera lying around and go for a walk. You can explore your neighbourhood or any area of your choice (a park, a lake or a monument is a great place to start), photographing things that stand out to you. You can also watch YouTube tutorials to learn how to edit your photos more effectively. This activity is great to pick up, plus it will also help you get your daily steps in.

6. Write or journal—even if your thoughts are incoherent

The holidays are the perfect time to put the many thoughts swirling in your head down on paper. Journal your feelings. Write about home or what you miss. Write about your life and your emotions in the moment. Write about your thoughts, your opinions, your confusions. Write a poem, a letter, an email or even a story, and see where it takes you.

7. Do your longest movie marathon yet

Everybody loves a good movie marathon. Enter your cinephile era by catching up on the latest award winners. Or just watch the iconic Karan Johar classics because who doesn’t love those? Host a movie-night potluck or binge-watch a new TV show that’s been on your list. Oh, and get on Letterboxd.

8. Pick up a music instrument or put on your dancing shoes

If there was ever a time to dust off that guitar or keyboard, it’s now. Learn to play a festive tune and make a cover. Or learn a new choreography for a dance you’ve been loving (‘Gabriela’ by Katseye?)—maybe even attend a dance class.

9. Put your baking mittens to use

Try your hand at your own version of a recipe you loved back home. Make a simple kheer or halwa; perfect for the Diwali season and a lovely treat to share with friends and neighbours. Do some food prep for later, or finally make the dishes you’ve always wanted to try but never had the time for. Basically, eat what makes you happy.

10. Do nothing

Ignore this list of hobbies to try during Diwali. Rest. Sleep in. Watch paint dry. Hear the clock tick. Take care of yourself. Sometimes, you need to do absolutely nothing at all.