New Skills to Learn if You Want to Prevent Boredom from Hitting This Summer ...

Let's face it, everybody: When the lazy, hazy days of summer roll around, we're all just a Netflix binge away from absolute boredom. However, new skills to learn can turn those endless hours into a thrilling adventure! Trust me, I learned how to crochet last summer, and while it didn't exactly spark joy for me (more like a mild interest), my cat now has an entire collection of oddly-shaped hats. So I can personally attest that diving into summer learning really helps!

Picture it: 2024 is here, and our lives are steadily going back to “normal.” But who wants to be just normal? In an age where everyone’s trying to stand out, why settle for being a spectator? Whether you’re still navigating Zoom calls in your pajamas or are a college student drowning in textbooks, we've got ways to dust off your curiosity and stay productive.

One surefire way to avoid the boredom blues is to take a stab at creative hobbies. Yes, we're talking about everything from painting to pottery. Don’t worry if flare pants and Bob Ross hair never quite made your style list; creating something with your hands is an incredibly refreshing escape from the digital monotony. In fact, just search "how to paint a galaxy" on YouTube, and you're halfway to becoming the next Van Gogh (minus the ear incident).

At this point, you might be wondering, "Isn't learning new things expensive?" Fret not. We've got suggestions that are wallet-friendly and might interest even the most penny-pinching individuals, so forget the pricey gym memberships and high-end art supplies. With a bit of creativity, you could find yourself mastering the art of budget-friendly learning.

If your culinary skills extend no further than popping Eggo waffles into a toaster, it's time to expand your palate (and your kitchen cred). Delve into the world of simple recipes or try some international dishes that might just revolutionize your weeknight routines. My personal trick to making the perfect fried rice? Let’s just say it’s all about day-old rice and a hefty splash of soy sauce.

Ever thought about getting your hands dirty and growing your own mini garden? Becoming a plant parent can be both gratifying and zen-like. Don't know where to start? Trust me; there's a succulent out there with your name on it—one that’s near indestructible. Plus, you can brag about your DIY garden on Instagram, and you'll garner some serious envy.

If you’re itching for more practical life skills, think about a versatile option like learning a new language. You might not end up fluent enough to outwit a Parisian waiter, but ordering a croissant in French is a flex AND fun party trick.

Whether it's arming yourself with these new hobbies or diving into hands-on activities, you’ll find that whole "bored" concept melts away faster than an ice cream cone on a hot July day. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in, experiment, have a laugh, and keep your summer days brimming with excitement.

1 Drawing

When I do my yearly deep-cleaning of my bedroom, I always come across coloring books from my childhood filled with hideous drawings I was evidently proud of enough to keep until now. The scary thing is, I haven't gotten much better! If you're in the same boat, why not work on refining your artistic skills this summer? You don't have to be naturally talented to be a skilled artist, so go purchase some grown-up drawing books and give it a go!

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2 An Instrument

Does your family have instruments lying around your house collecting dust? Put them to good use and learn how to play one this summer! It's a great way to pass the time and find a new way to express yourself. Plus, you'll be able to impress all of your friends next school year.

3 A New Language

This summer is the year you finally learn a language you never thought you'd learn. Maybe it's something your school doesn't offer, the language of a country you dream of visiting but never have, or something challenging you'll need a lot of time for. There are plenty of free programs online as well as apps like DuoLingo to help get you started. As you advance, you can consider buying a program like Rosetta Stone to help improve your skills.

4 Nail Art

Are you tired of spending money on getting your nails done? Or maybe you never had the money to do so and you're fed up with plain nails. If that's the case, try to master nail art this summer! This is a great skill because all you need is two hands and nail polish, and you can even watch Netflix while you practice!

5 Embroidery

Another skill great for Netflix-multitasking is embroidery. Embroidery is somewhat of a lost art, but there's no reason it should go out of style. You can get training kits for a pretty affordable price online then get started creating right away! It's such a unique skill with an intimate community, I'm certain it is a great way to spend your time.

6 Weightlifting

If you think about it, weightlifting is a skill, too. It requires specific form and takes lots of practice, time, and effort. Weightlifting is a great way to kill two birds with one stone; you can get in shape and avoid boredom at the same time! Maybe you'll even meet some cuties in the gym while you workout...

7 Cooking

No matter what cooking means to you—learning how to make an omelet or mastering haute cuisine—try refining your skill this summer. It's great practice for college and beyond. Not to mention you'll get tons of mouthwatering Instagram photos out of it!

8 Photography

Here's a hobby you can actually turn into a business. Practice over the summer and maybe by fall you'll have a new career. Take pictures of friends, strangers, go to a national park and take pictures of wildlife. Whatever you do, make sure you put passion into it to truly capture a beautiful image.

9 A Sport

Summer is a great time to get outside and play a sport! Whether you go outside and Learn yourself, or you join a community team to try to teach you along the way, be sure you have fun with whatever you choose.

10 Dance

Were you the little girl that always dreamed of being a ballerina? Well now you can be! Take a dance class wherever you can or watch videos on how to learn to dance. Grab a partner and practice your hearts out. That way, when everyone starts having their rustic fall weddings again, you'll be set to tear up the dance floor with your new moves.

There's never an excuse for boredom when there are so many skills you could be learning! If you aren't mastering one of these skills this summer, what are you learning instead?