I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this.
But guys, going to the gym to work out, bouldering, and clubbing aren’t very unique hobbies.
And for the girls, cafe-hopping, baking, and reading won’t set you apart from the rest either.
But before you come after me, I’d like to raise my hand in solidarity and establish that, as a girl, I love cafe-hopping, baking, and reading too!
And I know. You do your hobbies because you like them and not because of external validation.
But maybe you’ve been wanting to learn a unique hobby or skill that’ll be a great conversational starters! Or after playing the piano for 15 years, you’re looking forward to a different sound now.
Then fear not and read on, as I highlight 5 hobbies that will set you apart from the normies!
Collecting Stamps (Yes, I’m serious)
You might think of stamp collecting as something your grandpa does. And you’re not wrong.
When I went to monthly gatherings at the Singapore Stamp Club, I was the only one below 50!
But there’s definitely something to be said about collecting stamps because… when was the last time you bought a stamp? Who even sends letters anymore?
I absolutely detest the digitally printed stamps now!
Stamps are a forgotten and dying art form that carries so much history and cultural significance within their tiny frame. Which painting can do that?
When you collect stamps, it’s like owning a miniature art and history gallery in an album. The best part about this gallery is that you can go through the whole thing without even walking!
And with the life advice and stories you can get from the grandpas who still collect stamps, it’s like a 3-in-1!
How to Get Started:
You can watch videos, read books on philately, or just head to your closest post office to purchase your first stamp.
If you’d like to interact with fellow philatelists, the Singapore Stamp Club hosts monthly meetings every second Sunday!
Be An Urban Explorer
“Singapore is so boring. There’s nothing to do.”
Oh. My. Gosh. I roll my eyes every time I hear this.
Yes, our country is small. But you can find hidden treasures within our country’s densely lined rows of shops and houses if you know where to look.
There’s pretty much a niche or kitschy shop or business in some tiny nook, hidden away in Singapore.
How to Get Started:
Start by identifying what interests you already have or would like to experience.
The next step requires a fair amount of research and a keen eye. You can scour Google Maps and the internet, or just simply walk around Singapore with an open mind!
Have you ever wanted to have breakfast in an American diner? Head down to Joji’s Diner.
Do you foresee yourself being a cat lady when you’re old? Head to Cat Socrates.
Want to go antique shopping around the CBD? Head to Tong Mern Sern.
Speaking of Tong Mern Sern…
Hunt For Antiques
Just like stamps, antiques carry so much history, workmanship and intricacies in them.
Many people think that antiques are a rich man’s hobby… and they’re not wrong. I’ve seen a tiny jade chameleon the size of my palm go for $400 before.
But I’ve also bought a carved marble elephant for $30 too. And don’t forget yard sales, eBay, and flea markets!
How to Get Started:
Think about which area of antiques you’d like to dabble in. European watches? Chinese-made clocks? Peranakan kitchenware? War Time Posters?
You’ll then need to have a good eye for details, know how to see the value in something and have knowledge of what you’re looking at.
Those are the main tools you need if you want to start building a hobby with antiques.
Try Another Instrument
We’re in Asia.
How many classmates and friends do you know of who play the piano or violin?
Still counting? OK.
Then let me also ask you how many people you know or have heard of that play the guitar, whether it’s electric or acoustic.
I’m not here to put anyone down but come on, let’s switch it up!
Our goal is to be more interesting now and to venture out of the shell of convention today!
How to Get Started:
Think about the most interesting instrument you know and one that’s in the same family as the instrument that you know how to play.
If you play woodwinds, try the Bagpipe or Oboe d’amour. The percussionists could consider branching out to a Glockenspiel or Djembe, and our string players could explore a Lute or Koto instead!
Mind Games
Hold your horses, everybody.
I’m not telling you to ghost them for a few days or to manipulate them into loving you.
The mind games I’m talking about are fun activities to exercise your brain.
The fun activities like sudoku, journaling, chess, and scrabble.
You don’t need me to tell you the benefits of exercising your mind, right?
But here’s an added benefit to these games: They also double up on making you look smarter and more respectable!
How to Get Started:
People usually start indulging in mind games for a reason. So what’s yours?
Do you want to increase your memories? Or improve your general brainpower? And how much time and effort are you willing to commit?
If you’d like a mind game that doubles up as a hobby and skill, learn a new instrument.
Or for a quick 15-minute mind workout in the morning, take up word puzzles or crossword puzzles.
Conclusion
You can’t tell me that none of the hobbies above aren’t interesting.
Now, I’ll admit it.
Yes. Most of these hobbies aren’t as useful as others, like cooking. You can’t eat the stamps you collect.
But many of these hobbies go beyond just being interesting. You’ll feel more satisfied when you indulge in something that you like and in something that will feed your soul.
And that could be more rewarding than anything else.
So spread your wings and try a new hobby soon. You might just be surprised at where it takes you in life!
Facebook