If Covid-19 rules prevent travel, learn something new like these Hong Kong people have done – it will improve your mental health and ‘reset’ your brain
- Psychologist Kimberley Carder says the brain is hard-wired for novelty seeking. ‘Taking up a new hobby is refreshing – a reset button for the brain,’ she says
- We talk to women in Hong Kong unable to have holidays overseas because of Covid-19 restrictions who have taken up sewing and wakesurfing to connect with friends
Your travel plans may be mostly on ice during the pandemic, but there are lots of places and hobbies to explore even within the confines of your city. Enterprising people in Hong Kong are discovering many new ways to stay active and to learn, and reaping great physical and mental health benefits.
“There are only so many staycations you can do,” says Kim Su-woon, who hasn’t travelled for two years. She recently got together with three friends, though, to take a weekly class at The Sewing Lounge in Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island.
“I wanted to learn something practical. The four of us went to Sham Shui Po [in Kowloon] together to get the fabric. It’s nice to talk about it and compare projects. I find it relaxing and get a sense of satisfaction from producing something,” says Kim.
Melanie Bell, who runs The Sewing Lounge, has noticed a big uptick in interest in the past year. Previously, 80 per cent of her clients were children, but now it’s mostly adults.
“It’s something people have had at the back of their mind but felt they never had the time and now priorities have changed, and they want to do something satisfying,” says Bell.
Beginners start with a small project like a make-up bag, pencil case or pyjama pants. “Three hours later, you’ve got something you’ve made yourself and can be proud of. People like to come as a team and have that experience together,” says Bell.