Defeat Loneliness With These 10 Online Hobbies

Spending a lot of time at home can be lonely and isolating. It’s important to interact with other people, even if it’s through a screen. Talking to others is simply good for the soul, and it’s important to see their face and hear their voice. Luckily, these days there are plenty of ways to meet new people and form connections. Here are ten fresh and exciting ideas for hobbies that will get you chatting through your computer.

Volunteer Work

Even without going out, you can get involved in all kinds of volunteer opportunities through your computer. If you take a higher-level position like being on a board of directors, you’ll have to attend meetings. There are also opportunities to answer help hotlines for domestic violence victims, youth in crisis, and others in need. A great option is volunteering to chat with lonely seniors. You can beat your own loneliness by helping others with theirs! You’ll be making the world a better place, too.

Video Games

No matter your age or gender, video games can be fun and engaging. If you’ve never gotten into them before, you should keep trying until you find the right one. There are all kinds of games, from strategies and epic quests to taking care of cute cartoon animals. And many video games involve working in teams. It’s common for players to voice chat using an app like Discord while they play the same game on their separate screens. You can get started using your laptop, then invest in a gaming system once you’re hooked.

Language Tutoring

Do you speak a second language? Maybe you studied Spanish back in high school and you’d like to brush up on it — or maybe you’ve always wished you knew a few words of Mandarin. Today, native speakers of every language offer tutoring services on different websites, and it’s often extremely affordable. You can search through profiles to find someone you think you’d click with, then schedule an appointment. Not only will you be getting human interaction, you’ll be keeping your mind active, too.

Conversation Exchange

Similarly to language tutoring, a conversation exchange enables you to practice a second language with another person. However, this option is completely free. You pay your “tutor” back by practicing English (or your own native language) with them. This can be a great option to connect with different people from across the globe. However, it works best if you’re already at a conversational level in the language.

Writing Groups

Did you ever dream of being the next Hemingway? Maybe you just feel better when you take the time to pour your feelings out through a pen. With an online writing group, you can write, share, and get feedback from others. Some groups take time to write during the meeting, while others expect you to bring a piece you prepared in advance. This is a great way to form deep connections, since everyone has to be vulnerable. And who knows? You could even end up getting published.

Book Clubs

Another idea for the literary types is book clubs. A book club can focus on any genre of fiction or nonfiction, or they can decide to read anything that catches the members’ fancy. Many meet monthly, but some may meet more or less often. There are a million and one book clubs in the world, and if you can’t find one that fits your style, it’s easy to start your own. Everyone wants to spend more time reading, and a book club can be an excellent motivation. Book clubs encourage great conversation since there are always so many things to discuss and analyze. Whether you loved the book or hated it, you won’t run out of things to talk about.

Improvisational Comedy

Have you ever watched an improv performances, like the TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? Being able to come up with witty remarks on the spot may seem like magic, but it’s a skill that can be learned. Normally, you would have to go to an improv class in person, but as of 2020, many comedy schools are offering their classes online. You can act out scenes and watch others’ performances from the comfort of your own home.

Exercise Classes

Yoga, pilates, dance, calisthenics. Do any of these words inspire you to get moving? While free exercise classes are available on YouTube, paid versions give you access to teachers who will take a personal interest in you. They can offer corrections and tips, and there are often opportunities to chat with others before and after class. Alternatively, a virtual personal trainer will coach you one-on-one through the screen. Online exercise classes will not only give you a chance for social interaction, they’ll keep you fit and healthy as well.

Therapy

Therapy isn’t “just for crazy people.” There are some specific methods of therapy, like cognitive-behavioral and dialectic-behavioral, that can be helpful to almost anyone. But at its core, therapy just means having an open, honest conversation with a trained professional. Everyone could benefit from therapy at some point in their life. It can help you gain clarity and insight on anything you’re struggling with. If you’re stuck at home, maybe now is the time to try it out. Since many therapists are offering their services online, you aren’t limited to finding one in your area.

Cooking Classes

Do you love to cook? Or do you love to eat, and wish you were better at cooking? Either way, virtual cooking classes could help you improve your skills and get some human interaction, too. Whether you want to learn a specific cuisine (Italian, Indian, Thai) or a certain diet (vegetarian, keto, paleo), there are chefs and cooking teachers who are offering lessons. You’ll be able to get feedback on your cooking technique, as well as chat with others in the class. And at the end, you’ll have a delicious meal to enjoy.

Even if you’re alone at home, there are many ways to meet new people. Keep loneliness at bay by trying out some of the hobbies suggested in this article. With your new ideas and skills, you won’t just be more social — you’ll also be a better person.