What skills or hobbies have I always wanted to learn but haven't had time for, and can start now?

Hey friend.

First off, sending you a virtual hug. Seeing this blank space after a relationship as a gift to yourself—a chance to rediscover and invest in yourself—is seriously cool.

Many people have a long "want-to-do" list but keep putting it off with the "no time" excuse. Well, now your "time" has arrived. Below are some directions and specific suggestions I've put together based on your situation, hoping to spark some inspiration.

1. Healing & Creative Activities: Giving Emotions an Outlet

The beauty of these hobbies is that they let you transform inner emotions—whether sadness, anger, or confusion—into something tangible. The process itself is incredibly healing.

Learn an instrument, like ukulele or guitar
- Why start now? The ukulele is super easy to pick up and has a soothing sound. Holding it, strumming the strings, learning a simple song—you’ll find your attention completely absorbed, leaving no room for overthinking. When you can finally play and sing a favorite song all the way through, the sense of accomplishment can light up your entire world.
- How to start? Bilibili and YouTube have tons of free beginner tutorials (search "ukulele beginner"). A starter instrument costs just a few hundred bucks—totally manageable.
Painting or doodling (journaling, simple sketches)
- Why start now? You don't need to be Van Gogh. Grab a notebook and some colored pens, and draw how you feel today—even if it's just a crying face or a sun. Or follow online tutorials to sketch cute little drawings. This process calms you down, focusing your mind on the friction of pen on paper—it's like dynamic meditation.
- How to start? Search "simple sketch tutorial" or "journal layout ideas" on Douyin or Xiaohongshu and follow along. Buy a basic set of colored pencils or markers and a nice notebook—instant sense of occasion.
Learn photography
- Why start now? It "forces" you outdoors to see the world with fresh eyes. You'll start noticing wildflowers by the roadside, the evening light, the corner café. When you start looking for beauty, you're actively creating it. This can profoundly shift your mindset.
- How to start? Your phone is your best camera! Begin by learning composition and lighting for mobile photography. Apps like VSCO and Snapseed can work wonders too.

2. Sports & Outdoors: Sweat Out the Bad Vibes

Exercise is the ultimate antidote to bad moods—not just a cliché, but science (endorphins are truly unbeatable!). When your body is tired, your heart feels lighter.

Yoga or Pilates
- Why start now? They're not just about stretching; they help you focus on your breath and bodily sensations. With each inhale and exhale, you'll feel physical and mental tension gradually release. Perfect for practicing at home with videos, giving you quiet, personal space.
- How to start? Apps like Keep and Daily Yoga offer loads of free courses. Start with "Absolute Beginner" classes and find an instructor whose voice and pace you like.
Dancing (any style that interests you)
- Why start now? Moving your body to music is the most direct way to release your spirit and energy. Whether it's Zumba, hip-hop, or classical dance, immersing yourself in the rhythm and sweating it out pushes worries aside, at least temporarily. Plus, dance studios are great for meeting new people.
- How to start? Look for dance studios near you—they usually offer trial classes. Or search "dance tutorial step-by-step" on Bilibili and start grooving in front of a mirror at home!
Hiking or mountain climbing
- Why start now? Step into nature, feel the sun, wind, and scent of the earth. As you climb step by step and finally reach the summit to take in the view, your troubles will seem incredibly small. That sense of expansiveness is irreplaceable.
- How to start? Begin with suburban parks or small hills near the city. Go with a friend or two, or head out solo with headphones, plenty of water, and snacks.

3. Knowledge & Skills: Invest in Your Future Self

This kind of learning brings long-term rewards and a solid confidence boost. Mastering a new skill makes you feel stronger and more valuable.

Learn a new language
- Why start now? Learning a language opens a door to a new world. It's not just memorizing words and grammar; it's understanding a new culture and way of thinking. Spend 15 minutes daily on an app like Duolingo, or watch a foreign show you enjoy—you'll improve without even noticing.
- How to start? Pick a language that interests you (Japanese, Korean, Spanish?), then start with an app or find beginner courses online.
Learn cooking or baking
- Why start now? This skill delivers instant happiness. Go from clumsily chopping veggies to plating a delicious dish; from making a floury mess to filling the kitchen with the aroma of cookies. It's full of creative joy and lets you take good care of your stomach too.
- How to start? The Xiachufang app is your best friend. Start with simple recipes like "scrambled eggs with tomatoes," "cola chicken wings," or "cranberry cookies." Follow the steps—it's okay to fail; just try again.
Learn about personal finance
- Why start now? Taking control of your finances brings huge peace of mind. Learn basic concepts like budgeting, regular fund investments, and insurance planning—not to get rich quick, but to build security and independence for your future.
- How to start? Many great creators on Bilibili explain finance in plain language. Read beginner books like Rich Dad Poor Dad or The Richest Man in Babylon to build a healthy money mindset first.

A Few Small Suggestions

Don't overcommit; pick 1-2 things you're most excited about. The goal is joy and accomplishment, not adding new KPIs.
Lower the barrier to entry. Don't wait for "the perfect gear." Use what you have and just start "playing."
Try the "15-minute rule." If you lack motivation, tell yourself, "I'll just do 15 minutes." Often, once you start, you won't want to stop.
Record your "small wins." The first time you play a song, bake decent cookies, or reach a hilltop—capture it with a photo or note. Looking back, you'll see how far you've come.

This period is your "golden growth phase." It's not about proving anything to anyone; it's about becoming a richer, more interesting, and more self-loving version of you.

Go for it! The world is vast and full of fun—take your time discovering it.