Last Updated on August 2, 2021
Despite the logistical challenges, the pandemic lockdown is opening other doors of opportunity.
People are using their free time to chase more productive purposes, including embracing their love for hobbies.
A recent survey of 2,000 adults found that six of 10 respondents improved their skills in one or more of their hobbies since the start of the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020.
Better yet, 56 percent say they plan on becoming an “expert” by the time the pandemic ends.
The poll, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Silhouette America, reflected a promising positive outlook from people proud of their accomplishments. They included learning a foreign language, mastering a recipe or knitting a blanket for the first time.
The hobbies or interests that tracked the highest in terms of improvement included running or yoga (35 percent), preparing food (34 percent), and making art by painting, sketching, or drawing (34 percent).
“I built a new dresser from scratch for my daughter,” one respondent said. “She wanted a large dresser with some designs carved into the wood to personalize it. I felt it was an accomplishment because she gave me high approval and said it’s exactly what she wanted.”
Another benefit: money.
One in four respondents said they’ve received a prize, award, or money for their hobby since the pandemic began. Another 40 percent say it’s “very” or “extremely likely” that they’ll be able to make money from their hobby once the pandemic ends.
“Mastering a new skill or craft feels empowering,” Silhouette America Chief of Sales and Marketing Officer Toshiyuki Unaki said in a statement. “It allows a person to take pride in what they are capable of accomplishing, which can transfer into stronger confidence in other areas of their life. When you can take on learning something new, it feels like you can take on anything.”
