Hobby Hub: just keep swimming

Starting a new hobby can be daunting at any age, particularly as a teen entering their twenties, when it feels like everyone has been doing the same hobby since they were five and is obviously very good at it. I got this feeling a lot when I came to university, and even at the start of my second year, I had that feeling of almost being left behind, while everyone continued their hobbies, and I was stressing about where to begin.

I decided to ignore that feeling and just dive into something that felt right – swimming (no pun intended there). It first sprang to mind when a course mate of mine asked if I wanted to go swimming with her, and it made me consider why I hadn’t already. I started only recently and have found it so therapeutic. For me personally, there is something very calm and relaxing about being in the water; it also comes with no added pressure to be the best or fastest, as everyone is there to enjoy themselves, not judge. Plus, the health benefits are great, it’s a fun way to get some exercise whilst doing something that doesn’t feel too serious.

I have to mention the benefits to your mental health. When I'm having a rough day or need to clear my head, I find that swimming just makes me shut off from everything else, and I come out feeling mentally a lot better and find that it has vastly improved my day. Personally, I recommend Jesmond Pool and Gym for anyone who is around Newcastle and feels this would be a good hobby for them to start. They have different allocated timings for certain swims, for example, the pool offers adult-only swims for those who don’t fancy getting splashed in the face by children!

So for anyone worrying about starting something new, or who feels too old to start a new hobby, I promise you the hardest part is doing it for the first time and from then on it’s a breeze!