Large numbers of people are currently cutting back their spending, trying to avoid unnecessary purchases and generally being more financially cautious.  For a lot of people these are not very cheerful times, with money worries and fears of pandemics such as swine flu all over the media.  It is important that, if at all possible, people do not stop participating in activities they enjoy due to the recession.  Keeping cheerful is key to enjoying life, taking part in hobbies and pastimes can help to take your mind off troubles and reduce stress.  If you do not have a hobby outside of work hours and have some spare time you want to devote to a new pastime, there are all kinds of options to consider.

In modern times large numbers of people have very sedentary jobs, and do not get enough exercise per day.  Having an energetic hobby can be a good thing for those in this position, for example office workers.  Which activity you choose will depend on how much energy you want to expend!  Some like to go walking with friends, some like to jog.  Others prefer more organised activities like yoga, gymnastics or dance classes.  Enjoying the activity you choose is important, you don’t want it to become something you dread!  Or something you give up on quickly, making you feel lower in confidence than before.  Some adults will decide to pursue childhood hobbies again, even though years may have passed.  An example of an activity which captures the hearts and minds of many is ballet.

Ballet classes can be quite expansive, and often price is indicative of quality, though this is by no means always the case.  When choosing any pastime consider how much equipment you will need to purchase – a painter needs paints, an athlete sportswear, and a dancer may need clothes ranging from tutus and leotards to ballet tights, not to mention shoes!  One potential benefit of the ‘credit crunch’ is the great offers available on the high street and online.  Retailers have to be very competitive in order to shift stock.  This means that you should be able to find good value for money on items you need, whether they be ballet tights or packets of modelling clay.

There are loads of reasons to take up an evening class of any kind.  You can meet new people, make friends and socialise.  This can be particularly important to those who live alone, and also to parents who spend all day with energetic kids!  Having fun is great for everyone.  If you are nervous of going to classes, see if you have a friend who is also interested, they may leap at the opportunity to learn new skills too.  Doing something fulfilling is important for people psychologically – not many of us have a dream job, many really dislike their work and often need cheering up at the end of the day or at the weekend.  So if you love to dance, look out for bargains on shoes, tutus and ballet tights!