This year, the traditionally Christian holiday of Lent begins on Wednesday the 3rd of March 2022, lasting 40 days (46 days if you count the Sundays!); a countdown to Thursday the 14th of April, the day before Good Friday.
While Lent is traditionally known as a period where people give things up - such as sweets and chocolate - as a period of reflection and preparation, some also use the time as an opportunity to form better habits; with the 40 days of Lent setting out a great structured window to work on starting something new. This period of reflection and preparing is something that be taken inward, and help inspire you if you're feeling a little lost in yourself and looking for guidance.
If, this Lent, you're looking to work towards a personal goal you feel will leave you more grounded and refreshed as you head into the rest of 2022, here at Obby we have some great ideas for how you can get started. Check them out below!
If you're looking to make time for something theraputic...
Candle Making Kit from Somewhere of London
These cruelty-free candle-making kits are perfect if you're looking for an activity to relax you this Lent. This Kit from Somewhere of London will teach you how to create two candles, with each burning for 35-40 hours. Perfect for beginners, this kit suits everyone who loves a good scent allowing you to choose between Lemongrass, Bergamot and May Chang or Eucalyptus, Lavender and Cedarwood. The pretty candles also make perfect centrepieces for your Easter table!
Location: At Home | Price: £52
Book now on ObbyIf you want to prepare for your Easter roast (and beyond)...
Best of British - How To Cook The Perfect Roast with The Avenue Cookery School
If cooking is something you'd like to find more time for in your busy life, but you don't know where to start, this Best of British class from The Avenue Cookery School is a great place to start. In their class you'll how to cook a full Lamb Roast with an Apple Crumble for dessert, the perfect Easter Sunday meal! From time-management to table settings, this class with help cover the basics to help you become the best cook and host you can be. After your class, you'll be sent home with a recipe booklet, to help you perfect your skills in your own kitchen - and fire you up to learn even more cooking skills!
Location: Wandsworth Town, London | Price: £150pp
Book now on ObbyIf you're looking to express your creativity...
Coached - Studio Painting Experience with MasterPeace
If you're looking to incorporate some mindfulness and creativity into your Lent, then this Coached painting class from MasterPeace is a great way to combine them. The Belgravia-based studio practice 'mindful painting', focusing on the power of creativity to help people relax and unwind. With their signature mini projectors (as pictured above) you don't have to worry about whether you can draw or not, as you can choose any picture you want to be projected onto your canvas! You have the option to finish your piece in their 90-minute slot, or you can take everything you need home with you to complete it yourself. Either way, you'll leave with useful tips on how to practice mindfulness in your everyday life, and painting skills you can choose to continue to practice for as long as you like!
Location: Belgravia, London | Price: £45pp
Book now on ObbyIf you want to connect with nature and create something beautiful...
Insider's Tour Of London's Flower Market and Seasonal Bouquet Workshop with Flower Factory London
If you want to bring some colour into your life, then what better way than through flowers? With this workshop from Flower Factory London, you'll not only get a guided tour through London's New Covent Garden Flower Market but also get to create your very own seasonal bunch to take home. You will be given plenty of insider tips on how and where is best to shop for all your flower needs, as well as gain educate students in the art of floristry, and learn the skills you need to create floral designs and decorations to a high standard. Then, you can take both your beautiful bouquets and new skills home, and keep practising and admiring your new creations.
Location: Nine Elms, London | Price: £155pp
Book now on ObbyIf you're looking to express yourself in a new way...
Modern Calligraphy For Beginners with London Calligraphy
This calligraphy class from Katie, founder of London Calligraphy (who have worked with some of the worlds most exclusive brands including Chanel, Royal Ascot, Vogue and Buckingham Palace), is perfect if you're looking for a way to disconnect and get back to a tactile skill: writing. In this class, you'll have 2 hours of calligraphy instruction where you'll learn essential techniques and how to use a dip pen and ink, practice the basic strokes and the alphabet, before developing your own style. Along with this tutoring, you'll also receive your own personalised modern calligraphy kit to take home, including a penholder and nib, ink, paper and other stationery treats!
Location: Various Places in London | Price: £75pp
Book now on ObbyNeed more advice?
Hopefully, these ideas on how to find a new hobby for Lent will help you out! If you're still looking for something to take up during the period, be sure to take a read of some of our other amazing guides and best round-ups below. We're sure you'll find something useful, oh - and don't forget to share the love.