And now for something completely different...

Perhaps a new hobby or professional development focus will put a spring in your step as the daffodils begin to bloom.

There is evidence to support the wellbeing benefits of learning new skills, with the NHS listing ‘learning new skills’ as one of its five steps to mental wellbeing.

OT approached four locum optometrist who shared a diverse range of activities they are taking part in to boost their physical and mental health in 2025.

Brushing up on new skills

Locum optometrist, Francesca Marchetti, has started attending an abstract art class each Thursday after work. 

Marchetti told OT that before signing up to the class, the last time she had lifted a paint brush was at the age of 11.

“I didn’t even do painting with my kids,” she said.

“I decided to do an abstract class as I am a symmetrical person with a very mathematical brain and optometry is very structured. I thought it would be good to use my brain in a different way,” Marchetti highlighted.

Marchetti hopes that this new creative outlet will also have benefits for her working life.

“I think this will allow me to have a more holistic approach to my profession and not be quite so structured in my day-to-day professional life,” Marchetti said.

I thought it would be good to use my brain in a different way

Jog on

Long-distance running is Niraj Patel’s new focus in 2025.

“As an optometrist, witnessing the impact of cardiovascular issues on ocular health motivated me to prioritise my wellbeing and serve as an example for my patients,” the locum optometrist told OT.

He highlighted that running has the potential to improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and enhance focus.

“Participating in races and running events fosters a sense of community and accomplishment, positively impacting my self-esteem and motivation,” Patel shared.

He added that running provides a “unique opportunity” to educate others about the importance of eye health.

The activity provides the chance to share knowledge with others about the effects of UV exposure on the eyes and the importance of proper eyewear.

“This integration of running and optometry ultimately enriches my professional focus and personal life,” Patel observed.

As an optometrist, witnessing the impact of cardiovascular issues on ocular health motivated me to prioritise my wellbeing

From sight tests to DJ decks

In 2025, Frank Eperjesi, will be continuing to refine a skill far-removed from the realm of eye health – he is learning how to DJ.

“I’ve always had an interest in pop music and want to create my own dance music and play at parties and clubs. Learning how to DJ is the first step on that journey,” he said.

Eperjesi purchased his own turntables to practise with and has had lessons from a professional DJ using club-level equipment.

“I’ve created some of my own party mixes and will shortly load them to a specialist DJ platform so others can listen to them,” he said. 

Turning to the benefits of his new hobby, Eperjesi told OT that he had learnt new skills and made friends through learning to DJ.

“It’s good to focus on something outside of optometry and have a new challenge. There's a technical side in learning how to operate the equipment and also a creative side in learning which tracks work well together in a mix,” he shared.

Back to the future

Locum optometrist, James Brawn, hopes that limiting his screentime in 2025 will open up space in his day for the analogue activities that he enjoyed in the past.

“As opposed to taking up new activities in 2025, I am trying to roll back the years and get back into old activities to help with my general wellbeing,” he shared with OT. 

He shared that his screen time has grown “exponentially” over the past few years.

“I hate to think how much time I spend staring at my laptop, phone, tablet and TV,” Brawn said.

“For 2025, I decided to undertake a ‘digital detox’ - for example, reading books before bed as opposed to browsing on my phone, playing boardgames instead of video games, or doing Lego instead of watching TV,” he said.

Brawn observed that while it is impossible to eliminate screen use, he feels happier when he limits time spent on digital devices.

“I know that my wellbeing will improve through having better sleep hygiene, and enjoying the moment more as opposed to losing hours of my life browsing social media,” he said.