In today’s busy and hectic world, time for hobbies is scarce – unless you carve it out, of course. When life is all work and no play, things can get a bit boring. Hobbies give us something to look forward to, be it painting, gaming, running or even cleaning (yes, it’s a chore for some, a hobby for others).
Having one or many hobbies isn’t just about passing time. It’s good for your physical and mental health, maybe even your wallet. Studies show that people who regularly engage in their favorite hobby are less stressed, more creative and generally happier.
So, how to find a hobby you’ll truly enjoy and stick to? Let’s find out together what makes a hobby enjoyable and right for you.
What are you looking for?
Before you jump into and pick up a new hobby, take a minute to think things over. Do you want something relaxing, or on the contrary, something exciting? Would you rather do it on a lazy Sunday or put your full brain power into it?
As you will know, not all hobbies are the same. Some will require a lot of time and effort, like learning a new language or instrument. Others not so much (think baking or puzzles). Some cost nothing while others can rack up thousands of dollars. Also keep in mind your energy levels. Are you mostly tired and your job physically demanding? Or do you work from home and are looking to increase your activity?
If the thought of running makes you want to take a nap under a warm blanket, maybe painting or reading is a better fit. Or, if you’re a fan of gaming and not afraid to take risks, you might want to branch out to iGaming. The world of online gambling is vast and here, everyone has a chance of being lucky. If you’re also interested in blockchain and finance, this selection of crypto casinos might be right up your alley. Nonetheless, new games come out almost monthly, on both PC and console. So, if you’ve been thinking about trying out some games, now is the time.
Create as much as your heart desires
Creative hobbies are by far the most popular choice. If you love letting your creative juices flow, painting and drawing could be the perfect outlets. Whether you’re refining your next piece or doodling just for fun, art could be a great way to relax.
And if you’re worried about opinions – no one actually needs to know that the dog you painted was actually meant to be a horse. Writing could be another great option. Journaling your thoughts is a great way to get rid of stress. You can also try creating mini-stories using your imagination. Who knows, maybe your writing hobby becomes monetized one day and you’ll write a bestseller.
If you’re a visual person, on the other hand, photography might be your thing. You don’t need a super-expensive camera (unless you want to, of course) – your phone will do just fine. Capture special moments, play with lighting and positioning. You could even try your hand with post-production software. Be it drawings or photos, if you frame them, they could make for great gifts to loved ones and make you look extra thoughtful. If video creation is your passion, explore different tutorials online that might give you insights you’ve never considered.
Get sweaty!
Are you the type of person who can’t sit in one spot for more than five minutes? If you answered yes, then physical hobbies might be for you. Thankfully, there are plenty of active hobbies to keep you moving. Running is perhaps the most popular and freeing way to exercise. Just grab your running shoes and choose your path – or get a treadmill. If you prefer a calmer way of keeping your body in shape, try yoga! We all feel like we have our life together after just one yoga session. And there’s no need to sign up for expensive classes – you can follow a simple yoga tutorial on YouTube from the comfort of your living room.
If you’re looking to connect with people while doing something fun, try Zumba or dancing classes. Almost every gym offers group classes, be it spinning or rhythmic weight training. Of course, you can always mix fitness with a bit of self-defense for that action movie star feeling. For a low-impact and joint-friendly workout, try swimming or water aerobics (and no, it’s not only for old people). No matter your choices, remember – the only bad workout is the one that never happened.
Skill-based hobbies
If you can allocate a bit more time on a daily or weekly basis, you might enjoy learning a more skill-based hobby. Cooking might be the easiest to start with. Pick a recipe and let your inner Gordon Ramsay take over. If you’re feeling extra zesty, try out a cooking marathon. It’s where you pick a new recipe to try every evening of the week. Sounds a bit crazy at first, but if you have a week off work or a few extra hours to spare after work, it might be a cool way to put yourself to the test. Just try not to set your smoke alarm off too often.
Learning to play a new instrument is another great challenge. Just pick the one you like and try not to annoy your neighbors after hours. It takes patience, but if you finally master it, the reward is worth it. Imagine dazzling everyone by playing on the airport piano and ending up online with millions of views! And on the subject of impressing others, learning a new language can open a whole new world of opportunities for you. Or at least, you’ll be able to understand the lyrics of that hot new Spanish summer song. Skill-based hobbies give your brain a much-needed workout and keep you growing.
A basic action plan makes it easier to start a new interest. Don’t worry about being flawless; instead, start small and choose something that thrills you. Join a community, make use of free resources and most importantly, enjoy yourself. Try a different one if it doesn’t click. The right hobby will come to you!