A hobby is a personal pursuit practiced for enjoyment rather than financial reward. Examples of hobbies include collecting, artistic and creative pursuits, fixing or tinkering, sports and adult education. Hobbies can also help you earn a side income or develop job-related skills.
Hobbies aren’t just fun and relaxing—they can be an important part of mental health, as well. They provide an outlet for stress and a way to express creativity. They can also make us feel more interesting and add layers to our identity, allowing us to be a more complete person.
There are so many different kinds of hobbies to try—it’s just a matter of finding the one that speaks to you. For example, if you’re looking for a creative hobby, painting, sculpting, and photography are all great options. Alternatively, you can try something active, such as rollerskating or yoga. There are even social hobbies, like joining a book club or playing club sports.
Depending on your goals, you can find hobbies that cost money or generate it (like selling hand-made items, coaching a team, and writing ebooks), or ones that are neutral financially. It’s also important to consider your time and energy investment in each hobby and how much you want to put into it.
Having some structure in your life is good for your mind and soul, and having a hobby is an easy way to do it. Just be sure to avoid overcommitting to any hobby—it’s important to have some downtime, too!
