A hobby is an activity that you do in your spare time that makes you happy and helps to relax you. Hobbies are often seen as a way to pass the time, but they can also be beneficial in terms of boosting creativity, improving memory, building patience and even helping to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Hobbies can be almost anything, from painting and baking to playing a musical instrument, dancing, gardening or hiking. Many hobbies are solitary, but some, like running or volunteering, can be done with other people. Some hobbies can actually make you money, such as a craft business or selling music, but before making the leap from hobby to career it’s important to evaluate your finances and goals.
In order to find a hobby that you will enjoy, it’s important to consider your interests and personality traits. There are a number of personality assessments, like the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator that can help you figure out which activities will be the best fit for you.
In addition, it’s a good idea to create a dedicated space for your hobby, if you have the room. You can purchase jars, baskets, bins and easels to organize your materials so they’re easy to access when you are ready to engage in your hobby. This is especially helpful for hobbies that involve creating or storing things, like quilts, paintings or ceramic pots. Having a clear plan for keeping your supplies organized can make it easier to stick with your hobby and keep it going long-term.
