It is very easy to forget about hobbies, especially in modern times where society prioritizes working hard with little time for self-care. If the idea of carving out a time and space to do something fun sounds weird or a bit unfamiliar to you, then you need to find yourself a hobby. About 74% of Americans consider hobbies to be very important.
Hobbies can play a valuable role in your life. They make you more creative and help you take a break from your busy schedule. Hobbies are also great for your self-improvement, as they can teach you new things and expand your horizons.
If you don’t already have a hobby, don’t worry. This article is here to help you find the best one that suits your lifestyle and interests. Here are some of the most popular and fun indoor and outdoor hobbies to take up this year.
1. Writing
Writing plays a central part in most people’s lives, and chances are, it has played a big role in yours. You may have spent your school years writing assignments and essays, and now you’re writing reports at work. As such, it is perfectly okay to understand if it’s the last thing you want to do. Because writing is so common to many, most people do not think of it as a leisure activity.
But writing doesn’t have to be limited to just school or work. The beauty of it is that you can write about anything so long as it is a topic that interests and excites you. Writing can also be good for your mental health. You can keep a journal to write about your feelings, thoughts, and experiences, especially if you find it difficult to talk to others about them.
You can also explore your creativity by trying your hand at poetry short stories or even challenging yourself to write a novel. You can also create a blog if you want to share specific messages with people worldwide. Whether you decide to write with a pen and paper or on a computer, there’s so much to explore with writing.
2. Walking or biking
Exercise is an excellent hobby that helps you not only have fun but keep you in shape. Taking walks is your next best option if you don’t like visiting gyms. You can start around your neighborhood and then check out popular walking trails. For more of a challenge, you can try out hiking. Before you get outside, ensure that you have the right walking or hiking shoes for your comfort. You should also dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather.
If you don’t enjoy walking, you can purchase a bike. Biking is a great form of exercise. Plus, you can use it to run errands short distances from your home. If you’re not sure about biking, you can try renting a bike short-term to see if it’s something you can get into. Alternatively, you can also purchase a used bike to help you get started and then graduate to a new model when you’re comfortable.
3. Learn to play music
Music is the most common hobby among 52% of Americans. Studies show that listening to music helps exercise the brain. It also can change your mood. When you listen to or play music, it releases the feel-good chemical dopamine from your brain that immediately makes you happy. It is the perfect stress reliever.
Have you ever wanted to learn how to play the violin or guitar? Well, it’s not too late to start! Learning how to play a musical instrument can give you a sense of accomplishment. It’s not a smooth journey. However, its results are amazing. Plus, it’s a fun process, and once you master an instrument, you can even perform for friends and family.
4. Bowling
Bowling is a fun recreational activity and sport worth getting into. What’s great about it is that you can play with friends and family, making it the perfect hobby if you enjoy socializing or are competitive.
Bowling has some pretty cool benefits as well. It can be a form of exercise, as it involves many muscles stretching and flexing to play. If you’re not so good at bowling, ensure that you regularly practice improving your skill. Once you get more into it, you can invest in some bowling gear to make you feel more comfortable while playing. You will need a good pair of bowling shoes, wrist guards, finger tapes, and bowling gloves. But, how does a bowling glove help? Bowling gloves support your muscles and wrists as you play. They also provide additional padding designed to improve your form.
5. Reading
Reading is considered one of the perfect hobbies. It is relatively inexpensive yet has so many amazing benefits. Books are great sources of knowledge, and a good book can cause you to ponder certain aspects of life and the world. Reading also allows you to be imaginative and creative by causing your mind to conjure images and worlds described in books. You can also travel through many periods and read about places you’ve never visited.
It is also a great way to build your vocabulary and helps you speak well and sound educated. Plus, it’s a peaceful hobby that you can do anywhere from your bedroom to a quiet park.
6. Camping
If you love spending time outdoors, then camping is for you. It presents you with the perfect opportunity to explore new places and get in touch with nature. Camping is also a good bonding activity for friends and family to create rich memories and experiences. It can even become a favorite family tradition.
It’s also a great way to learn to fend for yourself and be more independent. You would have to learn how to cook food, set up a tent fire, and keep yourself warm and comfortable in the wilderness. Plus, you can learn some essential life skills that you can apply to your everyday life.
7. Cooking
Cooking creates the perfect avenue to help you improve your creativity. It presents endless opportunities and possibilities that you can experiment with, as cooking is so broad. If you want to learn how to make authentic Chinese meals, you can go for it. If you have a knack for baking, you can challenge yourself to learn how to bake delicious pastries.
Like any other hobby, cooking takes time to perfect, and once you perfect a particular meal, you can try your hands on something new. You will need to practice over and over to make a perfect dish. You can also use cooking as an opportunity to spend time with your loved ones.
If you’re more business inclined, you can even turn your cooking into a business. You can organize bake sales or sell your products at markets for others to enjoy your dishes. If you want to go big, you can even open up a restaurant!
8. Painting
Painting is a fun hobby that helps you stimulate your imagination and creativity. If you are new to painting, you can start with basic acrylic paints, which are relatively cheap and easy to use. You will also need new brushes, paper, and pencils to help you get started. As you improve your skill, you can invest in an easel and some more expensive painting tools and products. The best thing about painting is that you can paint anything that inspires you. It’s also a great way to express your emotions and thoughts.
You can also try your hands at graphic designing on your computer if painting is not your speed. There are tons of free programs available, and most paid graphic design programs are quite affordable. If you’re not sure about jumping straight into painting, you can try your hands on coloring. Adult coloring books are extremely popular these days, so why not purchase one to start.
9. Gardening
Gardening is a fun way to spend time outdoors. It is also great for your mind and body, as it requires much physical work. Plus, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor or decorate your home with beautiful flowers and trees.
It presents new opportunities to try newer and healthier foods. While you might not get it right the first time, you shouldn’t be discouraged. You will soon be harvesting perfect, nutrient-rich crops with more practice and patience.
Before getting started, you must decide what you want to grow, purchase the right gardening tools, and prepare your soil for planting. Several resources are available online to help you, or you can ask friends or families for advice, especially if they are already into gardening.
So, there you have it! These are some of the best hobbies to pick up in your free time. If none of these speak to you, ask your friends and family for suggestions. Remember that it is very important to set time for yourself. There’s something out there for everyone, so feel free to choose the one that is most suitable for you.
