Have you ever met a person who said that they didn’t have a hobby? I actually haven’t. Yet, according to an Ask Your Target Market survey, 20% of Americans say that they don’t have one.

Hobbies are activities that are done for the pure enjoyment of them. 

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in the never-ending cycle of work, responsibilities, and obligations. Amidst the chaos, the significance of having hobbies often takes a backseat. However, engaging in activities that bring joy, satisfaction, and personal growth is not just a luxury; it's a necessity for a well-rounded and fulfilling life.

And since January is National Hobby Month (really, it’s true), I thought I’d address why having a hobby plays such a pivotal role in enhancing our overall well-being.

1. Relieves Stress - When engrossed in a hobby, the problems and irritations of the day are pushed away. The focus shifts to the hobby, creating a rest for the mind. The act of immersing oneself in a hobby can trigger a relaxation response, reducing stress hormones and promoting a sense of calm.

2. Improves Mental Health - There is research to support that when you take the time to do activities that make you happy, it improves mental health and helps alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

3. Increases Confidence - Giving quality time to activities you enjoy improves creative problem-solving abilities and provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment, boosting self-esteem.

4. Decreases Boredom - When a person has a hobby or even multiple ones, there is always something to do. They give us meaningful activities to pursue when we have idle time.

5. Creates Friendships -  Hobbies offer a fantastic avenue for meeting like-minded individuals and building social connections. Whether it's joining a book club, a sports team, or an art class, shared interests create a foundation for meaningful relationships.

6. Enriches Conversations - When we have many interests, we have interesting stories and experiences we can share with others. 

7. Boosts Creativity - Hobbies often involve a level of creativity, whether it's experimenting with new recipes, crafting, or writing. Nurturing a creative outlet not only provides a means of self-expression but also fosters innovation.

8. Encourages skill building and the acquisition of knowledge - Pursuing a hobby allows individuals to discover new talents and provides a constant opportunity for learning and growth - whether it's acquiring a new language, honing artistic skills, or mastering a musical instrument.

Finding a Hobby

There are thousands of hobbies to explore. Some folks will have a hobby that lasts a lifetime. Others will start one, do it for a while, and then find something new. As a young adult, I took up crocheting. My cousin taught me and gave me yarn and a crochet hook. Soon I was buying my own yarn, different size crochet hooks, and multiple books to learn different stitches and how to make items. It was fun, but then after a while, my interest waned. 

And that’s okay. A hobby doesn’t have to last forever. There is joy in learning something new.

Hobbies can also be weather or season dependent - like swimming in the ocean, skiing, or making handmade Christmas cards.

If you’re interested in developing a new hobby, but have no idea where to begin, you might consider thinking back to when you were younger. Were there activities that you really enjoyed doing? Googling “active hobbies” or “crafting hobbies” might provide inspiration. Try to remember the last time you saw someone doing something that looked fun.

Researching the hobby by watching YouTube videos will help determine if you have a real interest in learning or not. It will also give you an idea on whether you can afford this new hobby.

Financial Considerations

Some hobbies can be quite expensive. Take skiing for example. You need special equipment to ski - warm clothing, skis, special boots, helmet, and goggles. And once outfitted, you’ll likely need lessons, not to mention, the cost of a day pass at a mountain. Other hobbies like drawing have a low barrier to entry. You need just paper and a pencil to begin.

There are ways to minimize the cost of a hobby if you are truly interested. Consider borrowing items from friends or renting equipment. Buy the bare minimum or buy used if you’d like to dip your toe in first before making major purchases or a large investment. Then upgrade as you go. This can be an excellent strategy if your hobby is photography or stained glass window making, for instance. 

Where and How to Learn

Take advantage of technology. You can learn how to do anything by watching online videos. Join a Facebook group that is centered around that hobby or interest. There are also websites that cater toward learning where you can look up specific topics and find folks willing to teach. Some of these websites offer free classes.

Domestika.org - This is a great website for creative type hobbies like crafting, writing, illustrating, and art. There are thousands of classes.

LinkedIn Learning - Most professionals will have a LinkedIn profile for the purpose of networking their resume. If you have a LinkedIn Premium account, you automatically have unlimited library access to over 21,000 courses. Otherwise, you could activate a subscription for $20 per month.

Coursera - This website offers classes in computer science, business, health, and language learning to name a few. 

Craftsy - If you’ve always wanted to learn how to sew, knit, cook, draw, paint, write, or garden, look no further than this website. They also have classes on paper crafting, photography, quilting, jewelry making, and fitness. 

If learning a new hobby in person is more your thing, consider your local YMCA or senior center. The library may have resources for places to learn, and some town halls showcase adult learning classes. Don’t forget about colleges and universities in your area. Many offer free classes for locals to audit. 

Look for opportunities to learn by visiting specialty stores. Michaels offers online and in-store classes for adults from crafting a vision board to fine arts and all types of crafting. I love photography and have bought equipment at Hunt’s Photo. They offer online and in-person classes and workshops throughout the year. 

You can also find out about clubs and happenings where you live by googling (your town) softball leagues, (your town) dance lessons, or (your town) bridge clubs. Search the Events & Activities listing in your local newspaper. Ask your friends to introduce you to their network if they are already active with a hobby you’d like to try.

In a world where busyness and productivity are rewarded, setting aside time for activities we love helps restore balance. It reminds us that our identity extends beyond our professional roles. 

Hobbies are not mere pastimes; they are essential for maintaining a well-rounded and fulfilling life. From reducing stress and enhancing mental well-being to fostering social connections and promoting personal growth, the benefits of engaging in hobbies cannot be overstated. They are a vital investment in happiness and health. 

I’ve written about some specific hobbies on this website. See these articles about Backyard Birdwatching, Wine, Whale Watching, Legos, Caramel Making, Concert Going, Book Reading, and Playing Bridge. For some, traveling is a hobby. See my section on Travel here.

What are the hobbies you enjoy and how did you start? Are there specific hobbies you’d like to read about on this blog? Let us know in the comments.