For some reason, society often relegates hobbies to the young, the retired, and the artistic. Yet everyone should consider having a hobby (or ten). There are hundreds of positive reasons to have a hobby. For starters, they’re great for our physical and mental well-being!
Over the years, there’s been a lot of research going into the benefits of hobbies. Yet, we don’t seem to be talking about this as much as we should. We also don’t speak much about how adults can find new hobbies, which is often a complex and intimidating prospect. Read below to get a better understanding of the importance of hobbies, in addition to a few tips on finding a new passion.
The Benefits of Hobbies
1. A Blast to the Past
Since we often associate hobbies with childhood, it makes sense that indulging in a hobby can bring a heavy dose of nostalgia. In other words, simply by diving back into a hobby you loved as a child, you can find a simple and effective way to bring a bright spot into your present.
2. Finding a Moment to Relax
We’re not always so great about giving ourselves permission to take a break. There’s this feeling that we must do something with every waking moment. Hobbies remind us that it’s okay to relax and take a breather.
Best of all, hobbies can provide that break while making us feel productive. For example, many knitters enjoy creating a scarf while watching television. Through this hobby, they’ve turned what felt like wasted time (watching TV) into productive time (making a new scarf). It’s a win-win.
3. Helping Our Hearts
Studies have shown that hobbies have a positive impact on our physical well-being, in addition to our mental health. In all likelihood, the two are connected. By providing breaks and relaxation, we’re giving our minds and bodies a bit of a break.
The potential benefits vary, depending on the person and the hobby. Yet, overall, researchers have found that hobbies have a positive effect on our mental health, reducing depression and anxiety while increasing happiness.
4. Making New Friends
Hobbies are a fantastic way of making new friends. Anybody can tell you that making new friends becomes more challenging as we age. Yet most professional advice for making friends will tell you to get into a new hobby – there’s a reason for this!
Finding people with shared interests is often step one for finding new potential friends. From there, you only need time, patience, and a genuine connection. But try not to put too much pressure on yourself during this process, as it will make it harder (not to mention make the bond feel forced or less natural).
Tips for Finding a New Hobby or Passion
First things first – you need to give yourself permission to take a break and have some fun. Don’t put too much pressure on finding the perfect hobby. Instead, look for what you enjoy. It really can be that time.
Second, don’t ever tell yourself that it is too late to find a new hobby. Hobbies are for everyone, regardless of age. So don’t be afraid to go out there and try something new. With that in mind, here are some tips for finding a new hobby:
1. Consider What You Like
One of the best ways to find a new hobby is by taking stock of what you like. Do you enjoy art? Music? Sports? Whatever your answer is will likely help inform you of a good starting point. For example, if you like art, you should try making some of your own (and experiment with multiple art forms while you’re at it!).
2. Take a Class
If you already know what you like but don’t know how to get started, consider taking a class or two. Classes are a great way to learn something new (naturally). They’re also an ideal place to make new friends who share the same potential hobbies.
Don’t worry about breaking the bank when it comes to taking classes. There should be several online options, many of which will be reasonably priced. You can also see what your local community college is offering. Sometimes, local libraries offer simple courses to help people start a new subject. In other words, don’t be afraid to branch out and explore.
3. Get a Friend Involved
Another way to get into a new hobby is by asking a friend to join you. After all, two heads are better than one, right? You and your friend can brainstorm ideas, share the brunt of research, and even attend classes together. This can increase comfort and decrease intimidation, which is perfect.
4. Start Small
The idea of running out and buying everything you need for a new hobby can be incredibly tempting, especially when you’re excited. However, try to temper this excitement. Instead, start small. Buy only what you need to complete a single project or the basics for whatever you have in mind.
This way, if you enjoy the new hobby, you can happily add to your supplies – while having more knowledge on the subject than you started with. Alternatively, if you didn’t enjoy the new activity, you can rest easy knowing you didn’t spend too much on the attempt.
5. Research Your Options
There is no shortage of potential hobbies to consider. If you’re still not feeling like you’ve found the perfect hobby, consider taking some time to research and explore your options. There are thousands of lists out there, breaking down potential hobbies into various categories. The available information can get overwhelming, so having even a slight idea of what you’re interested in can help narrow down your research.
New hobbies can be a great way to broaden your horizons, skills, and friendship circles. They are worth the time and effort we put into them, no matter what we may be tempted to tell ourselves. Hopefully, the above tools will help you find a new hobby!
Liz Wyatt 
Leave a comment