Art, obsession, and identity
Thankfully, there are much cheaper options, which means there is something for everyone. A hobby like knitting, for example, only requires very basic, inexpensive supplies.
If you have lots of time on your hands you might want to explore something more time-consuming, like making bread. Time-poor people might prefer a quick fix, like crossword puzzles.
Some hobbies are much more expensive than others and require lots more kit. If you’re on a shoestring budget, you probably won’t want to take up golf, for example.
When it comes to choosing a hobby, there are a number of practical matters to take into consideration. The first is the budget: what can you realistically afford?
It is also important to think about how sociable you are as an individual. If you love to spend time around others and you really thrive on that, a solo hobby is unlikely to fulfill you.
Another important practical consideration is the amount of time you have. You should be mindful of the fact that certain hobbies will take up a lot more of your time than others.
Thankfully there are plenty of options for both sociable and less sociable people. Give some thought to this and choose something that suits your needs.
As a youngster, did you enjoy, for example, ice skating or taking piano lessons? The vast majority of hobbies enjoyed by children can also be taken up by adults.
Give some thought to what makes you feel excited. Have you ever fantasized about being an awesome guitarist? If so, you might consider taking up guitar lessons.
A good way to get inspiration is to take your quest for a hobby outside the house. Why not take some time to walk around a craft store or a park?
You will want to choose a hobby that makes you feel excited. If you don’t start the hobby feeling enthusiastic, it is very unlikely that you will stick with it.
If you’re really stuck for inspiration, you might find it helpful to think about the hobbies you enjoyed as a child. Most of us were great hobby-pursuers when we were younger.
You may well find that you spot some materials in the store that inspire you to take up a craft, or see someone doing a sport in the park that piques your interest.
For example, if you already know your way around a kitchen and enjoy cooking, you might think about exploring a new cuisine or taking up a cooking class.
If you are someone who is looking for a hobby that will help you relax, you will probably want to take up something that plays to your strengths and you will excel at.
On the other hand, you might be the kind of person who simply isn’t interested in further developing a skill you already possess. If that’s you, look for a challenge!
If you are really stuck for where to start when choosing a hobby, you might find it helpful to make a list of your interests and use that list to come up with something.
For example, if you make your list and it includes things like music, poetry, and writing, you might consider taking up a songwriting class.
It can be very difficult to make a hobby stick, but some people find this easier if they start the hobby with a friend. That way you can be accountable to each other for sticking to it.
If you are typically not a very active person, why not take up a physical activity that will push you out of your comfort zone, such as rock climbing or surfing?
In a similar vein, you might find it helpful to seek a community that provides support. You could perhaps look for a class or club that focuses on your chosen hobby.
Try instead to start with small steps. For example, if you want to take up sketching, start by sketching for five or 10 minutes per day and gradually increasing the time spent.
By being patient and reminding yourself why it is important to you that you build that skill set, you will be more likely to maintain the motivation needed to keep going.
One of the most common mistakes people make when starting a new hobby is going in too fast. If you jump into your hobby too quickly and commit too much time to it, you’ll likely quit.
If you do opt for the buddy system, be sure to choose someone with similar interests to you. People with polar opposite interests are unlikely to stick with the same hobby.
If you are time poor or prefer more solitary hobbies, there are always online communities you can look to for support.
If you are taking up a hobby for the first time and developing a new skill set, be sure to have patience. Remember that you are unlikely to become a master straight away.
Perhaps an obvious one, but don’t force yourself to stick to a hobby that you just don’t enjoy. You’ll wind up feeling stressed out and frustrated.
So there you have it, some tips to help you get started in your quest for a hobby. What are you waiting for?
Sources: (WikiHow) (The New York Times)
See also: Great hobbies for women of all ages
It is perfectly acceptable to give something a good go, decide it’s not for you, and move on to something else. You can’t know before you try, after all.
Whether you gained a new hobby during the pandemic or had to put yours on hold, many people have realized how grateful they are for the ways these hobbies enrich and diversify their lives. On the other hand, some may be realizing that their lives are void of hobbies and wish they had something to fill that gap. If this is you, fear not: we are here to help!
Check out this gallery to discover how you can find your perfect hobby and stick to it.
How to find your perfect hobby
Will you be a crochet queen or a fishing fanatic?
LIFESTYLE Activities
Whether you gained a new hobby during the pandemic or had to put yours on hold, many people have realized how grateful they are for the ways these hobbies enrich and diversify their lives. On the other hand, some may be realizing that their lives are void of hobbies and wish they had something to fill that gap. If this is you, fear not: we are here to help!
Check out this gallery to discover how you can find your perfect hobby and stick to it.