During the lockdown, many people began scrambling looking for new hobbies to spend the extra time they had on hand, cooped up in their homes. Pre-lockdown, going out to the mall, the gym, to meet friends and indulge in sports was a possibility- but with that on the hold, it meant exploring new avenues to keep busy. While some tried their hand at baking, others looked towards fitness or learning something new. Truth be told, having a hobby that you enjoy makes a world of a difference.
Why hobbies are important
Hobbies are helpful in many ways. They help combat negative feelings while opening up new avenues of growth. Here are a few reasons why hobbies are important:
- Stressbuster
- Good diversion
- Releases endorphins
- Mood booster
- Sharpens the mind
- Uncovers new talents
- Possible route to monetisation
- A way to make a likeminded circle
The concept of 5 hobbies
It is recommended that every person should have a total of 5 hobbies for achieving balance and joy. Here are the five recommended hobby categories and a few examples:
- Learning- reading, learning a new language, enrolling in classes, public speaking, coding, watching documentaries, chess, card games, wine tasting,
- Creative outlet– music, photography, sketching, painting, drawing, writing, sculpture, carpentry, knitting, pottery, baking, DIY arts, calligraphy, gardening
- Keeping physically healthy– swimming, playing a sport, hiking, biking, yoga, dancing, martial arts
- Socialisation opportunities- book club, prayer meet, golf, board game night, bingo, birdwatching, collector hobbies (numismatics, philately)
- Monetisation- selling what you make, writing a blog, investing
You may be wondering, “There’s just 24 hours in a day- how could there possibly be enough time for 5 hobbies?” Pepper these different hobbies across the week to enjoy them all at your own pace.
Struggling to find a new hobby?
Here we are in a position of struggling to find ONE hobby, when you’re recommended FIVE? Do not get overwhelmed.
As an adult, we understand that it may be challenging to set out in search of new hobbies. With advancing age, there may be a resistance to learn or to positively embrace the possibility of failing at something new. While these are the most common roadblocks to venturing out into new hobbies as adults, others even find it difficult to be intentional with their free time- sleeping or watching TV may seem to reel them in more.
New hobbies to try: Hobby ideas for adults
Having a hobby really helps. You may even see it positively impacting your stress levels and mental health. So, be sure to give it a try. You may be wondering what to start with so we give you a few tips to begin brainstorming hobby ideas for adults below. Ask yourself these questions and you may get a few leads on opportunities to explore.
- What did I love doing as a child? Close your eyes and revisit the activities that brought you joy as a child. Replicate that feeling of happiness with your new hobbies.
- Do I want to do this hobby alone or with a partner, a friend or a group? Answering this question will help narrow down your options from the endless lists of hobbies to choose from.
- Do I want to play it safe or am I unafraid to break boundaries? While a few choose to go down the safe route of crocheting and scrapbooking, others don’t mind trying their hand at pole dancing! How far are you willing to go?
What hobby do you enjoy doing in your free time? Let us know in the comments below!
