Whether it’s crocheting a blanket for your best friend’s new baby, hitting the slopes to enjoy fresh powder, or practicing pirouettes in ballet class, a hobby is an activity you do to enjoy yourself. Hobbies have well-documented benefits, from lowering stress levels to helping you build specific skills. They’re also a great way to socialize with friends and meet like-minded people.
Hobbies are typically low-commitment projects that you do in your spare time. They’re different from a job, which is something you strive to get better at and excel at. For example, you might take a photography class to improve your skills but you don’t do it every day.
The earliest hobbies were often associated with collecting and craftsmanship. They became popular during industrialization when workers had more free time and were encouraged to pursue activities that were not related to their work. In recent years, technology has made it easy for anyone to engage in a new hobby. Whether it’s learning to code, 3D printing, or just listening to podcasts in a foreign language, the possibilities are endless.
Finding a new hobby can be challenging, but it’s worth it. It may take some trial and error to find the right fit, but once you do, you’ll feel like a happier, more well-rounded person (and perhaps a better employee) for it. So go out and start exploring! Maybe you’ll learn a lot and make some new friends along the way.
