While children pick up hobbies intuitively, it is hard for adults, with all their other commitments, to find the time. They should make the effort though. Hobbies are not only fun, but they are good for our physical and mental well-being. They can make us happier and boost our self-esteem, lower stress and help us sleep, as well as foster greater life satisfaction. They can promote self-expression and self-discovery. They can also help us form bonds with other hobby enthusiasts and develop useful skills.
Tips to Finding a Hobby
You can never have too many hobbies. Ideally you want to find hobbies that align with your interests and lifestyle. If you are having trouble getting started, below are some tips on How to find a new hobby as an adult, according to the experts.
- Don’t put pressure on yourself – the purpose is to have fun
- Think back to your childhood – what did you enjoy doing, what did you want to try
- Try a few things out and see what sticks – figure out what interests you the most
- Think about the advice you'd give your children – like be open-minded
- Join a class – find inspiration, test out some classes before you commit
- Join an online community – connect with like-minded people
- Step outside your comfort zone – try new things
- Think about what's missing in your life – if you work inside then do something outside
- Think about hobbies that align with your skills and natural interests – utilize your work skills
- Make time for it – but be realistic about the time commitment when choosing
- Follow your curiosity – what interests you
Breakdown of Possible Hobbies
There are so many hobbies to choose from. Hobby Lark's
150+ Hobby Ideas Broken Down by Interest and Personality provides an organized list of hobbies –
- That Sharpen the Mind
- For Kids and Families
- For the Physically Active and Adventure Seekers
- For Science and Nature Lovers
- For the History Buff
- For Men
- That Can Earn Money
- For the Collector
- For the Homebody, Artist and Nester
- For the Social
- For the Music Lover
- For Stress Relief
- That are Seasonal
- That are Cheap
- That Help Others
Why Do We Lose Interest in Our Hobbies?
Some hobbies we may keep throughout our lives, others come and go, and some we drop, never to pick up again. Why do we lose interest in some hobbies?
Sometimes life gets in the way and we just can't find the time, or we pick something that takes too much commitment. Sometimes we turn a hobby into a competitive sport, comparing our progress with others, so it becomes less relaxing and fun. Sometimes we strive for perfection and become disappointed in our progress. Sometimes we can't physically do it anymore. Or, we just get bored with it.
Don't Be Discouraged
Don't be afraid to try something new or rediscover an old hobby. You don't even have to be good at it. Not every experiment will be a success, and that's okay. It’s the journey that counts. Relax and enjoy. Also, don’t feel guilty if you find yourself moving from hobby to hobby. You aren't indecisive, you just value diverse experiences and personal growth. (There’s No Such Thing As Too Many Hobbies—A Psychologist Explains)
Personal Experience
You can have as many hobbies as you want. I have had many over my lifetime. Some have always been with me, while others filled a need for that time in my life.
For example, I used to play mixed doubles tennis for many years with a group of friends I met while taking tennis lessons. After sitting at a desk all day at work it was great to be outside a few nights a week, relaxing and socializing with my friends. It also provided me with some much needed exercise. I was never all that good a player, but it didn't matter. No one else was either. Eventually we all got older, knees gave out, people moved away, but in my 30's and 40's it did a lot for my physical and mental well-being.
Different hobbies can fulfill different needs. In the last few years I have rediscovered coloring and jigsaw puzzles. One brings out my creativity and the other my organizational and problem solving skills. However, both activities take me outside myself, focus my attention, and any worries I have disappear, at least for a while.
My favorite hobbies are decorating, reading, and exercising.
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