The benefits of having a hobby

 In these difficult times, it may well be that you’re expressing an interest in taking up a hobby. A hobby gives you time to relax, which can, in turn, reduce your stress levels. A physical one involves exercise that will release endorphins to boost your mood and mental faculties but equally taking up a creative hobby can open many doors, literally, where you can show your work or play an instrument. The most fun hobby in the world for one person can be so unappealing for another and vice versa. People tend to enjoy hobbies that appeal to their own unique strengths, interests, and personality characteristics.

 Look at the ways you already enjoy spending your time and figure out how they can become hobbies. The easiest way to find hobbies that you enjoy and that will make you a better, more well-rounded person and employee is to figure out how to build off those things. It can be quite daunting choosing a hobby as there are potentially so many, so we’ve compiled some suggestions for you.

Hobbies for families and small children
These activities are just some suggestions that are relatively straightforward:
Collecting and collaging
Juggling and Magic tricks
Model making
Puppetry and theatre-making

Hobbies for the brain
Problem-solving and mental challenges. Important for all ages:
Jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, sudoku, and brain teasers
Backgammon
Card games: solitaire, canasta, gin rummy, bridge
Chess
Scrabble

Hobbies for creativity
Learn calligraphy
Learn to draw or paint
Learn how to play an instrument
Learn a new language
Sewing, knitting, and needlepoint

Science hobbies
Not just for scientists but those interested in nature too:
Astronomy
Make an aquarium
Microscopy

Hobbies for historians
Do you enjoy history and learning about the past?
Study the Titanic or other big historical moments
Learn about the two world wars
Research and create a family tree

Hobbies for the stressed
Here are some hobbies for stress-relief:
Yoga Training
Meditation
Weight lifting
Thai chi

This is just the beginning!

Hobbies can make a serious impact on your quality of life. But they can also improve your work performance. When you’re engaged and fulfilled in your life outside of work (like you are when you’re pursuing meaningful hobbies), that happiness spills over. It can make you more focused and enthusiastic when you’re on the job.

We hope we've provided you with some inspiration. Good luck in choosing your next hobby!

If you want to take up a hobby, look through our rich database of learning subjects that you can choose from.