A hobby is an activity that is undertaken for enjoyment and recreation rather than for financial or practical purposes. It can be a creative or artistic pursuit, collecting, fixing or tinkering, playing a sport, exercising, reading, writing, adult education, and many other activities that are not considered professional. Hobbies can lead to significant knowledge, skills, and experience but personal fulfillment is the primary motivation.
Having a hobby helps you stay mentally healthy and engaged in life. It can be as simple as playing a board game with friends or doing a crossword puzzle in the breakroom at work, or as complicated as building your own home from a kit. Hobbies can help you refocus when you feel your productivity waning. It is also an opportunity to bond with others who share your interest, such as joining a book club or a cooking class.
Hobbies are great for introverts. They provide a way to focus inward and practice self-care, like journaling or creating a vision board. Hobbies can be done alone, which is ideal for introverts who don’t want to engage in small talk or socializing after a long day at work.
Trying new hobbies is important because it allows your brain to create new neural pathways. It also gives you a change of scenery and helps you get away from the screen. For example, instead of watching Netflix or scrolling social media, try taking a walk in nature or doing a jigsaw puzzle with friends.