A hobby is an activity that you engage in regularly during your leisure time, typically without getting paid. Hobbies are generally enjoyable and are a way to indulge a particular passion or interest. There are many different types of hobbies, from stamp collecting to playing video games, and most people have at least one hobby that they enjoy.
Hobbies can provide a sense of fulfillment, especially if they are pursued with excellence. They can also be a great source of stress relief. Hobbies can help improve your mental and physical health, which in turn can make you more effective at work. Hobbies can also be a good way to socialize with others who share the same interests.
It may take a while to find the right hobby for you, but there are many resources available that can help you. Licensed professional counselor Rebecca Weiler suggests taking personality assessments, such as the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, to find out what activities you might enjoy. Alternatively, she advises looking at the ways you spend your free time and seeing if any of those activities could become your new hobby. For example, if you love spending time on Netflix watching stand-up comedy, consider trying out an improv class or joining a comedy club.
In addition, some hobbies can even make you money. For instance, selling handmade items or offering a service like dog walking can be a good way to earn some extra cash. A unique or unusual hobby can also make you stand out to a hiring manager as it may not be something that many other candidates are interested in.