Hobbies are activities that people engage in for enjoyment during their leisure time. They may involve collecting themed items and objects, engaging in creative and artistic pursuits, playing sports, or other amusements. The practice of engaging in hobbies is often regarded as healthy, as it provides a release from the pressures of everyday life and an opportunity to develop a sense of achievement and pride. The idea of hobby gained acceptance in society during the nineteenth century as advancing production and technology allowed working people more regular hours with reduced stress, thus freeing up their evenings to pursue hobbies. Prior to this, hobbies were generally considered to be childish or trivial, although they were sometimes considered a form of recreation.
The word hobby is derived from the English word “hobby horse”, which refers to a type of puppet used by children. It was first recorded in 1676. Its use as a recreational activity began to grow, possibly with the advent of the telegraph, which increased the speed and efficiency of communication.
Some hobbies are progressive, irregular tasks undertaken over a period of time to fulfill an inner urge to work and create. Examples include writing, painting, sculpting, crafting, woodworking, software projects (Photoshopping, home music or video production), coding, making jewellery, and other crafty DIY projects. A hobby may also be a collection of records of particular events (train spotting, bird watching, aircraft spotting etc).
A hobby is an activity in which a person invests significant time and effort without receiving any substantial financial or commercial reward. It may be done for fun, relaxation, a creative outlet, to make a side income or as an extension of a career.