How to Find a New Hobby
Hello everyone! Now that the pandemic is starting to go into another wave (unfortunately), I’ve been thinking about going out less and staying home more when I’m not working. I like being at home, but sometimes I get bored. One way to combat the boredom is doing something I enjoy. Hobbies keep me busy and out of trouble, and honestly picking a new one up isn’t a bad idea if you, like me, want to have a reason to stay out of the general public.
If you’re sick of doing the same ol’ things when it comes to Hobby Time, I think I might be able to help guide you into a new hobby! Finding something new to do with your free time is as easy as brainstorming and then putting those thoughts into action.
What Do You Already Like To Do?
If you can answer the question above, you have a nice blueprint for exploring new things. Say you like to play video games. What kind do you play? I like to play Life Simulations (like The Sims and Stardew Valley) as well as Puzzle Games (like Tetris). Based on my already known preferences, I can go to Google and search similar games within those two genres. Alternatively, if I’ve been interested in different game genres, I can search popular genres and see what Google gives me.
Another example: say you really enjoy hiking. Do you tend to go on the same trails? Would you like to incorporate more into a hike, such as rock climbing or spelunking? Google is your friend! Researching different trails and different activities to do while already out in nature is never a bad idea. That way when it’s time to hike, you can do something new!
Of course, with any new physical activity, make sure you are well-researched and have practiced with someone who is more knowledgeable than yourself. You don’t want to fall from a cliff you just climbed, or get lost in the caves! Being safe should always come first.
What If I Don’t Want To Research?
You don’t want to research anything? Why not? Don’t you want to know more about the new thing you’re interested in? Researching anything before you do it is probably the most important step to trying a new hobby. Not only do you save time by going through the basics of what you might need to know, but from my experience, you never want to dive headfirst into something you know nothing about.
I used to really enjoy picking up new hobbies, only to throw them away once I realized they were not as fun as I thought they would be. Knitting, for example, seemed like a fun and easy hobby to pick up. I didn’t do any research, save for looking up how to start a stitch, and I bought SO much only to realize that not only did I not really enjoy it, but it hurt my already overworked hands. Years later, I still have too much yarn and a lot of knitting needles I will probably never touch again. I could’ve saved time (and money!) by looking up the basics of knitting.
Researching something before you do it is optional, but I strongly suggest doing so. From my experience, the time it takes to properly look into something saves time and money later on down the line!
Speaking Of Money…
…Start cheap!!
When I got into painting as an adult, I had no idea where to start. I looked up what products I needed to get started and found cost effective, but good quality paint, canvas, and brushes. Over time, I’ve gone through a good bit of my supplies, but I always go back to the stuff I started with because I know it’s not only good quality, but it’s at a good price! I figure since it’s a hobby and not a profession, I don’t have to mess with the more expensive products if I don’t want to.
That can translate to almost any hobby, creative or otherwise. You want to get into hiking? Buy some sneakers or hiking boots within your budget, and use clothes you already have instead of buying a whole new hiking specific wardrobe. Want to learn an instrument? Don’t buy one outright! Renting them from shops that cater to that is cost effective (and smart, just in case you hate it!). If you need something to start a hobby, chances are you can find it for cheap, or rent it. The only thing I suggest not going cheap on are things for stuff like rock climbing, or motor sports. Basically, if it keeps you safe and alive, maybe spend the extra cash (or rent the good stuff!).
But What If I Don’t Like It?
If you don’t like it, don’t do it. It’s as simple as that.
Use my knitting example from earlier. Since it physically hurts me to knit now, I don’t do it. Instead, I use the yarn in other projects, and I use the knitting needles to keep plants upright. I’ve also given friends yarn and needles that are interested in starting their own new hobby!
Don’t be too disappointed if you don’t end up liking the hobby you chose to persue. It’s okay if you spent money on it; donate the stuff you bought to people who will use it. Resell, even! If you feel like you wasted your time, you didn’t! You tried a new thing and didn’t like it. It be like that sometimes. Now you can choose something new to do! Stay positive about the things you do and you’ll never waste your time.
Finding a new hobby doesn’t have to be stressful or intimidating. It’s fun to try new things, especially when you do them for YOU. No matter the new hobby you decide to experiment with, go into it with a positive mind and you’re guaranteed to enjoy yourself.
