Tips for Finding the Perfect New Hobby to Pick Up

Finding a new hobby as an adult can sound (and feel) like an intimidating prospect. Yet there’s no denying the significant physical and mental health benefits of having a hobby. So it’s worth overcoming any trepidation you may be feeling.

The best hobbies are the ones that keep you emotionally invested. After all, there’s hardly any point in picking up a hobby if you don’t feel passionate about it. Here are a handful of tips to help you track down the perfect hobby.

Consider Your Childhood

It may feel silly, but consider your childhood when looking for new hobbies to try. Was there anything you remember enjoying when you were younger? It isn’t uncommon for kids to try all sorts of activities, from crafts to sports. Do any of those attempts stick out in your mind?

If so, this is fantastic news! Start by revisiting those old hobbies. Remember not to put too much pressure on these attempts - it’s okay if your tastes have changed. It’s also okay if you don’t like this old hobby as much as you hoped. There are other options.

Take a Class or Seminar

Taking a class or attending a seminar may sound like a big commitment, but it’s also an easy way to try different hobbies. Best of all - so many resources are available to make this possible! Dozens of online sites offer courses (MIT, Udemy, etc.). Furthermore, your local library or recreation center may offer free or discounted classes. This is an ideal way to try different things, as it’s low-risk.

Even if your library doesn’t offer free courses, there are ways to save money while attending a class or seminar. Visit online coupon sites or wait and see if the school (or online platform) hosts a sale.

Take an Assessment

The variety of hobbies out there can be overwhelming. If you’re unsure where to start, consider taking a personality assessment. There are dozens of online personality assessments which can help point you in the right direction. Each assessment will have something different to offer, which means new insights and ideas!

These assessments can teach you so much about yourself, from your personal strengths (and weaknesses) to how you prefer to absorb information. They can also help to point out key interests - which can lead to hobbies.

Let It Go - The Guilt

As adults, we often find it too easy to guilt ourselves for spending time relaxing. It feels like we’re doing something wrong if we’re not being productive. Let that guilt go! It’s okay to spend time on a hobby. It’s healthy, and frankly, our brains need a break.

Remember - “Should is just could, but with guilt.” Say that to yourself the next time you feel guilty for taking a break or enjoying something you love.

Make it Productive

Letting go of the guilt is easier said than done. If you’re struggling with this part of the process, consider finding a hobby that makes you feel like you’re being productive! It’s the best of both worlds - you still found a hobby, and because it feels productive, you’re not experiencing guilt.

Productive hobbies come in many different forms, from knitting scarves to bullet journaling and everything in between. It can even be organizing and cleaning if that is something you enjoy.

Start Small

There’s no denying that some hobbies can get quite expensive! So, when trying out different hobbies, be sure to start small. Maybe a friend or family member has a set of golf clubs you can borrow. Or perhaps consider buying just the essentials for a single craft instead of everything in the craft store.

Starting small has many benefits. First, it helps avoid breaking the bank (always a plus). Second, it helps keep the process from being so overwhelming or intimidating. The risks are much smaller when you start small, making trying several things less financially worrying.