A Guide to Hobbies
This summer, a lot of us are finding we have more time on our hands than we've ever had before. Now is the perfect time to take up a hobby, but what are some things to consider before you start? I've drawn together a list of questions to ask yourself before you pick up a new hobby to help decide if it's the right one for you. Remember, hobbies aren't one size fits all, and what works for one person might not work for you. Don't pressure yourself to make it work!
What should I do?
For many people, choosing what to do is the hardest step. There are so many options out there and yet somehow they all sound terrible! Well, that's not really the case. But when we're overwhelmed by choice, even the best options can seem rubbish. If you're struggling to decide what to do, try narrowing it down by deciding what type of hobby you're interested in. Do you want to do an active hobby that gets you moving, or would you rather something where you stay sitting in one place? Do you prefer group activities or solo endeavours? Do you want to learn something new? Or perhaps you want a physical object to show for all your hard work. When you've narrowed it down a bit, try searching online for that specific type of hobby and see what comes up!
What would I need to get started?
Once you've chosen your hobby, work out what you need to get started. Maybe all you need is an app on your phone or computer. Perhaps you need some specialised equipment or tools. Research what you need and look into how easy it will be to get a hold of these things. If your chosen hobby requires quite large or expensive equipment (for example, a musical instrument), see if you can find a cheaper alternative. Are there smaller or second-hand models that you can buy? This is a safer option, as you might end up not enjoying your hobby, so you don't want to invest too much money at the beginning. You can always upgrade at a later date!
How practical is it?
Sometimes, the best sounding hobbies just have to be put on hold until there is a more suitable time or place to do them. If your city is in lockdown, setting up a football game with your friends might not be the best idea. If you live in a small flat then learning to paint like Jackson Pollock might not be a popular choice. Consider how your hobby will impact on those around you before you begin.
How do I benefit from it?
This might feel like a strange question to ask yourself, but knowing how you plan to benefit from an activity will give it more purpose. It will also help answer that dreaded 'why' question from your friends and family. Maybe your hobby will improve your CV or university application. Or perhaps it will help keep your mind or body active. Maybe it's good for your mental health. Even just doing it because it's fun is a valid answer to this question.
Can I document my progress?
Documenting your progress is a great way to remind yourself how far you've come. Maybe you could set up a blog or an Instagram account so that your friends can encourage you along the way. Perhaps you just want to document it on your phone and keep your progress private. However you want to do it, keeping track of your hobby can reinforce a sense of achievement.
Whatever you decide to do to fill your time, make sure it's something that you enjoy. Hobbies are a great way of developing skills and passing the time, but there's no point doing them if you're not having fun!