What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Hobbies are good for us in many ways. They give us a chance to relax, reduce stress levels, boost or enhance moods, challenge us mentally, and perhaps give us an opportunity to develop our talents. Those are surely lofty goals for something we do for fun. And that’s really what hobbies are about—something we do for fun. Whether it’s making stuff, collecting stuff, learning how to do things—it’s all good.
Are you thinking about taking up a new hobby? Perhaps you need to look into classes to hone the skills you already have or to learn the basics of something you’ve wanted to try your hand at. Consider some of these suggestions to get you thinking and come up with what you’d like to try.
Science:
- Rock collecting or mining at some of the local spots for gems. Did you know that North Carolina has more pay-to-dig mining sites than anywhere in the USA?
- Building models such as robots, cars, boats, etc.
- Spelunking
Electronics:
- Building a HAM radio set (there are around 800,000 HAM operators in the US alone)
- Building remote control cars or boats
- Building drones
Creative Arts:
- Woodworking/woodturning
- Pottery
- Candle-making
- Fiber arts
- Stained glass
- Quilting
- Jewelry making
- Scrapbooking
- Painting
- Photography
Outdoor Activities:
- Fishing (either recreationally or competitively)
- Skydiving/flying
- Gardening
- Sports (pick one or several)
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Beekeeping
Performing Arts:
- Dancing
- Singing
- Playing a musical instrument
- Performing in the local theatres
Food:
- Canning
- Cake Decorating
- Baking
Collections:
- Coins
- Books
- Antiques
- Buttons
- Vintage movie posters/Band posters
- Business cards
- Toys (dolls, teddy bears, vintage artifacts and clothes)
As you can tell by these suggestions, the list could go on and on. Taking into consideration the cost factor for some hobbies or time requirements may help to narrow your list to what is manageable within your time and budget constraints. A hobby needs to enhance your life, not stress it due to expense. Plus, your personality may draw you to a particular hobby; an introvert would likely not enjoy performing, but an extravert might dive right in.
What are some hobbies of the famous?
Celebrities have hobbies, too. Some are quite surprising. Did you know…?
- Tom Hanks collects vintage typewriters (not only collects, but uses them as well).
- Rod Stewart builds model trains. It’s reported that he even brings some along on tour.
- Jay Leno collects cars; that’s probably not news since he has talked about them for years. His collection totals close to 300 cars and motorcycles.
- Paul McCarthy paints and had his first exhibition in 1999.
- Jimmy Stewart collected model planes.
- Susan Sarandon plays ping pong.
So, what’s your hobby? Are you just getting started on a new one? Whatever it is, take some time this month, in particular, to enjoy and celebrate. Happy Hobby Month!
