Life can feel very much like a routine, sometimes a mundane routine. Eat, sleep, work and repeat. When 30% of our lives are spent working, how can we ensure we make time for new, fun and exciting things?1
Hobbies allow us to devote time for personal interests, focusing our energy on things that bring us enjoyment and relaxation. Incorporating new hobbies into our lives allow us to learn new things, take away our focus and mind on stressful circumstances or situations in our lives, can open the opportunity for community and contribute to our physical and mental health.
As simple as 1 hour a week can give you something to look forward to, to unwind and de-stress. Make it a goal to this year to try one new hobby a month while regularly indulging in fun hobbies throughout the week. Here is a list of new hobbies you can try to see what interests you.
Physical Activity
1. (Kick) Boxing
Boxing is a great way to get in shape while having fun doing it! It’s a great sport to build endurance, strength and confidence while de-stressing and getting your frustrations out on the punching bag.
2. Running
Go for a run or jog in the outdoors to start off your morning with some fresh air. Build your endurance and challenge yourself to increase your stamina, speed, distance etc.
3. Zumba
Get active with a little dance party- how much better can it get! Get in a HIIT workout with a fun community and some great music as you dance away your calories.
4. Aquatics
Swimming or aquatic exercise allows you to stay active without feeling the sweat. This enjoyable sport allows you to cool off in the water while getting your heartbeat up. Swim a few laps or play water sports to stay active and get competitive.
5. Walking/ Hiking
Get outdoors and focus your mind on the world of nature. Try out new and challenging hiking spots to explore your city while getting your steps in.
6. Pilates
Pilates has become a hot trend with slow movements that contribute to your core and overall strength.
7. Cycling
Hop on your bike and cycle through your neighbourhood, exploring local trails near you. Alternatively, try out a spin class and join a community to keep you motivated.
Creative
8. Blogging
Share your thoughts, knowledge and opinions and start blogging! Develop a community that shares similar interests as you.
9. Painting
Did someone say paint night? Grab your friends and de-stress with some wine and paint. Follow along with a Bob Ross tutorial or simply free-hand to get your creative side going.
10. Pottery
Pottery décor is trendy right now so why not make your own. Attend a few pottery classes to make your own creations to decorate your house with your own masterpiece.
11. Photography
Photography can be a science, learn the different techniques to capture the best images.
12. Thrifting
One person’s junk is another person’s treasure. Check out local thrifting stores to find trendy clothing pieces, vintage furniture items or unique house décor.
13. Furniture Flipping
Take an old furniture piece and make it your own. Find furniture for sale on Facebook Marketplace or even scavenge your neighbourhood on garbage day- you never know what you’ll find on your neighbour’s lawn. Find inspo on Pinterest to get crafty by staining or painting a furniture piece to customize it to your space.
14. Rhinestone DIY
Bedazzle your phone case, picture frame, light switch- you name it. Try out this activity to turn your focus from the busyness of life to simply creating. Watch this Youtube video to get started.
15. Latte Art
Be your own barista! Have fun while making your favourite beverage. Try taking latte art courses to learn from the experts.
16. Cooking
Chef it up by learning new and fun recipes to make your own dishes at home. Try new cuisines to bring some spice to your week!
17. Gardening
Grow your own flowers and produce. Create an environment for pollinators in your own backyard while adding colour with wildflowers. Research how to care for your garden and see the fruits of your labour grow from Spring to Summer. Harvesting your own vegetables is rewarding when you get to eat what you grow.
18. Flower arrangements
Create a flower arrangement to add colour in your home by picking your own flowers or visiting your local floral boutique.
19. Bullet Journaling
Get creative and put your thoughts to paper by bullet journaling. Journal your thoughts through words, doodles and pictures.
Adventure
20. Plan your travel itinerary
Start planning your future travels! Build a must-see list for the places you want to travel the most. When you do decide to purchase your flight tickets, the planning will be done and you can just focus on the destination!
21. Kayaking
Rent a kayak or consider purchasing an inflatable one to explore your local marshes and rivers in a new way.
22. Geocaching
Discover cool finds and treasures through geocaching-a worldwide treasure hunt!
23. Exploring local cities
Visit your nearby cities and explore like a local! Try out the city’s popular ice cream shop, visit any monuments or tourist attractions and make a weekend out of it!
24. Star gazing
Head up North where light polution is comparibly minimal and spend the night watching the stars.
25. Camping
Spend a weekend in the outdoors going camping and taking a rest from technology and the city. Try new camp sites and hike the area to embrace the scenic views.
26. Road Tripping
Go on a road trip and explore as you go!
27. Bird Watching
This activity can be as easy as walking your neighbourhood trails. Stay quiet and observant, listen to the songs of the birds. You can even bring some bird seeds with you and stand still to get a chance at having a closer look.
Mental Enrichment
28. Reading/ Start a book club
Give your eyes a break from the screens and pick up a good book. Escape reality with fiction novels or read more to learn about an area of your interest through non-fiction. Better yet- start a book club to discuss the book with a group of friends!
29. Learn a new language
Try learning a new language! This will certainly exercise your brain. With the apps available to us, you can start learning new languages today at our fingertips. Consider even learning sign language!
30. Research
Have you wondered why the sky was blue? Or more about the solar system? How about the details of WWI? Set some time aside to research areas of interest such as geography, history, human anatomy and more. Many of the world’s questions can be answered with a few clicks.
31. Public Speaking
Is public speaking frightening to you? Consider joining a local club through Toastmasters to engage in the practice of public speaking with a community.
32. Investing/ Trading
Learn how to properly invest your money and understand the complexity of the stock market.
33. Personal Finance
Personal finance is not only a hobby but a beneficial skill to ensure you set yourself up for success for the future. Investing your time to better understand how you can start managing your money better will definitely pay off.
34. Trivia
Become a trivia guru by practicing your trivia knowledge. Find where trivia nights are hosted locally near you.
35. Board Games
With the number of board games out there- you’ll never run out of new games to learn and become an expert in.
Whatever hobby you choose to indulge in, take the time to separate yourself from work a nd life’s stresses and to do things that give you fulfillment and joy.
1“One third of your life is spent at work“. Gettysburg College. https://www.gettysburg.edu/news/stories?id=79db7b34-630c-4f49-ad32-4ab9ea48e72b#:~:text=The%20average%20person%20will%20spend%2090%2C000%20hours%20at%20work%20over%20a%20lifetime. (2023).
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