Do you ever get bored when you aren’t working or with your family? Starting a hobby could be a perfect solution.

Interestingly enough, many people wonder: What is a hobby exactly? And do you need to do anything special to start one?

You’re in the right place. We’ll go over the basics of why you need a hobby and how to choose the one you like, so keep reading.

What Is a Hobby (And Why Do I Need One)?

Hobbies help channel our extra time into productive, fulfilling activities. Thanks to streaming services like Netflix, it’s easy to let time we don’t spend at work or with the family disappear.

The problem is, those things don’t do much other than hold our attention at the moment.

A good hobby engages your skills and entertains you in a healthier way. In fact, there are scientific reasons why having a hobby is great. And many common ones also incorporate physical activity, meaning they’re literally healthier than sitting in front of the TV.

How to Choose a Hobby

Starting hobbies for beginners can be challenging, especially if you’re programmed to not “waste time.” If you love working or can’t imagine taking a step back from being productive, you might have trouble at the beginning.

The key to choosing a hobby is to pick something you already like that doesn’t feel like work when you do it.

It’s easy to choose, though. Make a list of activities you’ve always enjoyed doing. Don’t limit yourself if one seems silly or nonsensical—just take five minutes to write down everything you can think of.

From there, do research on your list. Also, consider your budget and the amount of time you can devote to your hobby. Narrow your list down to three to five hobbies you might enjoy.

Common Hobbies

So, what is a hobby? Here’s a list of common hobbies people enjoy:

• Outdoor activities (fishing, hiking, camping, hunting)
• Reading
• Volunteering
• Taking classes
• Cooking
• Learning an instrument
• Exercising
• Starting a side-hustle business
• Solving puzzles
• Knitting
• Sewing
• Photography
• Gardening
• Writing, painting, or other creative acts

Indoor sports like ping pong and pool or outdoor sports like tennis, golf, or paintball are also common choices. (Love paintball? Check out these paintball starter kits for beginners.)

Do any of these excite you? Or did they spark any other ideas? If you’re wondering how to choose a hobby, you just have to get started!

Budgeting for Your Hobbies

If there’s one real thing to consider before starting a hobby, it’s your budget. Both financial and time constraints can make one hobby great and another not a good fit.

Think about how much money you can devote to your hobby. If any special gear is involved, many hobbies start out cheap but get expensive quickly. You can likely get some off-brand or used gear at the beginning, but what about down the road?

Some hobbies require logistical concerns that take away time and money, too. For example, taking classes might require you to commute to a community college. Hiking could mean a few hours’ drive to a state park.

These are all good things to consider before you start.

Hobby Ideas: Ready to Get Going?

Now that you know the answer to, “What is a hobby?” you’re ready to get going.

Pick three to five hobbies from the list above and do some research. See what fits your lifestyle and budget and have fun.

Hobbies are an awesome way to invest time into more fulfilling pursuits. We hope you find an awesome new activity that enriches your life!

For more lifestyle tips and ideas, check out the rest of our blog.