Building Hobbies as Adults

photo credit: Google 

By, Olakiitan

Many of us like to sing, dance, crochet or do some kind of things that benefit us. But we don’t do them often because we’re lazy and procrastinate. Laziness and procrastination win. We lose. If you beat this initial laziness for a few weeks, you begin to feel natural doing them and doing them comes to you naturally and not as a burden. For example you brush your teeth everyday because you do it, it comes naturally to you. 

Hobbies are activities that take us out of our everyday life and gives us the opportunity to be ourselves, do what we love and are passionate about. Work undoubtedly plays a crucial role in our lives, providing not only financial stability but also a sense of purpose and accomplishment. However, engaging in hobbies can significantly enhance our overall quality of life by promoting a more balanced existence and introducing us to new experiences. Having a hobby gives you the necessary balance between work, play and self development. It does not have to be something you do as a time filler or something you do when you hangout with friends. It can grow into a passion or a business. 

Participating in a hobby, especially those that encourage outdoor activity such as playing basketball or working out at the gym offers a myriad of physical and mental health benefits. These activities not only improve cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength but also contribute to better flexibility and coordination. The joy and relaxation that come from indulging in leisure activities can have profound effects on our mental health. Hobbies serve as an effective outlet for stress relief, helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Engaging in enjoyable pastimes can diminish negative emotions and foster a more positive outlook on life. 

Having a hobby can make you more interesting. People who have hobbies can share similar experiences with people who have the same interests and hobbies too. 

It can also help to prevent bad habits and waste of time: There’s a saying “an idle hand is the devil’s workshop”. If you have hobbies to fill up your free time, you are less likely to have time for wasteful or negative activities. 

Additionally, the sense of achievement and personal growth that often accompanies pursuing a new skill or interest can significantly boost self-confidence, allowing individuals to feel more empowered in their daily lives. When you try something more frequently, you become good at it. It boosts your confidence and self-esteem. As much as having a hobby helps to relieve stress and offer health benefits, it is an opportunity to increase your knowledge base and help you grow as an individual. As adults seeking to break into one field or the other, engaging in a hobby that supports your self development is crucial. 

Trying to figure out what to take up as a hobby in your free time can be challenging. It could feel a little out-of-place and cliché trying to find a hobby as an adult. There are easy ways to find what might just pique your interest even as an adult. 

1. Recount childhood experiences

If you don’t know where to start, try to remember those things you really loved to do as a kid. Those were the times you do not do  things except you really really love doing them. Chances are that you might still have the core interests for those things. You just have to find out.

2. Try a couple of ideas while being open minded.

 If you’re stuck at what to choose, browse around and see what captures your attention. Sometimes you have to see something physically to get curious enough to find out about them.

3. Choose something that will make you forget about the stress of your day

It should be something that gives you a me-time and answers to your interests. Choose something that helps you unwind and takes you out of your stressful day. When you find it, it can be more than just an activity 

4. See if you have any past hobby you stopped

Maybe you had a hobby but you completely forgot about it. Trying picking it up again. If it still interests you, you just might have found a hobby.

5. Pursue Self Development and Personal Growth

See what you want to change about yourself. It could be working on your attention span, improving your communication skills or writing skills. These goals can help you in your search for a hobby as well as your pursuit for growth. 

6. Think of the last thing that made you forget to eat

When did you have one of those moments that you were so engrossed in what you were doing that you didn’t realise how much time flew by? Remember it and pursue it if the core ideas of what made it special to you aligns with your interest.