Hobbies can be a fun and revitalizing way to use free time. If you don’t have a dedicated hobby yet, it can be intimidating trying to start. There are a few key components that will make a hobby stick with you.

1.  Time: How much time do you have? If you are currently working a 40 hour/week job, you may not have ample hours to dedicate to a time-consuming hobby, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a hobby at all. Hobbies like gardening take several hours every day, whereas something like singing may not take as much time. You can set aside 30 mins a day to practice a smaller task that you enjoy. Thirty minutes may not seem like much, but it still gives you enough time to enjoy your new pastime.
2. Money: Some hobbies require more supplies or equipment than others. If you’re interested in hiking, you’ll need gear for the different terrain and weather. If you don’t have the extra cash to spend, it may not be practical to invest in a bunch of hiking gear. Perhaps trying something like running would be a better fit for you. This way, you are still able to spend time outside exercising, but it won’t require much planning and expensive equipment.
3.  Interests:

To begin, write down four to five things that you are interested in learning or participating in. Don’t think hard about it; just jot down the first few things that come to mind. They can range from things that you are currently good at to things you want to learn or get better at.

Here are some examples of hobbies:

• Joining a sports team: Did you play soccer in school? There’s probably a local group who gets together to play. Look online to see if there is one near you. If not, spread the word and try to get a few people together to start a team.
• Art: Take painting lessons, or buy a few books to learn how to draw. Photography is also widely popular and becoming more and more accessible as cameras become more affordable. Your Instagram will be full of gorgeous photos! Art doesn’t have to be limited to 2D. You can write poetry, join an improv team, or audition for a local play.
• Dance: Have you always wanted to learn how to ballroom dance? Take a few lessons! There are typically groups that meet up on weeknights to do a few hours of dancing a week. It’s a fun way to meet people and get exercise.
• Read: There is so much to learn and discover from reading. Dive into a science fiction world, or read a biography from an historic inventor. There’s an endless amount of knowledge to be gained from reading.

4.     Personality/Talents: Before committing to a hobby, consider your personality. Are you someone who enjoys activities with others, or do you need personal time to yourself? A social person will not stick with a hobby that requires hours alone. Your personality can also lend you certain talents that come naturally to you. If you have a knack for playing an instrument, then maybe joining a band could be a good option for you.

After you make your list of hobbies, compare those activities to the other limiting factors of money, time, and personality. Cross off the ones that don’t fit. You should be left with one or more interests that you can start pursuing. By starting off slowly, you are more likely to stick with it. Enjoy your new hobby!