Most of us have heard the phrase ‘you need a hobby’ from family or friends who may think we need a boost. Whether we’re spending too much time talking with the cat or our big weekend plans always involve pajamas, the couch, and Netflix – there are times when our support system is right – it’s time for a hobby. But sometimes, that’s easier said than done. It’s more convenient to ask the cat if they want reruns of The Crown or Black Mirror!
However, having a hobby is about more than filling your time. Hobbies are shown to reduce stress, enhance your mood, build confidence, lower blood pressure, and help with mental health. Choosing a physical activity as your hobby can also improve your cardiovascular health, aid weight loss, and build muscle.
Remember, a hobby is not a profession; the idea is to have fun, and there’s no need to perfect the craft of the hobby or activity you choose. If it’s fun for you, you enjoy it, it doesn’t matter if you’re great at it. In short, if you want to paint, there is no need to be Van Gogh. If you want to write, you don’t need to be Toni Morrison – just be you! If you’re having trouble coming up with something to do, no worries; we’ve got you covered with ten things to try if you’re looking for a creative hobby.
1. Join a Recording Studio
If you’re musically inclined or interested in the industry, consider hooking up with a recording studio. We’re not talking about walking into Capitol Records and asking for a record deal; it’s more like reaching out to an independent studio close to your community. Believe it or not, there are a lot of homegrown studios out there that often work out of people’s garages, basements, and pool houses. You can quickly book studio time with them to lay down some tracks. If you are more interested in the production side, you can inquire about an internship to learn about the business.
There’s no need to perfect the craft and be the next Whitney Houston or Jimi Hendrix; it’s all about having fun with your instrument of choice. You may also want to consider building your own recording studio. Look around for some secondhand equipment, clean up space in your home, and install sound proof glass and insulation. It could be a fun project and a great place to jam with other amateur musicians.
2. Volunteer at a Doggy Hotel
If you’re a dog lover, volunteering at a doggy hotel could be the perfect hobby. This type of facility caters to folks who need to leave their pups in the trusted hands of others while they travel. The need for pet care has become a booming business in recent years, so there are a lot of boarding hotels (and doggy day care) that run the gamut from traditional boarding kennels to all-out luxury accommodations.
The fact is, very few of these places will turn down free help. While there may be a background check and some training involved, it’s a win-win for everyone. The facilities get free help, and you get to fill your time surrounded by furry, friendly, fluff balls. Most dogs will receive love and nurturing from someone they know cares.
Volunteering at a doggy hotel may include feeding, cleaning sleeping or other areas, playing outside, and taking the dogs for a walk. You’ll get some time out of the house and spend it with your favorite creatures. Best of all, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping to brighten the day of some doggies that are missing their family.
3. Start Gardening
Do you want a more solitary hobby that will keep you close to home? Well, gardening could be the perfect way for you to spend that spare time. Having a garden can be highly relaxing and gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment. There’s no need to perfect the craft by feeling you need to produce the biggest and best veggies on the block, either.
Honestly, even the tiniest tomatoes or cucumbers from a garden you planted are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Gardening has been shown to increase general health. It can reduce stress and blood pressure and get you outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Not to mention, you can yield some delicious and fresh produce.
You’ll get to choose the type of things you want to plant, too, from herbs and spices to raspberries and peppers. You’re only limited by your imagination (and climate). Don’t have the outdoor space for a garden? No worries! There are many ways to have indoor gardens, from pots on the window sill to more advanced hydroponic kits at any garden center.
4. Design Clothing
If you’re a fashion fan and have a flair, consider starting a clothing design business. It’s a fabulous creative outlet and may even garner extra income. Unique and custom clothing has become a massive business in recent years due to online stores like Etsy.
There’s no need to be a Vera Wang and produce elaborate couture. You could start by offering to design and sew costumes for your friend’s children or making custom t shirts for family get-togethers or the kid’s field trips. A few pieces of machinery and buying t-shirts in bulk will have your hobby up and running in no time. Tons of apps and programs can help you get started.
Designing your clothing can also make it easy to have that perfect dress or blazer that you can’t seem to find. Designing your clothing is a fantastic hobby that can make some extra money. But when starting, it’s better to focus on fun rather than profit.
5. Start Painting or Decorating
If you find yourself sitting on the couch and noticing that your space could use a refresher – there’s your hobby. Painting and decorating is not only a creative use of time, but it can add value to your home and give you a sense of peace and comfort while in your home. It doesn’t take much to refresh a space. New paint, throw rugs, simple shelving, and small decor (like plants and framed art) can do wonders.
If it works out, and you find you’re good at it, you can extend the hobby to other people’s spaces by helping them decorate or paint. Interior decorators and house painting companies can charge a fortune, so your friends and family will appreciate your knowledge and talents. Start by buying some home decorating magazines or perusing the many online sites. Highlight the ideas you like that are manageable and within your budget.
Use your creativity to make those expensive designer ideas into budget-friendly copycat versions. That alone will help you use your creativity and imagination. Over time, you can perfect the craft enough to make it a hobby that earns an income.
6. Join a Drama Club
Do you have a flair for the dramatic? Have you always dreamed of being on the big screen? If yes, consider joining a local drama club or theater company.
If you’re not ready to take that step, taking a class at a performing arts school could be a great way to dip your toes in and build your confidence. Either way, it’s a great way to spend time, be creative, and meet new people. There’s no need to perfect the craft like Denzel Washington or Meryl Streep; it’s all about having fun and escaping the mundane tasks of everyday life.
Acting allows you to play pretend and take on different roles that you’d never experience in real life. No worries if you’re not into the acting aspect; dramatic clubs always need set designers, costume designers, and hair and make-up artists. Theater people are known for their welcoming or open nature, so whatever you bring to the table will be appreciated!
7. Flip Homes
If you’re interested in the real estate market and have the means, consider getting into the house-flipping business. Not only is there a hobby side to this, but it’s also a great way to make money. Of course, this one takes some research (which is part of the hobby). It’s vital to know what you’re doing from the legal and financial side of things. When you’re ready, consider buying a home that’s a fixer-upper or in good shape but outdated.
You’ll need to give the house a facelift to flip it. This could mean small things like new paint, carpeting, and windows to big projects like replacing electrical and plumbing. So, it’s helpful to gather friends and family who are licensed tradespeople to join your team. Depending on the area and market, you’re likely to make a hefty return on your investment and will have some fun in the process!
8. Join an Indoor Sport
Are you looking for a fun hobby to get your heart pumping, but you’re not about those cold weather months? Indoor sports are a great way to have the best of both worlds. Many complexes have glass domes and astroturf flooring to give the illusion of being outside while allowing you to enjoy a sport or activity all year round.
Some indoor sports include basketball, soccer, bowling, tennis, pickleball, ice hockey, racquetball, darts, and Zumba. You may even enjoy taking boxing or mixed martial arts lessons. Not only are these hobbies fun and great for physical health, they’re a great way to meet new people and be a part of a team. Many communities host local teams that play for fun or on a competitive level.
9. Learn Spanish
Why Spanish now and not another language, you might be wondering. While there’s no limit to the many fabulous and exciting languages you can learn, the simple fact is Spanish is practical. It’s the second most spoken language in the world after English – so if you already know that, it makes sense to put Spanish next on your list.
It makes it easier to communicate with people, helps people communicate with each other, and makes going on vacation in many parts of the world much more accessible. Learning Spanish can also expand your horizons – you can read Spanish language texts, watch movies, and appreciate the many beautiful songs by Spanish-language artists. Knowing how to speak this commonly spoken language can also open up more job opportunities. But most of all, it helps to bridge cultural gaps, bringing us closer together as a community and society.
10. Tank Up Mosaics
Mosaics are a great way to express your creative side and produce creative artwork that can be used in various ways. The mosaic modality has been around since Medieval times and has been used for everything from cathedral walls to completing a tile roof. Mosaics hold court in some of the most prominent art galleries in the world.
To make mosaics means having the imagination to take bits of glass, stone, marble, clay, or tile and cement them carefully and creatively into various designs, shapes, and even familiar objects. It doesn’t take much more than a trip to the craft store and a small, flat space to get this hobby started. The best part is you can share this hobby with young children.
It can be as straightforward or as complex as you want. Much of your art can be used for practical purposes as well. Mosaics are often seen in coasters, wall decor, tables, vases, and flower pots. If you’ve got some old, tired kitchenware or furniture, mosaics are a great way to give them new life!
A creative hobby is a fabulous way to stimulate your mind and soul. Not only will you get those creative juices flowing, but you’ll meet new people, help improve your health, and who knows – it may turn into a way to earn some extra cash. Keep in mind, though – the purpose of a hobby is to be fun and relaxing. You do it at your leisure and don’t worry about the need to perfect the craft. So pick something you enjoy and have a blast!
