How to Choose a Hobby

Benefits of a Hobby and Finding a Hobby

There are many advantages to having a hobby in your life. A hobby gives you time to relax, which can in turn, reduce your stress level. A physical hobby promotes exercise which will release endorphins which will boost your mood and awareness
. Spending time on a hobby can also help you to find new skills and uncover hidden talents. If you are considering a career move, working at a hobby related to a new field can help prepare you and let you know if you're well-suited for that field. It would also give you great items to include on your resume. Depending on which hobby you choose, you may also meet new friends, keep your brain sharp, or make money.
For some, selecting a hobby may be a natural and easy process. For others, it can be confus
ing with where to start since there are so many options out there. This article helps to break down some of the options by areas of interest and personality type.

Hobbies that Sharpen the Mind

Some hobbies are better than others at making you problem-solve and think through tough scenarios. This can be especially important as you age. Here are some hobbies that can help to keep your brain in shape:

• Jigsaw Puzzles, Crossword Puzzles and Brain Teasers
• Card Games: Solitaire, Canasta, Gin Rummy, Bridge
• Learn to draw or paint
• Chess
• Learn how to play an instrument
• Master a New Language
• Trivia Contests

Hobbies for Kids and Families

Here are some great hobby ideas for families. These hobbies are all kid-friendly!

• Model Trains, Airplanes, and Automobiles
• Scenic Travel by Train
• Remote Controlled Toys for All ages
• Building with Legos
• Magic Tricks
• Kite Flying
• Zoos
• Cruising the Seas
• Puppetry
• Juggling
• Collecting (see section below)\

Hobbies for the Physically Active and Adventure Seekers

For people who love to get the blood pumping and their heart-rate up, it is time to find an active hobby. Often times, hobbies that are more physical in nature often coincide with hobbies for adventure-seekers. Here are some great hobby options for the physically active:

• Fishing
• Noodling
• Biking
• Boating
• Scuba diving and snorkeling
• Hot air ballooning, flying, and gliding
• Baseball or Softball Team
• Volleyball
• Walking
• Hiking
• Marathons
• Mountain Climbing
• Camping
• RVing
• Spelunking (caving)
• Tennis
• Golf
• Horseback Riding
• Skiing or Snowboarding
• Dancing
• Swimming
• Football
• Roller coasters
• Traveling
• Soccer
• Bungee Jumping
• Basketball
• Triathlons
• Geo-caching
• Surfing and Wind Surfing