Practical Hobbies That Can Enhance Your Health and Well-Being
Written by Dorothy Watson
Do you have any exciting skills or hobbies in your life? Do you feel like having a pastime unrelated to work is unproductive or that you’re simply too busy for any type of leisure activity? You’re not alone. People are busier than ever, and doing an activity that doesn’t directly lead to a paycheck may seem like a waste of time.
However, there are many benefits to having a hobby that surpasses mere enjoyment and fun. Learning new skills and incorporating the right hobby in your life can reduce stress, boost your self-esteem, help you meet new people, reveal a new passion, and even provide an additional income source. In other words, getting a hobby can benefit everything from your mental and emotional health to your bank account. Dawn Hale Coaching encourages you to take up a hobby to enhance your health and well-being -- here are some ideas that can do just that.
Starting a Book Club
If you like to read, being in a book club could be the perfect hobby. Not only does it come with the benefit of reading new fictional works, but it provides an opportunity to socialize. Get a group of friends together, choose a book to read, and meet once a week to discuss the book. You can even maintain a virtual book club via a video chat app like Zoom!
Blogging
Do you ever feel like you want to express your thoughts and feelings to the world? Well, you can by starting a blog! Hobby blogging is essentially like running an online journal that other people can read. You can talk about anything, post as often or little as you like, don’t have to conform to any particular format, and be as anonymous (or not) as you want.
If you have a knack for the finer points of writing and would like to make money through blogging, you can do that too. In that case, you would want to protect your writing business by creating an LLC. Along with protecting your assets from litigation, an LLC will provide tax advantages and flexibility. To start an LLC, research your state’s regulations, designate a registered agent in NJ, and hire a formation service to handle the bulk of the work.
Hosting a Game Night
Another fantastic social hobby is hosting a game night, either in someone’s home or online. Make a list of popular board games, get a group of friends together, and schedule a game night as often as you like. This is a fun and inexpensive way to foster your friendships!
Learning a New Language
If you want to challenge yourself while also improving your career prospects, then learn a new language. Not only is it fun and exciting, but knowing how to understand and speak a different language can come in handy in everyday life. Research apps like Babbel, Duolingo, and Mondly to figure out which one would work better for your learning style.
Get Schooled in IT
Computer and information technology is one of today’s fastest growing career fields and is expected to offer more than 530,000 new jobs through 2029, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. And no wonder -- the median annual wage for IT occupations was $91,250 in May 2020, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $41,950.
If you’re tech savvy and have an interest in learning and working in positions involving, for example, cybersecurity or data analytics, look into online IT degrees, which are more affordable and convenient than those offered at traditional brick-and-mortar colleges. What’s more, some schools include certifications with their master’s degree, which go a long way toward getting you the position and salary you’re after.
Getting Outdoors
Spending time outdoors can do wonders for your body, mind, and soul. Consider starting a garden in your backyard. Go hiking on the weekends at various lakes, forests, and mountains. Plan camping trips to take with friends and family now and then. Look for anything you can do outdoors that will help you get away from your daily obligations for a moment.
It’s not a waste of time to learn new skills or maintain a hobby. Whether in solitude or with loved ones, having a hobby can improve your mental and emotional health. Consider the ideas listed above, and keep researching other activities that you can do to add value to your life. You might just realize that trying something new is what you need.