Finding the Perfect Hobby

By Christina VanGinkel

I can already hear a lot of you reading the title of this site, saying that you do not have enough time to pick up any new hobbies. Actually, you do not have enough time not too! Hobbies are a great way to de-stress. In addition, the fact is that you did stop by to read, and this must mean that you are interested in learning about a new hobby, if not for yourself, then a loved one. They take your mind off the mundane chores that go with life in general, like work, school, and bills. If you stopped long enough to read this far, chances are that you are probably somewhat aware of this fact, but just do not have any good ideas as to what type of hobby you would like to participate in. You are probably searching for that perfect hobby to take your mid off the daily grind. This is a good place to start. Browse the blogs, read what others are doing, and be sure to take a look at what ads are running, as they often list some of the more common hobbies and supplies that people use or are searching for.

If you really just do not know where to begin, this can be a problem, but if you just take a moment to think about it, you probably already know what interests you, you just need to be receptive to the clues. Ask yourself what you like to do. Do you find yourself drawn towards a specific type of magazine? Do you come to a halt in front of the television when certain subjects crop up? After I found myself consistently watching anything to do with antiques for example, tuning in to shows such as Cash in the Attic, and Antiques Road Show, I realized that I love the idea of spending time antique hunting, and this has actually turned into one of my favorite hobbies to participate in, especially during the warmer months. There are so many hobbies to choose from, some creative, some offering no other reward than fun, but each satisfying to those who participate in them in their own creative way, that there is a hobby out there for everyone, you just have to figure out what it is that interests you! Do not make the mistake of thinking that you can only have one hobby either. Some people do choose a hobby and stick to it exclusively, but many people also have an array of hobbies that they participate in.

I myself have numerous hobbies, such as antique hunting, crocheting, scrapbooking, reading, writing, beading, cross-stitching, playing computer games, and the list goes on. My youngest son enjoys photography, writing, and learning to do the rails in the terrain park on his snowboard. Some people like to knit, build cars, both real and model sized, sing, do crossword puzzles, origami, participate in shows with their dogs, and act. The only way you will know if a hobby is the right one for you will be to try it.

If the hobby is a craft, look for a starter kit, or a basic set of tools along with easy to understand instructions. Ask around amongst friends to see if anybody else already enjoys the same hobby, and ask them if they would be willing to share some tips. Most people who participate in a hobby are more than receptive to helping introduce others to it. For more advanced hobbies, say operating a ham radio, look online and on bulletin boards for groups that focus on the subject. Oftentimes there are organizations created just for the purpose of making it easier to participate in such a hobby. If you are serious about wanting to learn, join one; just be sure to inquire first what the benefits and the costs involved are.

A hobby can be as much fun as you want it to be. It can use up as much or as little time as you are willing to give it. While finding the perfect hobby to enjoy may seem like more work than it is worth, in the end you will be glad to have something to enjoy, reminding you that there is more to life than work!