The benefits of finding a hobby

When people ask me how they can improve themselves, their relationships with others or how to move on after something has affected them in a negative way, I often give them one piece of simple advice: Find a new interest or hobby.

Finding a new hobby can be a great way to relieve stress, provide a creative outlet and help you meet new people which all contribute to you being a happier person. Hobbies are great because they allow you to do something that’s just for you, and take your mind off the day-to-day challenges and issues you face.

When we’re going through a rough period or don’t have enough time we often get lazy and prefer staying in our comfort zone, so our leisure activities get limited to things such as watching TV and catching up on social media. This is a shame because discovering a new hobby can have real benefits which will have a positive impact on all areas of your life.

How should you go about finding a new hobby?

Photograph by Quino Al. 

1. Are there things you enjoyed as a kid that you might still enjoy as an adult? Maybe you had an awesome record collection, loved to sew clothes for your dolls or were always out on your bike. Those are all things you could pick up again as an adult that would make great hobbies.

2. You may want to focus on areas you feel are lacking in your day-to-day life.  For example, do you feel like you need more mental stimulation or physical exercise?

Everyone is different and your personality does play a role in what sorts of hobbies you’ll like. Perhaps you enjoy spending time with people, so taking a class that you can do with a group would be the perfect choice for you. If you’d like to get fitter, why not try something completely different like rock climbing?

In my case, for example, I need to stimulate my mind by talking to new people. Believe it or not, I suffer from social anxiety so attending meet-up groups can help me get over my fear. I allow myself to ease gently into the group and let other people approach me first. Over the years, I’ve met so many amazing people and some have become my closest friends.

3. Once you’ve created a shortlist of potential new hobbies, get stuck in and try two or three to find what suits you best and what you enjoy the most. You may not find the right fit for you to start with, but you can have a lot of fun trying new things and exploring what’s out there.

Remember, your new hobby is there to provide you with that ‘feel good’ factor so don’t be afraid to try new things.  You’ll soon have a hobby that provides you with a lot of fun and helps you become a better you.

Olga Levancuka will help you transform your life. Author of ‘How To Be Selfish’ and ‘Increase Your Confidence in One Day,’ Olga has coached some of the UK’s most prominent entrepreneurs, celebrities and household political names.  She’s your Better in 30 Life Coach.