Editor’s Note: In “Hey, Health Coach,” Sarah Hays Coomer answers reader questions about the intersection of health and overall well-being. Have a question? Send her a message (and don’t forget to use a sleuthy pseudonym!).
Hey, Health Coach,
At a recent work event, someone asked me what my hobbies are, and I was horrified when I couldn’t think of anything to say. I focus on work too much, and it occurred to me that taking up a hobby might be exactly what I need right now. I’ve been thinking about it ever since, but I’m stumped about what to pick and how to get started. I’m too embarrassed to discuss it with anyone else. Any advice on how to get started with a new hobby?
— One-Track Mind
Dear One-Track Mind,
In the mid-20th century, famed interior designer Dorothy Draper reportedly said, “The finest thing about a hobby is that you can’t do any pretending about it. You either like it or you don’t.”
Ms. Draper’s insight gets to the essence of what a hobby can and should be: something you choose to do because you genuinely enjoy it.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines a hobby as “an activity that someone does for pleasure when they aren’t working.” Picking up an activity to do when you’re “not working” can be tough to imagine for people who are reliably absorbed in their work—by choice or necessity.
Recognizing the activities you’re already doing that make you happy can be a good place to start. Reading, watching movies and exercising can certainly qualify as hobbies if they’re satisfying or relaxing, but I understand they might not seem interesting enough to share with a colleague. It sounds like you’re looking for something unique or engaging outside of work, so let’s take a look at some options for how to find a new hobby.
You May Also Be Interested In Fitness Programs From Our Featured Partners
Future – 1:1 Digital Personal Training
- One-on-one with fitness coach for unlimited, custom personal training
- Match with your perfect coach and work out from anywhere
- Track your progress through the Future app
- Cancellation available on Future training during the first 30 days
Caliber Online Fitness Coaching
- Transform your fitness with science-based workouts
- Flexible nutrition plans that incorporate your eating habits and level of activity
- Track your strength progress & body composition
- Get matched with an elite personal trainer who understands your goals
Joggo Running Plan
- Personalized training plan based on your needs and goals
- Weight loss tracker assists you in weight control
- Joggo app enables GPS tracking and activity history
- Educational content and audio guidance provided
(Note: Product details and pricing are accurate as of the publication date and are subject to change.)
Finding a New Hobby
Over the years, I’ve heard countless clients say they thought they “should” take up jogging or cooking, but a rewarding hobby is something you truly love—not something you feel obligated to do.
Rather than choosing an arbitrary activity, take a moment to consider why you want to do something in the first place.
What do you hope to get out of the hobby?
Clarifying what you hope to get out of your new pastime can help you be selective about how to use your time. Are you looking for something social that will connect you with new or old friends? Are you craving solitary time to clear your head? Do you want to learn a new skill, challenge yourself or find new adventures? Do you want peace, excitement, distraction, better health or an opportunity to earn a little money on the side?
Once you’re clear about the benefits you want or the goals you hope to achieve, you can get more specific about what you’d like to try first.
What did you love doing as a kid?
This question is a great one to ask when you’re feeling like life is a bit too narrow. What fascinated you as a kid? Were you into sports or bugs? Did you love puzzles, biking, swimming, dancing, singing, walking dogs, building robots or making model airplanes?
The things you loved back then might offer a window into what you’re missing now.
What have you always been curious to try?
Just because you haven’t done something before doesn’t mean you can’t find a version of it to explore now. Consider making a list of all of the activities or interests you’ve ever been curious to try—no matter how far-fetched. Do you want to learn how to roll your own sushi or how to rock climb? Have you wondered about basket weaving or learning how to play the guitar?
That list can give a clue into what hobbies might be a natural fit.
How much time do you have for your new hobby, and when would it be most relaxing?
Before you decide on a new hobby, think about whether you’re looking for something you can do in your spare time or if you prefer something that takes you away from work for longer stretches of time.
When you’re used to working all the time, taking a whole day away for a kayaking adventure might seem great in theory but impossible in practice. Overcommitting and being unable to follow through might be more frustrating than helpful.
What window of time would feel like a relief from your current schedule rather than a stressful obligation?
Categories of Hobbies
Myriad hobbies can be grouped into the categories below. What’s more, some might be accessible through group classes that could connect you with other people while others offer focused time alone to be creative and let your mind wander.
Artistic
Artistic pursuits can be both accessible and rewarding—and they often result in a finished product and can be enjoyed whenever you have the time.
To get started, consider pottery spinning, painting, sewing, knitting, photography, learning a musical instrument, listening to music, drawing, sculpting, mural painting, filmmaking, jewelry making, collage, scrapbooking, embroidery, quilting, songwriting or acting in a local theater production or improvisation class.
Home Improvement
Projects that make your home more inviting can also feel productive and satisfying. If you’re into home improvement, consider gardening, landscaping, cooking, baking, refinishing or building furniture, woodworking, home renovation, interior design, brewing beer, painting the walls or making homemade bread, beauty products or soap.
Physical Activity
Physical activities to try include biking, running, hiking, dance, roller skating, yoga, walking, Pilates, weightlifting, golf, soccer, kickball, pickleball, ultimate frisbee, softball, baseball, competitive racing, swimming, boxing, CrossFit, martial arts, horseback riding or water sports like surfing, kite-boarding or boating.
Intellectual Pursuits
If you’re itching to stretch your mind, consider starting a book club, learning a language, solving puzzles like crosswords or Sudoku, attending lectures or classes at a local college or library, researching your genealogy or writing poetry, prose, a blog or a book. (Writing groups make great companions.) You could also learn a new skill like computer coding or study an academic or historical topic that interests you.
Volunteering
Volunteer work offers a great opportunity to make a difference in ways that are important to you and to connect with people who hold similar values. My book, Physical Disobedience, contains an appendix with an extensive list of causes and organizations that offer short- and long-term volunteer opportunities. Some areas of interest include addiction recovery, animal protection, arts education, disability rights, domestic violence prevention, environmental causes, gun safety, homelessness, immigrant support, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, voter registration and women’s rights.
If you’re inspired by a cause, you can find like-minded people who are also passionate about it.
Collecting
A few ideas for collectors’ items include stamps, coins, albums, rare books, rocks, seashells, trading cards, mugs, magnets, toys or memorabilia.
Gaming
There are countless video games available online or on a console. There are also strategy games like chess, checkers, cards, Risk and Catan you can plan online or in person with others. You can even try interactive games like escape rooms, Dungeons and Dragons or live-action role playing (LARP) in your locale.
Travel
Love to explore? Travel can be expensive, but there are lots of ways to enjoy travel close to home. Take a day trip, try a new restaurant once a week, explore new cuisines by making new recipes, practice a new language, research travel deals, plan your itinerary for a future trip, train for physically challenging adventures like backpacking or skiing, watch documentaries or study countries you’re interested in visiting, or explore your hometown like a tourist.
Extreme or Unusual Hobbies
If you have more unique interests, your hobby might not fit neatly into one of those other categories. Options are endless. Maybe you’re a fan of bungee jumping, skydiving, motorcycle racing or restoration, cloud watching, beekeeping, glass blowing, trimming bonsai trees or racing through intense obstacle courses by climbing walls and crawling through mud. You do you.
Up to 75% Off on Joggo Running Plans
Logistics, Cost and Accessibility
Once you identify what you want to try, answer the following questions to make the hobby as easy and accessible as possible.
What
What version of this hobby do you want to try? For example, if you’re trying painting, do you want to take a class, paint a mural on your wall or start with a paint-by-numbers template? Do you want to try oil painting or work with watercolors? Research your options. Look up local workshops and events. See what’s available online. Consider cost, schedule and time commitment to choose the right first step.
When
Get specific about when you’d like to do this new hobby. Is it 10 minutes per day or Sunday afternoons? From your question, it sounds like work might be encroaching on your free time, so having a clear idea about when you want to get started can help you remember to step away from work when the time comes.
How
Identify supplies you need or any other arrangements you might need to make, such as travel or childcare. Try to anticipate anything that might get in the way of your first venture into this new hobby to avoid getting distracted or putting it off. Remove as many obstacles as you can.
The possibilities are endless, One-Track Mind. Once you narrow it down, pick something that genuinely excites you.
Remember: Either you like it or you don’t. If you decide you don’t like your new hobby or can’t bring yourself to break away from work to give it a try, you might want to switch gears and try something else. Keep searching until you find the thing that’s your thing.
Personal Training That Fits Your Life
Future matches you with one of the best personal trainers in the country. Get a specialized workout plan designed for your goals and unlimited personal training with Future. Find your coach today.
On Future's Website
“Hey, Health Coach” is for informational purposes only and should not substitute for professional psychological or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about your personal situation, health or medical condition.
By submitting your letter to heyhealthcoach@forbesadvisor.com, you agree to let Forbes Health use it in part or in whole, and we may edit the letter for length and clarity. All submissions remain anonymous.
