They make us different from the person sitting next to us on a bus, or the person sitting across from us at the dinner table. A hobby can be anything that brings you joy. It could be running, painting, playing the piano, reading, or so much more. Regardless of what the hobby is, there are certain types every individual should have that contribute to their growth and development.
- One that earns you money.
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This one is a giveaway. Technically speaking, most people refer to their hobbies as activities they do outside of work, but I think we should all start considering our jobs as a hobby. We spend a majority of our lifetime working, so why not make it something you enjoy? Whether it’s photography, writing, engineering, teaching, etc., find a job that doesn’t feel like a job and make it your life-long hobby.
- One that keeps you in shape.
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Exercise is a vital part of living a healthy life. If you don’t enjoy going to the gym or running, that’s okay, there are many other activities you can do to keep you in shape. Some examples include surfing, yoga, hiking, skiing, dancing, and more. Just find a hobby to dedicate some time to each week that gets you on your feet.
- One that helps build your knowledge.
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Learning is an essential part of growing. There’s a quote that says “We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are.” This means that without learning, we won’t grow. Some examples of hobbies that build your knowledge are reading, playing an instrument, learning a new language, writing, or even traveling. There is a whole world full of knowledge you know nothing about yet, so take some time to learn something new each week.
- One that keeps you creative.
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We are not meant to consistently remain “inside the box.” There are a few times in life where it might be important to use “inside the box” thinking, but thinking outside the box is equality, if not more, important. Creativity is necessary to develop better problem solving skills and keep both sides of your brain active. Some examples of hobbies that keep you creative are painting, DIY crafts, baking, writing, and more. Even if you aren’t typically an artistic person, there’s certainly a creative hobby out there for you.
- And one that keeps you connected.
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While being social isn’t super easy for everyone, it’s important to stay connected to other people. Social interaction has been found to increase one’s physical and emotional health, so try to find a hobby that keeps you connected in some way or another. This could be by volunteering or joining a club or a sports team. The hobby could be anything, as long as it’s something that you enjoy and is keeping you social.
Finding your true self can take time, but learning what you love to do vs. what you hate to do is a good start. As you continue along your path of self-growth, make sure you’re checking off each of these types of hobbies listed above. Find a job that feels like a hobby. Exercise, but do it in a way that will make you feel good and not stressed. Build your knowledge in order to become the best version of yourself. Push yourself to use the creative side of your brain each week, and stay connected to others. Watch yourself grow as you start to involve each of these types of hobbies in your life.