What Is a Hobby?

A hobby is an activity that people do for enjoyment and personal fulfillment outside of work and other responsibilities. Hobbies can be social, artistic, relaxing or productive. They provide a break from daily life and can teach new skills or improve old ones. They can also be a way to connect with other people who share similar interests.

Hobbies can be anything from playing a musical instrument to learning another language. There are even apps that make it fun and engaging to pick up a foreign accent or learn about other cultures (see DuoLingo). For those with a green thumb, there are gardening apps to help identify pretty flowers in your yard, while foraging is a trending hobby among nature enthusiasts. Those who love to paint can take art classes or join local art groups, and those who like to read could try audiobooks while on a commute or at the library. Hobbies can also be more physical, such as taking a yoga class or playing basketball, or more social, like dancing or bowling.

Having a hobby gives you something to talk about at parties or the water cooler and adds layers of identity to your self-concept. It also makes you more interesting and helps keep you from getting bored.

If you’re looking for a hobby, start by thinking about the things you enjoy doing already and finding ways to turn them into activities that will benefit your health and well-being. You might find that the more skilled you become in your hobby, the more satisfying it will be and the bigger impact it will have on your life.