Retirement Happiness: 5 Hobbies for Happy Living

Updated on December 13, 2021

shutterstock_132932645Ah retirement—the time for rest, relaxation and having all the free time in the world. Finding activities to keep you busy can be difficult. That is why retirement is the perfect time to pick up new hobbies. Don’t just pass the time lounging around the house. Taking up a new hobby can bring you entertainment, friendship, happiness and the opportunity to reconnect with your loved ones.

Cooking & Baking

This is a great way to help others and yourself. Host dinner parties for friends and family. Spend time in the kitchen with your spouse—cooking together is a great way to interact and have a good time. Bake with your grandchildren. Your kids will be grateful for the break, and you’ll have more bonding time with your grandkids. Bring baked goods to the neighbors or friends as a nice surprise. The cooking or baking you do can spread happiness to many loved ones, friends and even strangers.

Volunteer Your Time

Find an organization that matches your interests and get involved. Spend a few hours a week giving back to schools, hospitals or churches in your area. You will meet people in your area, and help make a difference for other people. Websites like VolunteerMatch can help you find local organizations in your area that match your interests. Volunteer work is a satisfying way to spend some of your retirement.

Take Up Photography

Photography is a fun, artistic outlet that you can enjoy alone or with other people. You can take online classes through website like CreativeLive. The courses are offered for free and will teach you about cameras, natural light, posing a variety of other catalogue options. You can use the photos you take for scrapbooks, display and in many other creative ways.

Explore The Great Outdoors

Hiking, camping, bird watching, you name it—they are all great ways to spend your time outside. Take time to enjoy the natural beauty this planet has to offer. Outdoor activities will also get you moving and active. If you’re in good shape, try out mountain biking. A little adrenaline will keep you feeling young and alive.

Go Boating

Boating is a leisurely, romantic and an exhilarating adventure. Take out a pontoon boat with the family, rent a speed boat for an exciting ride or take a boat out to go fishing. Bring family and friends along for a picnic day on a boat. Soak up the sunshine and have a good time. You can find companies that rent boats out on lakes and rivers in your area. You can either hire somebody to take you out or get licensed yourself. Getting certified through boating exams is as easy as going online. BOATERexam is the perfect way to take online courses and get certified in your region. Retirement allows you the extra time do things like getting your boaters certification, so now is the time to try. If you really enjoy it, you could even search boats for sale and look at purchasing your own new or used boat, allowing you access to as much boating as you like.

Retirement allows us to explore our interests and find new ones. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Getting involved with your community through volunteer work is a satisfying way to spend your time. Pick up photography, an instrument or an artistic endeavor. Stay active and get outdoors. The options are endless for your retirement. Decide how you want to spend your time and take the steps towards finding retirement happiness.

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