Hobbies are a great way to pass the time, and once you’re a retiree, you may have plenty to spare time—use it to learn something new! Some people gravitate toward athletic activities, others prefer to get hands-on with the arts, and some enjoy learning about music. Deciding on the perfect hobby can be tricky, so keep it simple with these steps for finding a new hobby you’ll love!
Make a List
You should begin by creating a list of the things you most enjoy doing to decide on the activity that aligns with your interests. Then, take these questions into account:
- How do you spend your free time?
- Would you rather get active or create something new?
- Are you trying to improve a specific skill?
Hopping online and searching for hobbies can feel overwhelming, but by considering the above items, you can narrow down what you’d most like to do. Those who want to improve their attention to detail while also being creative should leap into the world of crafting.
Eliminate the Fear
Another important step for finding a new hobby you’ll love is to persevere despite your fear of failing. Trying something new can be scary, but that angst you feel is perfectly normal when you try something new. When you first try a new hobby, you won’t be perfect at it, and that’s fine since you’ll progress with time. Think of learning a new skill like riding a bike—when you mess up, you get back up and continue onward!
Consider the Supplies
You should also take time to see what type of supplies you may need to purchase to begin this activity. For example, if you want to learn how to play guitar, you’ll need the instrument and a songbook to start learning. On the other hand, if you’d prefer to make jewelry, you’ll need to gather various hand tools and possibly even machines, like a rock tumbler. You should investigate how to organize your jewelry-making tools so that you never have to worry about losing essential items for your pastime.
Talk to a Friend
If you can’t decide what to do, talk to one of your friends and see what they most enjoy or if they’d like to sign up for a class with you! Learning something new is way more fun when you have a friend at your side. Plus, by taking a class with someone, you can reach out for help or tips on improving this new skill.
Make Time for It
Once you’ve decided on your perfect pastime, remember to dedicate time in the day or week toward it. Hobbies are about decompressing and refocusing your thoughts. By creating balance in your schedule, you can do something you enjoy. Remember, a pastime should never feel forced, so fit it into a timeframe that best aligns with your lifestyle so you can always have fun with it!
