It’s the start of a new year, and also the best time to try new things! One of the best ways to try new things is by picking up a new hobby.

As kids, we are taught to value learning new hobbies and fostering our curiosity. But somewhere along the way, we lose this value. With school and work, it can be difficult to have the time to pick up a new skill; however, I challenge you to push yourself. Set aside at least 10 minutes daily to work on this new skill – that’s only ~0.7% of your day. Over time, these 10 minutes will add up.

Picking up a new hobby is one of the best ways to learn more about yourself. The process teaches commitment, patience, and fosters curiosity. While learning a new hobby is not an easy feat, it is surely worth it in the long run. 

Over the past year, I have picked up many hobbies for the astronaut selection process: training for a pilot’s license, learning Russian language, scuba-diving, and survival training… What a fun year it has been! With all of these hobbies, I have learned a lot about myself and grown as a person. 

Benefits of Picking Up a Hobby

Learning a new skill has many benefits. It can increase confidence, improve mental clarity, and decrease stress. Throughout the learning-process, you will face challenges and new problems, which teach resilience. After time, you will be able to trust yourself enough to know you can solve whatever problem comes your way. Because this skill is usually low-pressure, it can also become a good way to relax at the end of your day. 

  • Increases confidence 
  • Improve Mental Clarity and Reduce Stress 
  • Problem-solving 
  • Boosts Creativity
  • Resilience

Some Things To Think About Before Picking Up a New Hobby

Before picking up the new skill, ask yourself these questions. It will help you narrow your selection of interests. 

  • What am I interested in?
  • What can I learn from this hobby?
  • What’s my “why”? 

Tips Before Starting Your Hobby

Here are some tips that I did before picking up my new hobbies. By researching and learning more about your hobby before doing it, you can find others who are in that community and learn from them. By researching locally, you can find a community within the area you are in and even end up making new friends!

  • Look up information and research about your hobby 
  • Pick up one hobby at a time
  • Watch YouTube videos
  • Check out local Facebook groups
  • Look into lessons
  • Have an accountability buddy 

10 Hobbies to Try

  1. Yoga

This hobby is very relaxing. It can improve flexibility, strength and mentality. This is actually one of the new hobbies that I want to focus on this year. 

  1. Reading 

Reading is like working out for your mind. Whether it is fiction or nonfiction, pick up that book you’ve wanted to read for a while now and just start!

  1. Meditation

This is one of my personal favorites because it aligns with gratitude. Meditation has many health benefits, and can improve quality of life greatly. Here is a comprehensive list of why meditation can be so beneficial. 

  1. A new language

Learning a new language can be difficult. Whether it is out of necessity or for fun, make sure to immerse yourself in the culture of that language: trying new foods, listening to music, watching shows in that language, and speaking to people who are fluent in the language. 

  1. Running

If you want to try working out without spending money on a gym membership, this is a great option! Make sure to learn the best practices for running to ensure you are safely taking on this new activity. 

  1. Musical instrument

Playing a musical instrument can be difficult (and possibly expensive depending on the instrument). There is also a large learning curve. However, it can be so relaxing to do once you learn this new skill.

  1. Art

Painting or drawing can be a major stress-reliever. It aligns closely with mindfulness and requires a lot of focus to become good at it. Art may not be for everyone, but everyone should try it at least once!

  1. Astronomy 

As an aspiring astronaut, I had to include this one. There is a very large online astronomy community. Getting a telescope and seeing the stars is a great way to learn more about the universe and our part in it. 

  1. Creative Writing / Journaling 

In creative writing, you can express a lot of what you are feeling. It boosts your problem-solving and creativity. It’s also a fun way to just write whatever comes to your mind!

  1. Cooking 

If you are constantly eating out, learning how to cook may push you to try new things! Start by looking at recipes on Pinterest or YouTube. This will help expand your view of food and allow you to cook more delicious, healthy recipes. 

Good luck!

I hope this helps you on your journey this year. If you have a new hobby, let me know in the comments below! I look forward to seeing all you accomplish this year.