Starting a hobby can be daunting. Two questions spring to mind.
What if I don’t like it?
What if I can’t do it?
The answer to both I would say with a smile… Who Cares?!
If you don’t try, you’ll never know. So here are our Top 10 new hobbies to try both big and small.
Language lessons
Learning a language can be difficult, but what a challenge to set yourself! Choose a language you’ve always dreamed of speaking and look into local courses and classes you can enrol in. Give it a go for a year and see how far you progress. Better yet, once the year is up treat yourself to a holiday in that chosen country and put your new skills to the test!
Learn to play an instrument
Whether it’s picking up a guitar for the first time or re sitting your piano exams again, learning to play an instrument is incredibly satisfying. Join a course or get a private tutor to come to your house to teach you.
Learn to use a video recorder
Online tutorials or local courses are a great way to learn a new technology. The best part is you can use the skill of video recording, or video calling to communicate and connect with your grandkids and family.
Write a book or blog
I don’t mean recreating the Lord of the Rings trilogy with a modern twist, however a novel or short story about your life perhaps. Memories and stories you want to re tell and document is a great way to spend your afternoon. If you’re computer literate get online and create a free blog, it’s quick and easy to set up, free to use and available for thousands of online readers to enjoy. Try WordPress or Blogger.com.
Get creative
Gather some friends and create an afternoon sewing club once a week or sift through your memory box and start scrap booking. Anything creative gets the mind working and is a great way to create gifts and treats for yourself or your family.
Hiking
If an outdoor hobby is what your after, walking or hiking is the perfect option. The mixture of fresh air, a clear mind and beautiful scenery is really something not to turn down. Join a rambling group or go with friends, and it’s a great way to both stay social and active.
Swimming
Swimming is another great hobby to keep you fit and moving. It’s easy on your joints, a great way to meet people if you join an aqua aerobics class and something your lucky enough to be able to do in both your local pool or New Zealand beach.
Gardening
Big, small, trees or herbs, whatever type of garden you have there is always something you can create and grow. If you live in a flat with a balcony, try creating the perfect herb garden or raised flowerbed. And if you’re blessed with space re-design and landscape you garden exactly how you wish.
Volunteer your time
Charities and local organisations are often looking for people to donate their time to help out. You’ll be able to find a list of these either online or in local newspapers. Soup kitchens, supporting the homeless and teaching kids basic life skills is just some of the amazing things these charities do.
Photography course
A good photo can be very subjective, however learning the skills and techniques to produce some incredible images can be both fun and useful. Treat yourself to a new camera and sign up to one of the many photography courses that are available now. Just because we live in a digital age doesn’t mean you have to stick to digital photography. Traditional photography courses are a great and fun way to take and really produce that physical photograph in your hand.
These are just a few ideas to get your mind ticking over, but hopefully you’ll find great enjoyment from starting a new hobby.