Between work, family, volunteering and personal responsibilities, it’s tempting (understandably so!) to fill our precious moments of free time by watching TV or scrolling through social media. (Who are we kidding—we do both at the same time!).
While it’s great to kick back and relax, it’s also good to balance it out with activities we enjoy that enrich our minds and exercise our imaginations.
Hobbies are a healthy, relaxing way to spend our free time in ways we enjoy—but with the added perk of mental, physical and social health benefits that television and smartphones simply can’t match. For example, hobbies have been shown to reduce stress, promote mental health and even boost the immune system.
If you’re like a lot of people, choosing a hobby (if you don’t already have one) or trying to think of something new can leave you with the sound of chirping crickets. That’s why we created this list of 30 brain-boosting hobbies for you to try. Any of these selections can provide a lifetime of enjoyment, and some (but not all) can be done for absolutely free or at almost no cost.
Check out these ideas, and don’t forget to tell your phone, “It’s nothing personal.”
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Collecting things. Everyone’s heard of collecting stamps. But what about Hot Wheels? Star Wars memorabilia? 19th century cast-iron kitchen supplies? (Hey, we don’t know!). The point is collecting is a great way to express your personal creativity.
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Board games. From the timeless, but still awesome, chess and checkers to something modern like Catan, you’ll never be bored when there are board games.
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Play an instrument. Start with the air guitar and work yourself up to the real thing. Or dive right into the tuba (you almost could, after all). An instrument can be a lifelong companion and an endless source of learning.
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Reading. Mystery. Romance. The history of the region of Patagonia. No matter what you’re into, a book is an adventure just as life is a library to explore.
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Journaling. Did you know journaling can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety? Pick up a pen and paper and start jotting down your thoughts. Don’t fancy yourself as a writer? Give bullet journaling a try.
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Stargazing. Head into the country with a pair of binoculars or a telescope or even just your eyes. There’s a whole universe to explore over our heads. The Milky Way comes highly recommended.
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Gardening. Plant yourself on a patch of earth, and put that green thumb to use. Grow vegetables, flowers, trees or venus fly traps; the soil is the limit.
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Outdoor activities. Camping, fishing, rock climbing, rafting, ziplining through the Amazon rainforest—adventure is out there. It’s up to you to discover it.
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Music and movies. Who’s your favorite director? What’s your favorite concert venue? Have an opinion on the greatest band of all time? More than just consumption, music and film hobbies are about exploring a vast ocean of tastes and styles.
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Sketching or painting. Unleash your inner artist. From oils to watercolor, pencil to pointillism, there are no limits to how you can express your creativity. Can’t even draw a stick figure? Practice makes perfect, and there’s no one to impress but your inner imagination.
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History. Be the person who enjoys learning the dates of every major battle from the Revolutionary War. Or educate your friends on the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. You might be surprised how much learning about the past can provide insights into the present.
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Genealogy. Trace your family lineage back through the generations. Discover how your ancestors lived. Reveal distant, famous relatives. You’ll probably gain things to talk about with your history-buff friends.
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Performing. All the world’s a stage. Audition for your local theater group. Join an acting club. Pick up your guitar and participate in open mic night at your favorite coffee house. Try your hand at standup comedy.
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Running or cycling. See the sights and breathe the fresh air while you’re exercising and benefitting your heart, circulation, muscles and brain. Over time, as you gain strength and endurance, you might have so much fun you forget you’re working out.
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Dancing. They say dancing is how the body breathes. Take a class, go out to your favorite club or just waltz in the kitchen at home. It’s a great way to blow off steam and have a ball, while also being a great source of exercise.
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Cooking. Let your kitchen become a culinary playground. Test grandma's secret recipes or whip up a dish from a far-off land. Every ingredient is an opportunity for delicious discovery.
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Arts and crafts. Who knew glue and glitter could be so much fun? Dive into a world where paper becomes precious art, and ordinary objects transform into extraordinary creations.
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Fashion. Break out the sewing machine or the sketch pad. It's your turn to set the trends and strut your style. Fashion is your personal runway.
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Fiction or nonfiction writing. Unleash your inner storyteller or fact-finder. From crafting a gripping tale to penning a captivating think-piece, your words have power.
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Pet shows and agility. Turn your pet into a showstopper. Together, you'll leap over obstacles, race against time and wow crowds. It's more than a game—it's a partnership.
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Team sports. Sweat, cheer and high-five your way to victory. Team sports are more than just a game—they're about camaraderie, competition and most importantly, fun.
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Coffee and tea. Become a brewmaster of your own domain. Discover the subtle notes in a cup of single-origin coffee or the delicate flavors of hand-picked tea leaves.
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Traveling. Pack your bags and quench your wanderlust. Every journey is a new story, every destination a new world to explore.
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Yoga or meditation. Find your zen. Stretch, breathe and discover a sense of peace that transcends the mat. It's a journey of self-discovery, one pose or breath at a time.
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Baking. Turn your kitchen into a sweet-smelling haven. From flaky pastries to hearty breads, baking is where science meets comfort food.
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Woodworking. Create masterpieces from timber. Craft a rocking chair or a birdhouse, and watch as wood grain transforms into works of art under your hands.
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Home improvement/DIY. Roll up your sleeves and add a personal touch to your home. From a fresh coat of paint to a custom-built bookshelf, it's your vision, your project.
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Auto restoration. Rev up your engines and bring classic cars back to life. It's greasy, gritty and incredibly satisfying.
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Content creation. Broadcast your passions to the world. Start a podcast, launch a blog or vlog your daily life. Your voice matters, and it's time to share it.
- Card games. Shuffle, deal and play. Whether it's a strategic game of bridge or a fun-filled night of poker, card games are a deck full of excitement.
Feeling inspired yet? These are just a small slice of the universe of hobbies just waiting to be explored. Get out there and try something new!
