Finding a Hobby That Makes You Happy

A hobby is an activity that people complete for enjoyment during their leisure time. It can be a sport, an artistic endeavor or a creative project. Hobbies can help relieve stress and are an important part of a healthy work-life balance.

The word “hobby” originally meant a small toy horse or pony, and it’s from that origin that the modern sense of the term developed: “favorite pastime.” Hobbies are activities that people engage in for fun rather than financial gain. They may be casual or they can be serious, and they can range from collecting (such as stamps or baseball cards) to gardening or playing an instrument.

Some hobbies are as ancient as civilization: music, dance, literature and painting. Others are more contemporary. Some, such as geocaching, are outdoor activities while others such as wine tasting or learning astronomy can be enjoyed from the comfort of one’s own home.

Hobbies can help you feel energized and focused, which can lead to better work performance at your day job. But the best hobby for you depends on your unique strengths, interests and personality traits. Personality assessments such as the Strong Interest Inventory or Myers Briggs Type Indicator can help you determine the types of hobbies that are most suited to your personality and lifestyle. Ultimately, finding the right hobby can be as simple as experimenting with different activities until you find something that makes you happy. Here are some ideas for getting started.