What is a Hobby?

A hobby is an activity that is undertaken outside of work and that is enjoyable to the person engaged in it. Hobbies may be creative and artistic in nature or they can be more active such as pursuing sports. Frequently, hobbies are solitary but there are some that have a communal element such as choral singing or volunteering. Hobbies are also often project-based. Some examples of this are woodworking, photography, moviemaking and jewelry making. Other examples are software projects such as Photoshopping or home music and video production, cosplay (creation and wearing costumes based on existing intellectual property) and making things out of paper which is sometimes called paper craft.

Some people have several hobbies, which are often referred to as “hobbies”. They might include collecting themed items or objects, playing sports and other leisure activities such as gardening, cooking or attending entertainment events. Hobbies can be casual where they are a short-lived and infrequently pursued or serious where people become absorbed in them. They can also be a source of pleasure or income but this is unlikely to happen frequently and usually the income is reinvested back into the hobby.

Hobbies are an important part of a well-rounded life and can help us unwind from stress. They are also a good way to meet new friends and socialise with others in a fun and relaxing environment. Those who have regular hobbies are less likely to experience mental illness. Hobbies have also been shown to reduce the levels of cortisol, which is a natural body stress hormone.