How to Cultivate a Hobby as an Adult

Many of us have picked up (and abandoned) hobbies during the course of the pandemic. The lure of screens to keep of entertained in our free time is strong—hello binging TV binging and social media scrolling! But there’s no time like the present to develop a lasting hobby in this transitional time where things are still not completely back to normal in the United States and other parts of the world. Research indicates that pursuing creative interests and hobbies can be positive for mental health. If nothing else, picking up hobbies allows you to have more interesting conversation at gatherings with friends and family. But what if are you stumped about what to adopt as a hobby you’re committed to investing your time into? Here are some ideas to get you started.

1 | Think back to what you enjoyed doing as a child

Many of us had activities we enjoyed during childhood that we can easily adapt to adult hobbies. Did you like dancing back then? Take a class. Did you enjoy drawing or painting? Get some art supplies and try your hand at making some artwork for your walls.

2 | Look back at abandoned past interests

Look back at abandoned interests and hobbies that you have considered picking up again and re-commit to one. Did you carry around a camera on vacations but never did anything with the photos? Get them printed out to hang in your home or gift to friends and family. Maybe some of the hindrances from the last time your pursued thing interest have changed, but even if they haven’t it might be worth while to try again.

3 | Ask your loved ones what topics you tend to talk about the most

Ask your Mom, sister, or bestie which non-work or family topics you always seem to focus your energy on. Do you always talk about your favorite K-dramas? Maybe that’s a sign that you should try to take on an online class to learn how to speak Korean. Do you wax on an on about your favorite herbs (*raises hand*)?, maybe you should get some books on uses for herbs or try container gardening herbs on your window sills.

4 | Explore what types of social content you take in for clues

Think about people who do things you admire on social media. Do you watch a lot of home decor + tours of interiors by influencers on YouTube? Maybe you want to help your loved ones come up with creative ways to decorate their homes. Do you follow a lot of authors on Twitter? Maybe you want to join an existing book club (or start your own!) to have more in depth conversations about books and reading.

We can all benefit from having interests outside of our work and family life to offer a little fun, creativity, and interest into our lives. Follow your own interests to delve into a hobby today.