What is a Hobby?

A hobby is an activity that people pursue outside their career or other major life responsibilities for enjoyment and self-gratification. Hobbies are often associated with Play, Flow (psychology), and Creativity. Unlike work, which can be stressful and sometimes feel like a chore, hobbies provide the opportunity to engage in activities that are fulfilling and fun.

Hobbies may be creative or arty in nature, or they can be more active such as running or yoga. They can also involve collecting or tinkering, such as woodworking, photography, making jewelry, software projects, or DIY electronics and computer builds.

Many hobbyists will invest a great deal of time, effort and money into their pursuits. As a result, they tend to accumulate a lot of stuff: materials, equipment, special clothes and shoes, knickknacks, books, trophies, medals, etc. It’s a good idea to find a dedicated space for your hobby, and keep it organized. Having to search for materials or gear can quickly derail a hobby, so keeping it neat and tidy is a big part of ensuring that you’ll actually use it.

Children should be encouraged to develop hobbies, but it’s important for parents to let them choose their own. Trying something new is exciting and can be a great stress reliever. In addition, it can teach children social, artistic and moral skills that will help them in school and their future careers. In fact, studies have shown that having a hobby improves your job performance.