Hobby can be any type of activity that people do during their leisure time. Most people take up a hobby for relaxation, pleasure, or friendships, or to develop new interests. A hobby can also lead to additional income.
People of almost any age can enjoy hobbies. A hobby offers a way to relax after periods of hard work. Hobbies also provide opportunities to overcome challenges and express creativity. Hobbies can be important in helping patients recover from physical or mental illness because they provide distractions from the patients’ problems. For people who are ill or bedridden, hobbies offer fascinating ways to pass the time. Hobbies can also be an important form of occupational therapy.
Kinds of hobbies
Almost any kind of leisure activity can become a hobby. Most hobbies fall into one of four general categories, which may overlap. They are (1) the arts, (2) collecting, (3) handicrafts, and (4) games and sports.
The arts
provide outlets for hobbyists with a special interest in such art forms as dancing, drama, painting, graphic arts, and music. Each art form has many separate possibilities for a hobby. For example, music may include singing or playing an instrument. Painting offers the hobbyist a wide choice of materials, such as oil paints or water colors.
Collecting
is probably the most widespread kind of hobby because almost anything can be collected. Stamps and coins are among the most popular collected items. Hobbyists also collect such things as autographs, comic books, costumes, and baseball cards.
Handicrafts
attract hobbyists who can work skillfully with their hands. Many hobbyists engage in needlework activities, notably crocheting, needlepoint, knitting, and sewing. Hobbyists use kits to make model airplanes, boats, and trains. Using woodworking tools, they can create carvings, furniture, and bowls. Other handicrafts include ceramics, metalworking, jewelry making, weaving, batik, and leatherworking.
Games and sports
are popular with many hobbyists who enjoy competition, physical activity, and healthful exercise. Thousands of hobbyists take part in sports, such as bowling, fishing, mountain climbing, skiing, and tennis. These sports give hobbyists the opportunity to display their individual skills and sportsmanship. Popular indoor games include bridge and other card games, backgammon, chess, and Monopoly.
Other hobbies.
Electronics-related hobbies are becoming increasingly popular. Many hobbyists enjoy flying model airplanes by remote control or assembling and operating ham radios. Both young people and adults have taken up computers as a hobby, frequently assembling computers from kits. Some people raise pets as a hobby. For many people, gardening and photography are rewarding hobbies.
Starting a hobby
People sometimes choose a hobby without realizing they are doing so. A casual interest grows into a fascination as the person learns more about the subject and devotes an increasing amount of time to it. After deciding on a hobby, individuals may gather as much information as they can from reference sources, especially books and magazines. They can also gain information by taking courses in school, attending hobby conventions, and joining hobby clubs. Hobbyists often can study exhibits relating to their hobby in museums and galleries. Clubs and other organizations sponsor tours that allow hobbyists to visit places where they can pursue their hobby and meet people with similar interests.
In most cases, beginning hobbyists should start with a few basic items. As they become more experienced and enthusiastic, they may buy more elaborate materials. Hobby dealers provide information about equipment, supplies, and techniques.
