Hobbies
An undervalued element of a busy society
Hobbies are what we do for enjoyment. Some hobbies include physical activity, some are social, some require thinking, and the list goes on. The hobbies we choose are based on personal preferences. I enjoy running. Many people hate it. For me it is a hobby, for others, it is only used when absolutely necessary or as an exercise when trying to get in shape. Many people enjoy comic-con or other conventions whereas the idea stresses me out completely. It’s fun to try various activities in order to find what suits you. That being said, expecting to love a hobby the first time we try it may result in disappointment. Familiarity and/or practice with an activity lead to higher levels of enjoyment.
Hobbies allow us to have a mental and/or physical outlet. An outlet is meant to bring us joy, distract us from stressors, sometimes connect us to others, give us a sense of purpose outside of mandatory responsibilities, provide us something to look forward to, and more. It is wise to have at least one hobby which costs little to no money. Spending too much money on a hobby can turn something enjoyable into stress or can become a vice (a form of addiction or habit that controls our mind in an unhealthy way). Refer to the chart at the end of this post for inexpensive hobby ideas.
I started running for enjoyment in my 20’s. It has brought me through phases of anxiety, boosted my physical confidence as far as trusting what my body can do, gives me an outlet for stress, it is my way to stay familiar with the neighborhood and the people living in it, and gives me a focus. I have learned in my adult life to enjoy other hobbies like puzzles, reading, and gardening. I have also learned that when I’m not consciously engaging in healthy hobbies I tend to slip into old patterns I used to consider “hobbies” but actually are bad habits such as watching TV for extended periods of time, eating when I’m not hungry, or shopping when I don’t need anything.
Activities mistook for hobbies: shopping, eating, cell phone usage, gambling, going to the bar, watching television or videos on other devices.
Public Recreation, Community Classes, and Community Centers
Every community has some sort of recreation center. If you search your area then recreation programs you will find what is offered near you. I recommend including the word ‘classes.’ Community recreation centers are a great place to be part of different groups, gain access to equipment needed for hobbies such as work out equipment and swimming pools, and are open to everyone.
Parks and Recreation Facilities
Depending on the size of your community, you may have only one or you may have several recreation centers (often referred to as ‘rec centers’) operated by the city or county Parks and Recreation department. At every center there will be a front desk and this is a great way to get more information about what is offered. They may have a printed catalog for you to look through for a schedule and descriptions of classes or programs, or they can direct you to the online version. They can answer questions for you as well. Anyone is allowed in these public centers, but if you join a class there will be a small fee or if you want to use the facility for something like swimming or exercise you might pay a monthly fee. Parks and recreation centers are a wonderful place to meet people, they’re usually nice facilities with quality equipment, they’re safe, and what I appreciate most is how inexpensive they are.
YMCA
The YMCA, often referred to as “the Y” is similar to Parks and Recreation. They offer classes and can be found in most communities. Like Parks and Recreation community centers, they are often affordable and open to anyone who would like to join. YMCA’s across the nation have been providing a place for kids, teens, and adults to enjoy hobbies and be part of a community for many years. You can search YMCA and at the top of the results you will likely see a map with the ones near you. Since they are so universal, your search will likely provide results of other similar programs and/or facilities such as those operated through Boys and Girls Club, and others.
YMCA
Community Classes
The most common classes provided through a community organization such as Parks and Recreation or YMCA are swimming, yoga, different crafts, and some exercise classes. Occasionally you can find informational classes such as finance support or other basic life needs.
Community Sports Leagues
Parks and Recreation often operate sports leagues in an area. For children these might be complex with multiple teams while the adults leagues are often more casual. Anyone can sign up. If you have other people you know who are on a team or want to form a team you can sign up as a team. You can also sign up as a singleton and they will place you. Leagues often include softball, soccer (both indoor and outdoor in many areas), and basketball. If you search your town and adult sports leagues, you may find more interesting options either through Parks and Recreation or through another organization. You never, know…I once stumbled across a rather complex quidditch tournament and a local park!
Athletic clubs and gyms
Every community has gyms you can pay for. Basic gyms simply used for working out are fairly inexpensive. If you are looking for more of a place where you can develop or support a hobby, you want to look at something more like an athletic club. If you have to time to spend there, it is money well spent. See the post for gyms and athletic clubs for more information on using such facilities.
What Do I Need to Know and Bring?
Playing in a community league
When you sign up they will ask your experience or skill level. Regardless of skill or experience, everyone is welcome to play. This is the best part of adult leagues. Your team will help you, and teams are happy to have enough people to play. There will be strong players and brand new players and everything in between.
What you need: sport-specific gear such or equipment, water, appropriate shoes and comfortable clothes.
Swimming
When a pool is available at a recreation center, there is also a locker room. You should bring a towel and swimsuit. If you are comfortable doing so, you can bring a change of clothes and change in the locker room. Ask an employee how their locker system works if you want to store things in one. Some people change out in the open in the locker room but it is perfectly normal to go into a bathroom stall to change as well. I usually skip the changing part when going straight home but if you do that be sure to bring comfortable clothing to wear over your suit. If you like to wear goggles, or a swim cap (keeps your hair dry and out of your way while you swim) other people will have them on too so go for it. The pool will have safety equipment such as flotation devices. They will also probably have kick boards and floating noodles. If your feet are sensitive, wear water shoes. Community pools have a diverse bunch of swimmers so do whatever you enjoy!
You might want to check “open swim” times which are the time anyone is allowed to get in the pool and do what they want. There will usually also be designated lap swimming time for people using the pool for exercise. If you are unsure of the policies, just ask one of the employees and they will help you out. Be sure to follow the pool rules such as where to jump.
Tennis
There are many places you can go to play tennis for free. Most high schools have courts open to the public on weekends or evenings. Some parks have courts as well. Some athletic clubs or gyms where you pay for a monthly membership have courts.
What you need: comfortable shoes, tennis balls, and a racket
Classes at a community center such as classesng class, craft workshops, or art classes
Classes such as these are occupied by people of all skill sets. I was too nervous to attend a cooking class until my mom bought me a class and we went together. I was surprised to see the range of skill and experience with cooking. They told us every single thing we would need to know including showing what each tool was as they mentioned it and explaining how to measure, and so forth. It was so much fun! When attending classes like these, the description or emails you might receive after signing up will tell you what to bring. For example, sometimes to cooking class, you will be asked to bring an apron. Or for arts or crafts, they will tell you if you need any tools. Typically you don’t need to bring anything.
Outdoor Hobbies
Running and Walking
If you are new to running, I recommend starting by looking up something like “couch to 5k running plan.” Running experts have spent time putting together plans based on how the body responds to running. There is science behind why our body can go further and further every few times we run. Our blood creates mitochondria each time we exercise, and the more we have the longer we can work out (or it can increase our intensity). Eventually, running becomes enjoyable rather than miserable because our bodies adapt. Additionally our muscles grow and change to support the movement which not only makes it easier over time, this also helps alleviate pain in joints from running because our muscles compensate. The first few times you run might be painful, then it gets increasingly easier and less painful. It takes repetition to learn what your body likes to eat before running (if anything), how much water to drink, and what clothes you prefer. Start small! There’s no need to start with a 3 miles run or walk. Do what feels comfortable at first. It is also fun to switch up your approach. You might run on hills one day, a little longer distance a few days later, then maybe some sprints to build different muscles.
What you need: The best part about running is the accessibility. It can be done anywhere and requires very little preparation. Running shoes, sports bra (for the ladies), comfortable clothes, and music. Unless you are running very long distances (say, more than 6 or 7 miles) you do not need to carry water. I highly recommend investing in good quality shoes. It will be worth it!
Biking, Riding a Bicycle
Riding a bicycle is easy and fun, and there are options for all levels of bike riders. You may simply use a bike to get where you need to go or you may be someone who wants to hit the trails, or maybe you want to ride a bike for exercise. When choosing a bike you can tell the bike shop employee how you plan to use the bike and they can help choose the best option. You can also find bikes at thrift stores if you are not picky and want to save money. It is smart to learn how to care for your bike before going very far from home. When using a bike for fun, transportation, or mild exercise all you need is a bike and a helmet. There are all sorts of extras you can get for your bike if you want. Walmart has a great bicycle section with things like water bottle holders, bells, handlebar grips, and more for a good price. Be sure to look into the rules of the road for bicycles if you plan to go outside of your neighborhood. Carrying a backpack is a nice way to take what you need with you and not have it in your way.
