If you find your mood improving or time quickly passing by when you’re doing something you love, you’re not imagining it. There’s even scientific proof that hobbies can benefit your mental health — certain medical professionals have begun participating in social prescribing, a process of asking patients to develop a hobby as a way to treat illnesses such as depression.
No matter your current health, taking the time to enjoy a hobby can help to improve your life by improving your fitness level, your memory, your hand-eye coordination, and your ability to express yourself creatively.
If you are interested in starting a new hobby, it can be hard to know where to start. Many hobbies such as sports and clubs require meeting with large groups of people. However, if you are looking for a hobby you can enjoy solo, there are a lot of options available to you.
1. Reading
Reading is a fantastic hobby that you can enjoy independently. It can help to improve your vocabulary, teach you about faraway places and cultures, and act as a form of escape. If you are going to start reading as your independent hobby, then you should know that it can be an expensive way to spend your time. Buying brand new books from bookstores can cost a lot of money, especially if you are a quick reader.
One way to work around this limitation is to find a book retailer that can cater to your budget and also allow you to sell the books back when you are done reading them. Once you have found a seller that you trust, you can start choosing books to read.
From romance novels that will make your heart race, to binge-worthy fantasy like the Throne of Glass series, and mystery novels with thrilling twists and turns, there are so many options for finding the perfect book in your favorite genre. Whether you start a new book or you jump right into a new series, this is a hobby that you can enjoy at home, on the bus, and anywhere else you spend your time.
2. Memory Planning
Memory planning is a great way to make a record of your life. Every day or week, you can take the time to fill out a new page in a notebook about the memories you are making.
Memory planning doesn’t have to be limited to a notebook, either. You can create playlists that remind you of important events, scrapbook a photo album, or curate home movies.
3. Jewelry Making
Jewelry making is a fun hobby that can allow you to express yourself creatively. If you start learning jewelry making, you can create:
- Necklaces;
- Earrings;
- Bracelets;
- Rings.
If you are looking for a hobby that allows you to give gifts to your family and friends (or make a little extra money on the side), then jewelry making is a fantastic option. Jewelry making is also a global art form, so this can offer you a way to learn about other cultures or connect to your own more deeply.
4. Photography
This independent hobby offers several different options for you to choose from. If you like to spend alone time in nature, you can explore your interest in nature photography, landscape photography, and animal photography. If you like to people watch and explore new places, you can learn travel photography.
The beauty of this hobby is that you can spend as much or as little money as you’d like on whatever type of photography skill you want to improve. If you want to learn how to make the best selfies you possibly can on your phone, then go for it! If you want to spend thousands of dollars on professional photography equipment, you can do that as well.
5. Writing
Writing, like reading, is a hobby that has stood the test of time. Writing doesn’t have to be your job, and you don’t even have to get your work published. What you write can be for your eyes only, if that is what you want.
With digital media and social media alike gaining popularity, so many people are used to the constant desire for their voices to be heard. However, publishing a physical copy of your writing can satiate this desire for you, whereas online publications may get lost among other writing.
Some forms of writing you can explore are:
- Blog entries;
- Poetry;
- Journaling;
- Novel writing;
- Short story writing;
- Creative nonfiction essay writing.
Each type of writing offers a different type of creative expression. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box, try new things, and find what works best for you.
6. Exercising
Some people want an independent hobby because alone time helps them to clear their heads. If you are looking for a hobby that benefits your physical and mental health, then exercise might be the right choice for you. Some exercises and sports you can do on your own include:
- Running and walking;
- Yoga;
- Fishing;
- Cycling;
- Swimming.
It is important to note that if you are planning on exercising on your own, you should conduct thorough research and buy all the necessary equipment so that you can be as safe as possible.
7. Painting and Drawing
Since humans first started drawing stick figures on cave walls, we have held an interest in art and produced various mediums to express that curiosity. In particular, painting and drawing can offer a fun creative outlet for anyone looking for a solo hobby.
You will need to buy whatever paints, brushes, pencils, and other materials you need for your chosen art form. If you want to learn more about art but you don’t want to take a class with other people, you can also consider signing up for an online class or workshop to help develop your skills.
8. Gardening and Indoor Plants
Growing and caring for plants is a rewarding way to spend your time. If you want to bring more beauty into your life, you can grow flowers. If you want to feed yourself, you can grow plants and vegetables. If you want to learn home remedies for different illnesses, you can grow your own herbs for teas.
Gardening is also a hobby you can develop throughout your entire life. It can boost mobility, flexibility, your self-esteem, and even help you connect with your community. More than anything, it can give you exposure to nature which is essential to your mental health.
9. Interior Decorating
If you like spending time at home and are looking for a solo hobby, why not explore the world of interior decorating? This hobby can help you to turn your home into a place that expresses your deepest self that is both beautiful and inviting.
This hobby can be exactly what you want to make of it. Whether you want to share your interior design ideas with communities online or simply curate a space that fits into your aesthetic, interior design can be perfect for whatever intention you have.
10. Games
Gaming has evolved a lot over the past century. From decks of cards and chess boards to VR headsets, there are a lot of options if you want to start gaming. Some popular gaming options include:
- Video games;
- Crosswords ;
- Puzzles;
- Sudoku;
- Some board games.
Many of these games can be played individually, while others may be played remotely with other people.
11. Podcasting
According to Forbes Magazine, in February 2021, there were 43 million podcast episodes available for online audiences. In 2018, there were only 18.5 million available. Needless to say, podcasting has thrived throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whether you want to spend your time listening to podcasts or starting one of your own, there are countless options (in every possible niche) for you to choose from.
12. Cooking and Baking
Cooking and baking have a variety of benefits. If you are trying to be healthier, learning to cook delicious, healthy meals can provide you with the motivation you need to stay on track. If you love to make beautiful things, then learning to bake and decorate cakes and pastries might be your new favorite activity.
13. Meditating
If you want to learn more about yourself, meditation may be the way to go. Fortunately, you don’t need many tools for this activity. All you need is yourself and some spare time.
Some types of meditation involve repeating specific mantras to yourself to improve your mental health. Others involve acknowledging and releasing your thoughts as they move through your mind. Others are more about overcoming physical discomfort and developing more will and patience.
14. Genealogy
Spending your time exploring your family’s past can help you to learn more about yourself and where you came from. By utilizing the tools available online and at your local library, you can discover pictures, immigration records, and other information about your ancestors.
No matter what independent hobby you choose, what is most important is that it makes you happy. It doesn’t matter if what you choose isn’t popular. By finding a hobby you love, you’ll be able to take a step towards living a more happy, more well-rounded life.
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