5 Productive Hobbies That Will Make You Happier

So you are feeling stuck or have found yourself watching way too much TV.

What ever it may be that is a making you feel dissatisfied starting up a new hobby could be the way go.

In order to take up a hobby many tend to believe you need to have x amount of hours available to do it.

While that is true anyone can start a hobby even if its spending a few minutes on it when you come home from work or sacrificing your weekend instead.

Over the years I have taken new hobbies, along the way I have dropped some that I realised weren’t for me but I have found new ones also.

I’m going to take you through some ideas on hobbies you could start now.

Why Is Taking Up A Hobby A Good Idea?

There are many reasons why starting a hobby is a good idea, for me I like the idea of relaxing and doing something that is not related to work that lets me chill out.

Of course, you could watch TV and binge some shows on Netflix that some people’s idea of chilling out.

However, according to a recent study it was found that in America 75 percent of adults started hobbies that were based around ‘creative skills’.

Starting a hobby gives you something new to focus your time on and helps you to develop a certain skill.

Of course, I could practice my skill of binging shows but I would already be great at that.

But when you find a hobby you enjoy chances are you are going to stick with it.

Who knows you could maybe get so good at it that you could earn a passive income with it.

But lets get into some hobbies I suggest looking into if you haven’t already.

1. Learn A Language

I never thought this would be going on the list nor would I be saying this but learning a language.

Back in school I hated languages I found it so dull that the next lesson couldn’t come quick enough.

What is strange about this is that over the years I have been fascinated by languages and hearing other people talk in a language I didn’t understand.

How does that even make sense?

Basically I didn’t hate languages I just didn’t like how teachers taught me, it made learning it boring.

So in the past year I have been learning one on my own terms and found the passion to keep going with it.

There are so many resources out there, you have language apps like Duolingo, Memrise, Pimsleur, Babel, the list goes on.

But what I like about these apps is it makes learning a language fun.

Aside from how cool it is to learn one, there are numerous benefits that come with it.

A couple I have noticed is that I feel sharper and has helped me with my memory. It also gives you an insider into how others think.

Longer term benefit is obviously the fact that you can engage with other people who speak that language.

It will also help if you ever go travelling, so it opens doors there.

So if you were like me who was limited to just the one language then it could be worth finding one that sparks your interest.

I would also check out youtubers like Ikenna and laoshu505000 who inspired me to pick one up.

2. Create A Side Hustle

If you don’t know a side hustle is a basically a second job that is set up for you to bring in another income.

This is why many people these days who have there main job are looking at doing something else for extra security.

But starting a side hustle can be both fun and a challenge especially if you are yet to create one.

Side hustles are for anyone, but when I first created one was back when I was back in college.

I decided to create an online business in my spare time which was mainly the evens while studying a diploma in the day.

Now you are in a good position now as there hasn’t been a better time to invest your time in to a side hustle.

There are just so many opportunities online now that are at your finger tips.

Let me give you a few ideas.

• Of course you have the one I mentioned of building a website,
• You could become a driver for Postmates, UBER or Lyft if you have a car
• Start freelancing your skills on Fiverr and Upwork
• Complete Surveys
• Start blogging or vlogging if you prefer to video

I will have to write a post solely on side hustles as there are so many avenues to go down.

If you want some more inspiration you can check out these 5 out of the box ways to make money also.

3. Go Jogging

While the idea may seem boring, jogging is a great hobby to take up that I have been doing for some time now.

The benefits are obvious in that it will help you gain fitness but one thing I like about it is it helps you feel refreshed.

I go jogging on nights around my town every other night and each time I get back I just feel better. It also helps me to sleep better at night.

The main reason I started jogging is related to my next point which is sport.

I wanted to build up my cardiovascular fitness so I could last longer in sport, I also wanted to build up the strength of my muscles.

As long as you have legs there isn’t too many limits here. You don’t have to go to the gym and you can run anywhere.

At first you will struggle but as you run more you will be able to go for longer and further.

4. Join A Local Club

Some people aren’t sporty but I would say there is a sport out there for everyone.

Most towns and cities have clubs and activities that you can get involved in.

Not only is it great to play a sport but you also get to socialise with others.

My sport is football and I play it both casually and at a amateur level.

Playing casually I will join a 6 a side tournament with a few mates but for the amateur level I will play for my towns team.

5. Start Drawing

Before you say you aren’t good at drawing let me say that anyone can draw.

There are so many areas to drawing that it is impossible for someone not to find something they are good at.

Whether that is drawing portraits, anime, sketches there is different types you can start doing.

You don’t have to be good as that isn’t the point, it’s all about expressing yourself.

I used to do a lot of drawing back when I was in school but after starting work I forgot about it.

So now I am trying to pick it up again as its great for relaxation and is something I used to enjoy before anyway.

Before you say that you suck, just remember that many people struggle at first. If you practice it you will improve like with any skill.

While I would recommend drawing with paper there is a lot of technology that you can use.

For android you have the Samsung Note 10 which comes with the stylus and the penup app, this is something I have been using while on public transport.

If you have a Apple device you can also get an app like ProCreate.

Find A Hobby That Suits You

The purpose of this post wasn’t to tell you what to take up it was more to give your inspiration.

I did also want to show with you some ideas to give you some inspiration and with the ones in this post you have a place to start.

But at the end of the day you have to find something that works for you. That way you will last with that hobby and find the motivation to keep it up.

At the end not only have you become a more productive person but you have likely got much better at a certain skill.