Sports Then and Now

Whether you are entering retirement and are on the lookout for something to do or you’re looking to build a better work-life balance for yourself, picking up a new hobby is a great way to achieve this goal. 

Photo by Courtney Cook on Unsplash

After all, hobbies can break up the monotony of your routine, improve your mental and physical health, and help you to make new friends. Despite this, they tend to be something that we leave behind as we get older, often due to the fact that our schedule becomes a little too full.

This can make the idea of trying something new feel a little daunting. However, it is worth pushing through this fear to enjoy the above benefits. With that in mind, here are some top tips for picking up a new hobby as an adult! 

Turn back the clock. There is no shortage of hobbies that you can partake in, from archery to painting. However, you don’t necessarily need to start from scratch. For example, you could turn back the clock by picking up a hobby from your past or even your childhood. While it may take a while to get back up to speed again, this is a great way to spend your time doing something you love, and it is also sure to bring back plenty of happy memories.  

Be willing to be a complete beginner. One of the main reasons why people turn down the opportunity to try something new is that they’re scared of being bad at it or embarrassing themselves. However, it is important to remember that everyone starts as a beginner, and there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Letting go of this negative mindset will allow you to put your all into your new hobby without holding yourself back.

In addition to this, you can ensure that you pick up skills quickly by attending classes. For example, if you’re hitting the golf course for the first time, you could sign up for Golf Lessons in your local area first. This will increase your confidence massively, while also giving you the chance to really hone and develop your skills before you start golfing with others.

Bring a friend. Starting a new hobby can feel a little less daunting if you’re doing it with a friend by your side. This is because they can provide moral support and guidance during this time. Not only that, but it provides you with the opportunity to strengthen the bond you share by spending quality time together, something which is hard to come by as an adult. 

Add your hobby to your schedule. If you had to attend a meeting at work, you’d add it to your schedule. This ensures that you would then not forget to make time for it in your routine, as it encourages you to hold yourself accountable and manage the rest of your time accordingly. You should treat your hobbies the same way. This way, you can make sure that you are always dedicating time in your routine to your passions, as opposed to viewing them as something you’ll eventually get around to. 

Remember that great things happen outside of your comfort zone. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be difficult. After all, it’s a space where you will likely feel entirely relaxed and peaceful. However, great things happen when you allow yourself to step outside of this space and try something new, no matter how challenging it may be. 

Not only that, but your hobbies could eventually change or shape the trajectory of your life moving forward. For example, they could help you to connect with like-minded individuals who later become lifelong friends or develop skills that will take you further in your career. 

As such, if you’re currently coming up with a list of reasons in your head why you can’t or shouldn’t pick up a new hobby – it’s time to silence that voice for good.

Final thoughts. Believe it or not, it is never too late to try out a new hobby. After all, this can enrich your life and open many doors for you. For example, one study found that people who regularly engage in their hobbies are happier than those who do not.

If it has been a little while since you last thought about hobbies, don’t worry. The tips above will make it easier than ever to find a new hobby, or pick up where you left off with an old one!