What Is a Hobby?
A hobby is an activity that people do for their own enjoyment in their spare time. It can be something physical, like running or playing a sport; or it could be an artistic or intellectual activity, such as painting, drawing or writing. Hobbies help to relieve boredom and make life more interesting by giving people an interest outside of work or family responsibilities. They also help to build skills and knowledge.
Some hobbies result in an end product, for example woodworking, photography, movie making, jewelry making and crafting. These hobbies can be done alone or with friends, and are often more fun if they involve other people. For instance, drumming is a popular indoor hobby that can be done alone or with a group, and improv or acting are often more fun with a friend than on one’s own.
Hobbies can be a good way to socialize, and people may join clubs or participate in competitions. This can lead to friendships and a sense of community. People also find their hobbies provide a way to meet people with the same interests, for example a book club or knitting group.
A hobby can also give people a sense of accomplishment. If a person is very dedicated to a hobby they may become very good at it, and this can boost self-esteem and confidence. Hobbies can also teach patience, because when starting a new hobby there will be a learning curve.