Guest Post - Light Up Your Life with a Hobby and Improve Your Mental Health

We can all relate to the sinking feeling that comes from being broke. If you disagree, then you're either a millionaire with too much money or a mystic who has no need of it. Either way, you're out of the norm.

Other benefits are less tangible than money but just as worthwhile. Take the advantages of having a hobby. Believe it or not, a simple pastime can improve your physical dexterity, give you a sense of accomplishment, and enhance your ability to focus. That's a lot of payback for having fun, don't you think?

The key to getting the most rewards from a hobby is choosing one that matches your interests, skills, and, of course, your budget. Otherwise you may find yourself losing interest soon after getting started. So let's look at how to upgrade your down time with something you love doing.

Start by Finding Out Who You Are

One of the best ways to choose a hobby (or a career or college major, for that matter) is to take a personality test first. Knowing a little about what makes your mind tick can help you narrow down your options and pick the pastime you'll enjoy most. Here are some examples:

●    Are you a creative person? If so, then consider painting, drawing, or sculpting.

●    Are you an analytical person? If so, then you may find chess, sudoku, or jigsaw puzzles are right up your alley.

●    Are you a hands-on person? If so, then look into woodworking or model building.

●    Are you an active person? If so, then hiking, camping, or sports are all strong possibilities.

●    Are you an outgoing person? If so, then look into acting or podcasting.

Work Out a Budget

Finding the right hobby is easy for those who are wealthy. They can always sail around the world or raise thoroughbred horses. Options are a bit more limited when it comes to the rest of us, however. We must balance our interests against our financial resources unless we want to end up in bankruptcy. Here's how to find an activity that will soothe your senses, not blow your budget:

●    Consider what you already have. Many people already possess the tools needed to pursue their interests. Photography is a great example of what we mean, according to Expert Photography. Some shutterbugs own thousands of dollars worth of equipment and are always on the lookout for more. Others, however, make do with an entry-level DSLR or even the camera that comes with their smart phone. Both types of photographers can take great pictures, despite what certain salespeople may tell you. So take stock of your existing inventory before dropping a bundle on fancy equipment.

●    Look for pre-owned or sale items. Going back to the example of photography, it's possible to find great cameras on sites like eBay, Craigslist, and Amazon for bargain prices, according to Photography Life. Choosing a model that's a few years old may give you great results  while saving you big bucks.

●    Ask established hobbyists for advice. Those who have spent a few years pursuing your interest will know their way around the necessary equipment and can help you to get the most bang for your buck. They may even have used items they're willing to sell for unbelievable prices. You never know until you ask.

Always Make Safety First

Some hobbies, such as woodworking, require access to power tools or other items that demand caution when in use. Here's how to stay safe when operating specialized equipment:

●    Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry. If your hair is long, then pin it back.

●    Stay alert. It's important to never use power-driven machinery when you're tired or taking medications that can make you drowsy.

●    Take classes at your local community college or ask a seasoned hobbyist for help.

Hobbies are a great way to spend your leisure time. A hobby can even turn into a rewarding full-time career or profitable sideline. Use the tips in this post to choose the right pastime, then pursue it with all your passion and ability. Stay safe and happy lobbying.


By Henry Moore

Henry is the co-creator of FitWellTraveler. The site blends two of his favorite subjects (travel and health) to provide readers with information about how to get the most out of both. Mr. Moore starts every day by looking at photographs of past travel, making plans for future travel, and committing to one new healthy goal. He enjoys travel, running, swimming and baking. His favorite place in the world is Venice, Italy. The next place on his list to visit is: Fernando de Noronha in Brazil.

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