Using your free time to learn new skills or have new experiences is what having a hobby is about. Some hobbies cost very little but deliver much.

Why a hobby?

A hobby has been defined as an activity that one does in one’s spare time for the sheer joy of it, for pleasure and recreation. For many “a hobby a day keeps the doldrums away”, says Phyllis McGinley.

On the one hand it is sheer escapism; on the other hand, Freeman Dyson reminds us, many successful technologies often began as hobbies. For example, Jacques Cousteau invented scuba diving because he enjoyed exploring caves and the Wright brothers invented flying as a relief from the monotony of their normal business of selling and repairing bicycles.

And, the good news is that a hobby needn’t cost you an arm and a leg − a little money can buy you a lot of hobby if you know what to choose.

Fifteen hobbies that cost little but deliver much

  1. Reading. Reading can educate you, enhance your general knowledge and entertain you. Join the local library and it will cost you only a minimal registration fee. “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.… The man who never reads lives only one” (R. Martin in A Dance with Dragons).
  2. Writing. You only need a computer or a pen and paper and you’re on your way. Here’s your chance to write about the things you’re passionate about.
  3. Blogging. Closely related to the abovementioned, but doing it online. You may even start making money with this hobby through sponsored posts and advertisements.
  4. Editing. Become a Wikipedia editor and use your editing skills to help one of the most amazing Internet resources stay awesome.
  5. Learning a new language. There are lots of wonderful free resources available online to help you.
  6. Listening to music. Listening to music reduces symptoms of depression, relieves stress and elevates your mood. Creating music boosts creativity and a sense of accomplishment.
  7. Getting physical. The benefits of getting physical and engaging in sports and games are well documented. You do not need to join a gym or purchase expensive equipment to walk, run, swim, surf, cycle, hike or explore the natural environment near you. Include your family and you will reap benefits far beyond what you may have anticipated.
  8. Becoming a coach. Why not use your sporting skills to help coach the high school or primary school rugby/hockey/netball teams? Get back into the game and help out where you can.
  9. Learning to dance. Dancing is sociable, fun and good for the body and the mind. Get a dance DVD or ask one of your dancing diva friends to teach you.
  10. Gardening. An unknown author once remarked that “gardening is medicine that does not need a prescription … and with no limit on dosage”. Gardening gets you outside, in the fresh air, it’s creative and nothing tops seeing your garden grow and being able to harvest fresh flowers, herbs and vegetables for your table.
  11. Volunteering. Choose a local charity and help out with fundraising. Just giving of your time is often more valuable than your money.
  12. Learning new skills. The sky is the limit to what you can choose to pursue. You can for example learn how to cook and bake, sew and knit, cut hair, do basic mechanics or carpentry and how to renovate or rebuild old cars and furniture.
  13. House sitting. Travel the world by looking after someone’s home while they are away.
  14. Bird watching. Attend bird watching classes at your local zoo to become accomplished.
  15. Charting your family history. This is a wonderful pastime that the next generation will thank you for.

 

Sources

 

Hobbies quotes. Retrieved from: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/hobbies_3.html
100 cheap hobbies – spend time not money. Retrieved from: http://freeintenyears.com/frugal-tips/100-cheap-hobbies/