Spending time on an enjoyable activity has been found to improve mental health and wellbeing. Research indicates that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from low mood, stress and depression while activities that get individuals out and about may make one feel happier and more relaxed.

Having a hobby is a great way to unwind and helps us learn new skills. Before engaging in a new hobby it is important to consider cost, time and social implications.

Take Note of What You Buy

Craft blogger Deborah, at Creativity For Life, points out that your shopping habits may leave you clues as to what hobby to pursue. Individuals who love purchasing scented candles or soaps may try their hand at crafting these products at home instead. Melt and pour soaps provide a good starting point and artisan soap can provide a good side-income as well.

Past Forgotten Hobbies

Our lives are constantly changing and it is easy to forget about a past project or hobby that’s been laid by the wayside. Re-engaging with a past hobby will help you remember what you loved about it. Spice it up by finding a different approach. If your hobby used to be photography, explore new ways of capturing a subject and painting with light. Break the rules and add your own unique take on the activity.

Something That Will Make the Day Better

A hobby should not feel like work, it should provide you with a sense of “me-time” that caters for your personality and interests. It should be something that helps you unwind and forget about the stresses of your day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.5 hours of moderate activity weekly can help reduce the risk of many health problems. Gardening provides a way for us to enjoy the fresh air and de-stress, helping to reduce the risk of depression and has proved to be a popular activity for New Zealanders.

Try a Few Ideas and Adapt It

If you are unsure where and how to take up a new hobby, it is best to try out a few options to see which piques your interest. Most clubs and societies will allow you to give their activity a go on a trial basis. This will give you a good idea if the activity and/or social aspect connected with it is appealing.

Peter Leniston of The Occasional Brewer parallels cooking and brewing. “Brewing beer has many parallels with cooking – it’s social, can be shared, and there’s real pride in making a fantastic beer from scratch.” Much of the appeal in brewing lies in the fact that the brewing process can be elevated to different levels of complexity.

Time Commitments

Considering how and when you want to engage in a particular hobby will help narrow down the options dramatically. Outdoor hobbies like kayaking Western Bay of Lake Taupo is a visual treat with ancient Maori rock carvings, however it may not be a suitable activity during winter months. While some activities are constrained by seasons, there are evergreen activities that can be enjoyed year-round.

Something New

New Zealand is known for extreme sports and Zorbing is no exception to the rule. The world’s first Zorbing site was established in Rotorua. This recreational sport will have enthusiasts roll downhill inside a transparent, plastic orb. Zorbing generally takes place on a gentle slope and these balls can reach speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour.

Diving head-first into new, unfamiliar activities could just be the recreational spark you were looking for. Taking the time to scout around for new and unfamiliar activities in your area should go a long way to bust the boredom blues.