You might ask “Isn’t the idea with retirement that I have lots of time to do the things I enjoy?” “Why do I need hobbies that only take an hour a week?” Well, think two themes – variety and adventurism.

It is great that you can take a hobby that you did before retirement and expand it using some of the free time that retirement hopefully provides. However studies have shown that variety creates the mental stimulation that we all need as we get older.

And we need new adventures with our hobbies. Who knows where a hobby that takes one hour a week can lead. Maybe it will become your biggest hobby because you simply love it. Perhaps it will enable you to connect with new friends. It might even provide a side income someday.

So, let’s start looking at some possibilities to give you some ideas:

Astronomy

Astronomy can be as simple as going out on a clear night, sitting in a comfortable lounge chair and looking up. Then you do some internet research and buy some books to learn about the constellations and movement of the planets. Eventually you pick up some binoculars or even a telescope. Be careful, this hobby can be addicting!

Coin Collecting

You can start this one just by looking at your loose change. Try saving a penny or a nickel for each of the last 25 years. Check out the internet and books and learn about mint marks and the history behind your coins. Surprise yourself when you find all the 100 year old coins you can purchase for very little money. Some coins might even be an investment.

Writing

If you are reading this on a computer chances are you have everything you need to become a writer. Start a blog on a subject you like and write a short post every week. Write a short article on anything and offer it to another blog. Of course you might get the writing bug bad and start that great new novel!

Getting into Nature

This can be as simple as taking a walk in a peaceful place once a week. Are you traveling somewhere? Why not add a nature component with a short hike or wildlife viewing. Do some research on an environmental concern and see how you can help.

Music

Try listening to some unknown performers and find one you like. Find them on YouTube or other online services. If you don’t know where to start talk to a young person. They are probably an expert even if they don’t have your same taste in music!

Crafts

Make something small, clever and easy. We’re not talking an artistic masterpiece here. Anything that is fun!

Collect Something

Stop at one or two yard sales and find something collectable. Or renew an interest you had years ago. I’ve heard Beanie Babies are pretty cheap these days!

Reading

Browse Amazon and add a couple books to your wish list. Figure out where your local library is and pay it a visit. You may be surprised how much they have changed but most still let you borrow books for free. And while you are there drop off a book you have already read as a donation.

Travel

Search the internet and build your own wish list of places to visit. Make a list of all the places you can visit for $1000. Make a list of weekend trips. Or make that travel bucket list and start researching destinations on the list. If you do this a little every week you are sure to turn some of your research into concrete plans.

There are many other hobbies you can begin exploring with very little time. Do some research and use your imagination!
Until next time…

Image courtesy of zole4 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Everyone needs a hobby and there are hundreds of possibilities. Many hobbies can be divided to yield more hobby ideas, and sometimes one hobby leads into other hobbies. A hobby doesn’t have to be forever and you can have more than one. Or you might have one “mega” hobby that takes all your free time.

Anyway, below are some hobby ideas to get you started. Also, check out “How to find a hobby.”

Coin Collecting

Here is a hobby that is as easy to start as reaching in your pocket or purse and pulling out your change. It can be as simple as getting one penny from each year. There are dozens of ways to collect coins and there can even be an investment angle sometimes.

Photography

Digital photography has made this hobby easier and potentially less expensive. You can start with a simple point and shoot camera and then learn how to use your favorite software. It gives you an excuse to travel.

Writing

Many people have an interest in writing but never start. Some have said the key to writing is to write and they are probably correct. You can write on anything that interests you. Your purpose can be just for yourself or as a means to help others. Today you can share your writing with others almost immediately by starting a blog (see below) or even by publishing your own books.

Start a Blog

Almost everyone should start a blog. It can be just a way to express yourself and then grow to build a community. A blog can really get you thinking outside your day to day comfort zone, and get you communicating with others that you ordinarily would never get a chance to meet.

Gardening

Gardening can start with a simple container and a flower. If you have a little space the hobby can expand exponentially. Gardening is good for you both physically and mentally. You can even grow your own food. There is nothing like a home grown tomato right out of the garden.

Bicycling

Bicycling can start as a way to get a little exercise and grow into much more. You can start with a good quality used bike and trade up over time.

Puzzles

Puzzles come in all sizes and shapes. Some people go crazy over them, even those 5000 piece jigsaws. Collect unusual puzzles. Build your own. How about brain teasers that exercise your brain?

Music

Music as a hobby can take many forms. It can be everything from collecting recordings, to learning an instrument, to writing your own music and performing.

Art

Art means different things to different people. That’s what makes it so interesting. You can learn about famous painters. You can learn about modern sculptors. You can learn to paint or make your own pottery. The variety is endless.

Astronomy

How about learning your way around the night sky? You can start with a good book and learn the stars and constellations visible to the naked eye. Maybe then you move up to binoculars and eventually a telescope. I was interested in astronomy as a teenager and am now trying to get back into it a little. Best book I have came across is “Nightwatch” by Terrence Dickinson. It is quite comprehensive for beginners, explains lots of concepts, and teaches you the way around the night sky. Highly recommended!

So what is your hobby? Hopefully this article gives you a few more hobby ideas than you had before!

Until next time…