How to pick up a new hobby as someone who has probably a million

I collect hobbies like a maniac. I start a new one almost every year, and the crazy thing is that I’ve kept up with most of them. And those I haven’t kept up with I’ll come back to on occasion. I’ve really taken the “jack of all trades” title to the extreme. Also, I do this all with an incredibly busy schedule, difficult classes, volunteering, sports, clubs, and somehow, a social life. 

I find the value in learning new skills, and especially in making things with my hands, immense. But, it’s not just my opinion. Harvard Health Publishing reports on a study that measured that people with hobbies “reported better health, more happiness, fewer symptoms of depression, and higher life satisfaction,” and those who did hobbies as a group reported lower feelings of loneliness. Now, more hobbies probably doesn’t equate to infinitely more happiness, but you never know… 

Regardless, I recommend that everyone has at least one hobby. Something to do when you’re bored that isn’t scrolling on social media, something to express your creativity, something to make yourself think in a fun way. There are so many different things you could do, as I know well, but how do you even start to do one? 

1. The first step is getting inspiration! Maybe you have it already, or maybe you don’t. If you want to start a new hobby but don’t have an idea of which one you might like to try, make a list of a couple that sound interesting to you. Another option is to look at some things that you like and figure out if you can make them! Do you like stickers, books, journals, magnets, or anything else? All of the items I just listed you can make! A few other ideas are journaling, painting, writing, juggling, roller skating, or puzzles. 
2. The next step is doing a bit of research. This could be finding articles or blogs (just search “how to do [insert hobby here]”), but it doesn’t have to be! There are a ton of YouTube videos, TikToks, and video resources out there. The point of this step is not to do a deep dive, just to learn a bit about how something works to see if it even sounds interesting to you. If you like what you see, great! Move on to step three. If you’re not interested, that’s perfectly fine, too, and just head back to step one. 
3. The next step is in-depth research, sorry. Find a tutorial for beginners for something you want to make and watch it all the way through before starting anything. If you’re trying to do something like writing or puzzles, this could still be helpful, too, so don’t skip it! The most important thing you’ll get out of this tutorial is if you need any supplies. 
4. Then, go out and get your supplies, if you need anything! I’d highly recommend going to an in-person store if they carry what you need because the people who work there are generally very nice and willing to help you figure out what the best option for you is. They almost always have answers to my questions, and I’ve had a lot! 
5. Sit down with your supplies, your tutorial, and begin! Take it slow, don’t be afraid to re-read instructions or start over. My biggest advice here is to know that you are probably not going to get it right the first time, so go in with the mindset that you’re going to do something at least three times. Try as hard as you can, and if you don’t get it, find a new tutorial! There are so many out there. If you’re stuck on something craft-related, ask someone working at a craft store. They can be great resources, even if you have questions about the process of something. Many people who work there are crafters themselves. The same thing often goes for other kinds of hobbies. 
6. My last piece of advice is don’t be afraid to fail at something. I would generally recommend starting small and working your way up, but if all you want to make is something ambitious, go for it! No one’s stopping you. Know that it probably will be difficult and you may have to restart multiple times (speaking from experience here), but you will learn so much along the way, and if you’re willing to stick with it, I know you can learn/make whatever you’re trying to do, no matter how long it takes. 

Getting a hobby is my one recommendation for everyone. It doesn’t matter what the hobby is. Do something that you enjoy with your time, something that has no monetary or outside benefit other than your joy. Do something you aren’t obligated to do simply because you think it’s fun. And even if you don’t stick with something, keep trying. You never know if the next thing will be your favorite, and all of a sudden you’re knitting sweaters like me! (Or, I suppose, whatever comparably large/skilled thing your hobby amounts to). I wish you the best of luck, and I’m always available to ask questions if you know me. Believe me, I’ve probably tried whatever it is you’re working on.