Want To Create More Joy? Expand Your Hobby Horizons!

“What do you like to do in your spare time?” Most people have answered or asked this question many times. As unoriginal as these 10 words may be, having something you like to do in your spare time can bring you lots of happiness, meaning and growth. When you expand a hobby or interest you create all sorts of opportunities for yourself – some that might shape your life in ways you never expected.

If you’re wanting to expand your hobby and add more happiness to your days, here are 5 ideas to try.

1. Start at the start

What’s something you’d like to explore? Does cooking or photography interest you? Are you keen to learn the piano or a language? Perhaps you’re becoming more interested in psychology or technology? If you’re unsure, have a think about what you enjoyed as a kid. (Ask your family if you need to.) Also consider which activities, people or places give you energy. What do you tend to google? Once you have some ideas, do a little research and then try a few things. This is the perfect chance to harness your curiosity.

2. Add more

If you have an interest that you spend some time on, can you give it more time? This is where scheduling and efficiencies come in. Do you need to remove something from your day or week to fit your interest in? You could put regular appointments in your calendar for pursuing your interest. Think about how you might be able to incorporate your interest into your week day by utilising your commute and lunch time, becoming more efficient with cooking and house jobs, and limiting social media.

3. Take it outside

If you pursue your interest mostly at home and by yourself, now’s the time to venture out! For example, if you enjoy writing, how about joining a writing group and submitting an article to an editor this week? If you love arranging fresh flowers, sign up for a beginner’s course. Photography’s your passion? Check out exhibitions in your city.

4. Think wider

Approach your interest from a different angle. If you like to run for example, maybe you could add some activities that will support and expand this interest. You might start yoga, do regular sprints or subscribe to a runner’s mag or podcast. If pilates is your passion, would you consider teaching classes? If you make beautiful earrings for friends, are you interested in selling them at markets? Maybe you can even arrange a trip so you can enjoy your hobby in a new place, a different state, or perhaps another country. There are so many ways to grow your interest and expand your life.

5. It takes a village …

It’s more fun and interesting when you connect with people who share your interest. So, how do you find them? You could go to talks, workshops or meet ups, volunteer, join a group or committee, find a mentor or enrol in a course. And don’t forget the online world (as if you could!) Expand your LinkedIn network and follow and connect with other enthusiasts and experts on social media. Also, don’t think you have to restrict your ‘hobby’ chats to other enthusiasts. Bring your hobby into conversations! You might find that an acquaintance, colleague or someone you meet has a great tip, a good connection, or better yet, your interest sparks their interest and a new friendship begins.