A hobby is a regular activity undertaken outside of work for enjoyment and personal satisfaction. It is different from a profession, which is an occupation, which aims for financial gain or other practical purposes. Hobbies may involve collecting themes or items, engaging in creative and artistic pursuits or playing sports. Some hobbies can lead to significant skill and knowledge acquisition, but most are primarily for entertainment and personal fulfillment.
Some hobbies produce a product such as woodworking, computer software projects or artwork. Other hobbies, such as raising tropical fish or making baby clothes, have the potential to turn into small profitable businesses. Many hobbyists are willing to sell their creations to others, and this is a good way to earn money to support their hobby or to acquire new tools or materials. There are also examples of people who have devoted their spare time to research in a particular field, which have resulted in scientific advancements such as genetic engineering or the development of nuclear power.
Hobbies can also help people stay social, and they can be great for the mind and body. For children, it is important to get them into a hobby that they enjoy, and schools can often do this by running after school clubs for different activities or providing homework assignments for children to complete on their own. It is also great to encourage children to try as many different hobbies as possible, as they will have a much broader range of skills and experiences later in life.