A hobby is an activity that you do for enjoyment rather than to make money, typically on a regular basis. Hobbies can range from gardening to collecting stamps to reading a book. Often hobbies require special equipment or materials or a certain level of skill to enjoy them.
Hobbies are often relaxing and can help reduce boredom. They can also be a way to socialize. Hobbies can also be a great way to learn new things. Some hobbies create a tangible end product such as woodworking, pottery making, jewelry-making, or coding software. Other hobbies involve creating a specific type of art, such as painting or photography. Some hobbies may even become a form of employment.
Having a hobby can help improve your work-life balance and may even lead to more productive days at the office. It’s easy to get stuck in a negative cycle of mindless activities like watching Netflix or working on a daily crossword, but adding a new hobby to your life can keep you focused and give you something to look forward to throughout the day.
The term “hobby” originates from the 13th century, where it referred to a small horse that was used to train riding skills. In the 18th century, as technology advanced and people had more leisure time, it became common for people to spend their free time engaged in hobby activities. Previously, such activities were considered whimsical obsessions or childish, but the cultural shift toward accepting hobbies began as early as 1676 when Sir Matthew Hale wrote that a person could develop a “hobby-horse” and feel legitimate pride in it.