Downtime. It’s something that many of us aspire to have. But what do you do when you stumble upon it?

It’s far too easy to fill unscheduled time with chores, errands and indulging that ever-present attention vampire: staring at your devices. So here’s an idea: When was the last time you devoted yourself to a hobby?

In this digital day and age, hobbies may be what many of us need to find enjoyment, connection and satisfaction during our leisure time. In fact, research shows that hobbies may actually be good for our health.

Consider these facts:

  • Hobbies can make you happy. One study found that adults 65 and older who had a hobby reported more happiness and satisfaction with life, while those without hobbies were more likely to report symptoms of depression.
  • Frequency counts. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) polled Americans about creative activities and stress relief, and those who reported “very good” or “excellent” mental health tended to engage in creative activities more frequently than those who reported “good,” “fair” or “poor” mental health. The survey found that 46% of Americans participate in creative activities, such as playing the piano, crocheting, dancing with friends or solving puzzles, to relieve stress or anxiety.
  • Hobbies may offer perks for your physical health. If your hobbies are of the active sort, such as playing sports, dancing, running or hiking, your body may thank you. According to the Mayo Clinic, boosting your physical activity can help control weight; lower your risk for several chronic illnesses (including diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, metabolic syndrome and certain types of cancer); improve your energy levels; better your sleep and more.
  • Some hobbies may help combat loneliness. If you’ve been looking for new ways to meet people and connect more deeply with your community, selecting a social hobby may be the answer. Research shows that hobbies can provide opportunities to develop fulfilling relationships and support networks, and may even help foster a sense of purpose.

How do I choose a hobby?
If you’re reading this and a specific leisure activity hasn’t sprung to mind, don’t worry! It’s never too late to find a new hobby. As you search for the right fit, you might even have a lot of fun! For those who aren’t sure where to begin, here are some avenues to consider:

Nurture your creative side
Have you dreamed of tickling the ivories? Do you aspire to be the next Michelangelo? Is your shower voice ready for the main stage? Think about your talents and interests and find a way to develop them.

  • Take a cooking class
  • Write a short story, poetry or start that novel you’ve been dreaming up
  • Learn how to cross-stitch
  • Join a choir
  • Try out for a play
  • Find a piano teacher and commit to weekly lessons
  • Sign up for an art class and paint, draw or make ceramics

Get moving
Exercise benefits the body, and active pursuits can be a great way to relieve stress. Whether you’re looking to join a team or you’re interested in accountability, finding a class, a partner or a league to work out with can add some excitement to your regular routine.

  • Sign up for a water aerobics class at your local community center
  • Join a walking, running or cycling club
  • Train for a 5K
  • Try your hand at pickleball
  • Take dance lessons with your partner
  • Join a local sports league and play basketball, softball, kickball or whatever game suits you
  • Start a bowling night with friends

Learn something new
Challenge yourself to pursue new skills and new knowledge. Learning keeps your mind sharp and may even teach you things about yourself.

  • Sign up for a computer skills class at the library
  • Learn a new language
  • Find out what classes are available at your local community college
  • Join a book club
  • Take an improv comedy class
  • Learn CPR
  • Enroll in a trade course, such as carpentry or mechanics

Find your Zen
Embarking on a hobby that’s also relaxing is a win-win. Finding enjoyable ways to lower stress and anxiety is always a worthy pursuit.

  • Sign up for a yoga class
  • Practice deep-breathing exercises
  • Learn how to meditate
  • Take a tai chi class
  • Start a gratitude journal
  • Explore the world of aromatherapy
  • Try your hand at coloring

Seek out social connections
Loneliness has reached epidemic proportions in America, but it doesn’t have to be that way in your life. When you find a hobby that helps introduce you to new people, you may get the added benefit of making new friends.

  • Learn how to play mahjong
  • Go to a board game night
  • Volunteer with an organization that’s meaningful to you
  • Join a climbing gym
  • Participate in a gardening group
  • Meet up with a local birdwatching club
  • Search for a language exchange group

Making your hobby a habit
After you’ve chosen the hobby you’d like to pursue, aim to make it a regular part of your routine and commit to one, two or three times a week. At the same time, give yourself grace. If it’s a new skill or lesson, there may be a learning curve. And if you’re not used to scheduling your downtime, you may need to make some mental adjustments. But in time, with practice, your pursuits will pay off. And you may find that the health benefits you’ve read about here are showing up in your life.