It’s the holiday season, and that means you’re probably already thinking about your New Year’s resolution. You know — that promise you make to yourself annually that you’re going to turn over a new leaf. Stop a bad habit. Start a healthy routine. Reorganize your priorities.
Wait a second, though. What if, this time, you decided to start doing something fun? Instead of cutting things out or committing to something you dread, pick up a different pastime. Not only will you enjoy doing a new activity, but you could also see benefits along the way. Consider these 10 enjoyable hobbies for 2023.
1. Find Some Peace on a Paddle Board
You’ve probably seen them gliding effortlessly across the water. Balanced on their stand-up paddle boards, ankles tethered, pole in their hands, paddle boarders look relaxed. That could be you, too. The hardest part is learning how to balance yourself. After that, you can enjoy skimming across the water with the ease of a water strider.
Although you’re standing still, paddleboarding is great exercise. Your core stays engaged. Using the pole is like cross-training, and you’ll get extended practice with your balance. For smoother waters, go to a lake. For a bigger challenge, give a river a shot. If you’re feeling courageous, consider the ocean.
2. Get Growing
Flowers, herbs, vegetables — what you plant is up to you. Whichever you choose, gardening is a relaxing hobby that lets you watch the results unfold over time. Digging in the dirt and getting grubby is more than fun. You’ll release stress, get fresh air, and soak up some Vitamin D.
Not that you necessarily want to get too close to the elements. To prevent blisters, scrapes, and insect encounters, wear gloves, closed-toe shoes, and long pants while working. Drink lots of water and wear sunscreen. If you’re using chemicals, read all directions to ensure you’re using them correctly.
Also read: How to Have a Good Day?
3. Bend the Bow
Maybe you’d like to channel your inner Robin Hood or Merida. Pick up a bow and arrow and give archery a shot. It might be a slow-paced hobby, but archery strengthens your upper body. Practicing your aim is also a great way to improve your patience.
Stringing the bow and lining up the arrow with a target can give you better hand-eye coordination. Challenge yourself as you improve. Set up smaller targets or move them further away — then shoot for a bull’s eye.
4. Can It
This isn’t just your grandmother’s kitchen life hack anymore. The shortages of the last two years have shown us things can become scarce quickly and unexpectedly. You can sidestep running out of healthy food by canning and preserving some of your favorite eats.
Canning is a great way to store those fruits and veggies you might grow in the garden you’re tending. Getting started is inexpensive, and it will save you money in the long run. There are lots of online tutorials to help you.
5. Freshen Up Furniture
Want a creative hobby? Try your hand at restoring furniture. Sound expensive? Not really. Search antique and thrift stores for pieces you can clean and refinish — or embellish. Then you can choose whether you keep or sell your newly polished jewel.
Sanding, staining, polishing, and reupholstering can turn any piece into something new right before your eyes. Start with standard pieces, such as chairs, tables, and dressers. Once you get the hang of it, see what magic you can work on unique pieces like coat racks or quirky coffee tables.
Also read: Surprising Hobbies That Can Make You Money
6. Stretch for Stress Relief
Maybe you prefer pastimes that don’t feel like another thing on your to-do list. Tai chi could be your best bet. This gentle exercise form is low impact and meditative. Practice its slow, focused movements, breathe deeply, and feel your stress slip away.
Tai chi started as a martial arts and self-defense form, but it’s a peaceful, non-competitive exercise. Slow-flow motion can improve your balance and flexibility, possibly making other activities easier.
7. Dazzle on the Dance Floor
Dancing is a hobby that checks lots of boxes. It’s fun. It’s fantastic exercise. It’s a super social activity. You can dance with friends or meet new people who share your salsa, swing, or line dancing passion.
The dance style you choose doesn’t matter. Don’t worry about your coordination or how well you know the steps. Engage in a little practice, and you’ll get better. Take a class or find online instruction videos if you prefer to learn solo.
8. Become a Magic Master
Admit it. At least once in your life, you’ve been stumped — and impressed — by a magic trick. Wouldn’t it be fun to be the one to amaze and astonish from time to time?
Whether it’s a few good card tricks or a classic sleight of hand, find bits of magic you’ve never encountered. Master those and add more into your repertoire. Soon you’ll feel like David Copperfield, ready to astound your friends.
9. Polish Your Picture Taking
Smartphone cameras have improved, and they make grabbing candid photos easier than ever. If you want to make the most of your pics, though, consider investing in a professional camera. Sure, there are plenty of uber-expensive models, but inexpensive ones take great shots, too.
Once you have your camera, experiment with backdrops, lighting, and exposures. In-person classes, online courses, and even YouTube videos can get you comfortable with both basic and advanced techniques. You won’t even need filters to wow your Instagram followers.
Also read: Trending Hobbies To Start Following Right Now
10. Mix It Up
No, we’re not talking about starting a fight. This time, we mean highballs. Taking up mixology could have you pouring drinks like Tom Cruise in Cocktail. Start with the basics and shake and stir your way to more exotic libations.
A beginner bartender set can put you on the right path to creating magnificent martinis. Invest in good — but affordable — ingredients and read up on strategies that can help you highlight flavors. Your happy hour invites will be the most coveted in town.
The last two years have curbed a lot of activities. You’ve probably focused on a few pastimes and let others slide. Now is an excellent opportunity to break the mold and try something new. These fun hobbies could help you shake things up and teach you new skills in the process.
