National Hobby Month

January is National Hobby Month.

They say the happiest people have hobbies they love. Mindful living experts agree. Hobbies keep us interested in life, passionate and full of energy. If you keep your hobby at the top of your “to do” list, it can enrich your life, last a lifetime and “be a tender friend as you age,” says Dr. Kathleen Hall, author of Mindful Living Everyday. In addition, people who have a hobby are willing to spend more money on something that they get pleasure and relaxation from doing in their spare time.

How to Celebrate National Hobby Month

If you don’t have a hobby, celebrate National Hobby Month by discovering what you love today. Here’s how:

1. Figure out which of your interests can be a new hobby. Everyone has something they enjoy doing in their leisure time. Choose one that shows potential for enriching your life.

2. Make a list of related activities for your hobby. For instance, if you enjoy cooking, list new recipes, cookbooks, lessons and kitchen gadgets you’d like to try.

3. Search online for ideas.Hobsess is a great place to go, not only to find a hobby, you’ll find hobby experts. Pinterest and Facebook are filled with shared images that’ll spark ideas. Search YouTube for tutorial videos, such as playing a sport like golf.

4. Commit to your new hobby. Become a beginner and move through the experience to an expert. It starts with creativity and self-encouragement and moves toward satisfaction – it’ll never end!

5. Find someone who enjoys the same hobby. This will help you stick with it. Ask family and friends – you may be interested in the same kinds of hobbies as your brother or best friend – y’all can pursue hobbies together.

6. Take a class. Many public places, including libraries, community centers, craft stores, restaurants and other businesses, and organizations such as clubs, societies, sports groups and more offer classes, which are the best interaction with other people with the same interests as you.

7. Evaluate if you are satisfied with your new hobby. Have you been recognized for your expertise? Won any races or awards – or simply come close? Does it matter? Are you happy and you know it? Now’s the time to decide whether your new hobby will become your favorite activity.

8. Try to make money from your hobby. Committed hobbyists are known to bring in income by creating original works and selling them to others. Join online communities such as Etsy or eBay, where you’ll also find like-minded hobbyists.

Honor Your Favorite Hobbyist with PlaqueMaker

If you’re looking for custom engraved awards, plaques, gifts or certificate kits for the hobbyists in your life, look no further than PlaqueMaker. We make it easy for you to support and recognize great original arts and crafts when you see it.