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A Fulfilling Distraction: Advice for Budget-Minded People Who Need a Hobby

Are you the kind of person who needs to find a way to relax but has a hard time just sitting still and taking it easy? Some people need to find a distraction that keeps them moving or feeling as though they’re accomplishing something positive — that’s what makes hobbies so ideal. Once you’ve found one you enjoy, you’ll find it relaxing and stimulating at the same time, and it should allow you to work off frustrations and generate positive feelings. It’s an important form of self-care because it contributes to your sense of well-being.

Best of all, a hobby doesn’t have to be an expensive proposition to be enjoyable, and there are many you can enjoy along with friends if you choose. Here’s how to get started.

Music

Learning to play an instrument is one of the most satisfying and rewarding hobbies, and it’s a skill that benefits people in many ways, such as improving memory, cognitive functioning and motor skills. Music is a unique form of communication and entertainment, and learning how to play it can instill a powerful sense of self-esteem and achievement. There’s no need to pay for expensive lessons when there are free lessons that can be found on the internet. If you have a piano or guitar at home, then you’re all set to learn music. If you need to purchase an instrument, opt to start with a more affordable one, consider renting one through a music store, or watch for discounts, rebates and promotional offers on equipment.

Sports

You don’t have to be a world-class athlete to take up sports as a hobby. All you really need to enjoy golf, tennis, or bowling is desire and a little equipment, which can be found at affordable prices by watching for coupons or online promo coupons at a retail store like Dick’s Sporting Goods, plus you can dig a little deeper to find cash back on purchases. What sport you decide to take up as a hobby may depend on whether you prefer to play as part of a team or compete as an individual. Either way, playing a sport is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying an activity that takes your mind off your problems.

Drawing

If you’ve always had a creative impulse, try turning it into a fulfilling hobby. Or, you can enjoy learning the basics by dialing up an online tutorial, such as Drawspace, and learn in the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. It’s an enjoyable hobby, and it’s one that allows you to share with others the results of your efforts. Make it a group activity by inviting friends to join with you. To get started, search weekly sales and discounts through hobby stores like Michaels.

Arts and Crafts

Crafting is a hobby and creative outlet for millions of men, women and children who enjoy creating things with their hands. Crafting gives you the means of making unique presents for others and, depending on your skill level, taking part in crafting fairs and competitions and even launching your own business venture. It’s also an excellent way to stay involved with other people whose company you enjoy and who share your enthusiasm. Save money when searching for supplies and look for online discounts at stores like Hobby Lobby.

A hobby can be a life-changing activity that opens up new avenues of learning and achievement and creates new friendships. It can be the means of developing an existing skill or learning one that’s always interested you. Most importantly, it’s a form of self-care that can recharge your emotional and psychological batteries.

Written By: Julie Morris

Life and Career Coach

julie_morris@juliemorris.org | juliemorris.org

Image courtesy of Pixabay.com