The start of another year signals new beginnings. A time to start fresh and reset your life with a new set of resolutions. For some, those resolutions include trying a new hobby. Most experts agree that you should have several hobbies, as they are great for increasing happiness, reducing stress, and improving socialization. Here are a few hobbies to start in 2023.
1 – Gardening
It has long been known that connecting with nature is a fantastic way to reduce stress and increase happiness. But now more than ever people are turning to gardening as a hobby. Gardening became popular during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic as it provided an activity that could be done at home for very little extra money. Start your gardening journey with a small garden where you can plant and maintain easy to grow fruits, vegetables, or flowers. If you have plenty of space outdoors and are sure of your gardening ability, add a landscaped area or two where you can plant colorful sun-loving flowers. Not only will working in the garden be a fun hobby for you, it will add to your home’s value (a plus for anyone struggling to sell their home while mortgage rates are high.)
2 – Try Journaling
Keeping a journal might seem like an activity only angsty teens would enjoy, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Journaling can be a very satisfying and healthy hobby for adults of all ages. Journaling has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve creativity. You can make journaling as creative as you would like, especially since there are multitude of writing instruments and embellishments to choose from.
3 – Painting
No, we don’t mean painting the walls of your home, although if you are planning on selling your home in the near future, a fresh coat of paint could help with your home appraisal. We’re referring to the type of painting that involves a canvas and easel. Painting classes can be in person or virtual. In some areas you can find paint nights that include a tasty snack and adult beverage to go with your masterpiece.
4 – Hiking
Not only is hiking a beneficial physical activity, it is also a positive addition for those searching for a bit of stress management. Completely disconnecting from daily life and taking a long hike can reduce stress and increase happiness. Many areas across the country have well maintained, clearly marked hiking paths that range in difficulty and length so you can choose the right path for your level of activity.
5 – Join a club
One of the best but most often overlooked aspects of living in a community is the availability of clubs. Whether it is a cheese club, book club, or hunting club there is probably a group of individuals who would be happy to add another member. Check the community board of your local library or grocery store for possible clubs in your area.
6 – Flipping furniture
If you have any type of carpentry skills or would like to learn some, flipping furniture is a creative, fun, and monetarily worthwhile hobby to begin. Individuals who flip furniture general find old, used, or unwanted furniture at estate sales, second hand stores, or even the side of the road. They then repurpose the furniture and resell it.
Choosing a hobby isn’t always easy and it may take a few tries to find the hobby that best fits your lifestyle. Give a few different hobbies a try and you are sure to find one that increases your happiness and makes 2023 a fantastic year.
Photo Credits
Spring Gardening by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Hiking by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay
Guest Author Bio
Andrea Keeney
Andrea Keeney is a freelance writer with HomeLight. She holds a degree in Secondary Education and Language, LIterature, and Writing from Eastern Michigan University. When Andrea is not writing she is balancing her time as a mother, fitness enthusiast, and avid gardener.
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