How to find the hobby of your dreams

It is past time to get a pastime.

Here at Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber, we know life can get a bit hectic at times.

Studying for class can be arduous and many of us have commitments outside of school, which can often take up whatever free time we have left.

That said, putting aside as little as an hour per week can pay dividends to your overall well-being. Make time for yourself to relax and enjoy all the amenities that Humber and UofGH have to offer outside of academia. Finding a hobby is a great way to make friends and develop a skill.

Try a hobby and see the benefits to your mental health over time.

Finding the right hobby for you

A woman with long black hair, sitting on a couch with text below her saying "You have to get a hobby." — *Via GIPHY*

Hobbies are a great way to set and accomplish goals. They can also serve as relief from stress, which is accumulated over time.

Having a release valve for all that pent-up pressure and anxiety is crucial and can potentially be an addition to your overall health.

If you already have a hobby, great! If not, trying new things is the first step in finding out which one is right for you. You don’t need to commit hours upon hours to this; here are a few ideas to get you started.

What do you like to do for fun?

A man and a woman talking in a store. The man says, with text below him, that "everyone's got a hobby, right?" — *Via GIPHY*

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Are you someone who is outdoorsy? The Lakeshore campus is located on the shore of Lake Ontario and has some amazing nature trails and green spaces. If you’re going for a walk, try grabbing a few friends and making it a group activity.

Want to throw around a Frisbee outdoors in the sun? Why not take advantage of all that Humber (and Mother Nature) has to offer? These are great hobbies, and they don’t cost a dime—just a bit of your time.

If you like walking, running or even hiking outdoors, the scenic nature trails around Humber’s Lakeshore campus are stunning this time of year. The Humber Arboretum is also a must-visit if you’re cooped up indoors all day. The fresh air can also be a nice break and an excuse to get outside.

If you enjoy watching or playing sports, be it basketball, volleyball, soccer or even pickleball, you can drop by the Humber gymnasium and give it a shot. Simply check the schedule online for the Lakeshore location and the North location, and find whatever sport piques your interest.

Whether you want to try something new or perhaps you’re already a pro, this is a great opportunity to develop a new hobby and a chance to spend time with friends and meet new ones.

Feel the pump

A man showing his face and shoulders in a tight space with text saying "I train everyday." — *Via GIPHY*

Working out as a hobby is one of the best things you can do for both your physical and mental health. Whether your goal is to make gains, add muscle or you simply wish to improve your overall health, we would recommend the Humber Lakeshore Fitness Centre.

There are a plethora of workout programs, personal training and fitness options, from beginners to those who already work out. The North Campus Fitness Centre offers similar services, which students at the North campus and the UofGH have access to.

In your quest to find a hobby, this might be a good fit for you.

Explore IGNITE’s clubs

Spongebob Squarepants, a cartoon, somewhere in bikini bottom, with text talking about the benefits of joining a club. — *Via GIPHY*

Perhaps all of the above don’t capture your interest, in which case joining an IGNITE Club could be the answer that you’re looking for. This is your one-stop shop to find a community that aligns with your interests—and there are plenty of options to choose from.

You can find clubs with fellow students who share your passions, such as music, books, chess, dance, board games and many more. Explore groups organized by religious denominations (all are welcome), and more niche groups as well.

Find your people

A man with long hair at the top of his head, and a black beard with a window in the background showing a building, with text below him saying "People will connect with you over a period of time." — *Via GIPHY*

Haven’t found what you’re looking for? You can always start a club! Find like-minded students who share the same interests you do and build a community.

Maybe you commit an hour or two a week to a book club you found, and it pushes you to read more books in a genre you enjoy. Perhaps you work out twice a week and find the endorphin and dopamine rush is more exhilarating than you thought it would be.

A hobby doesn’t have to be overly complicated or time-consuming. It’s simply a way for you to relax and do something you find enjoyable!

Feature image courtesy of Ross Sneddon via Unsplash.

Are you looking to find an outlet for your creativity? Check out different ways of expressing your hidden talents and exploring your creative side!