Having a hobby can be good for you. Bill Malone (MSW) explains that hobbies can help battle stress and depression, have been shown to prevent or reduce memory loss, and can even help with arthritis. If you don’t already have a hobby you enjoy, here are some tips in finding one:

1. Choose Social or Solitary. Do you spend your days dealing with people, in a crowded work environment, or do you just find that you want some time by yourself? Choose a hobby that is solitary–woodworking, photography, fixing cars, or gardening. On the other hand, if you are stuck in a cubicle on a computer all day, or long for adult conversation after taking care of children, you will probably want a hobby that gives you a chance to be with other people–playing games or cards, a dinner group or a book club. Even if you have a solitary hobby, it’s easy to find a way to make it social. Perhaps you enjoy painting–you can take a class. Or you can volunteer to teach others.

2. Choose an interest. It makes sense to choose a hobby that you are naturally interested in or have a passion for. You may also consider trying something that others are interested in. I found that when I quit my job to stay home with our son, my hobbies didn’t match my new social circle. Not many of my friends who are stay-at-home moms enjoy managing web sites or building databases. I’ve tried my hand at new hobbies to create common ground–some are not for me (scrapbooking). But others I’ve really come to enjoy (gardening).

3. Don’t just spend money, make money. Almost all hobbies will cost money. Memberships, materials, equipment, classes, lessons–it can be expensive. The best way to defray hobby expenses is to find a way to turn your hobby into a money-maker. Sell your fresh fruits and veggies at a farmer’s market, teach your skill (art, music, etc.), post photos on www.istockphoto.com, or become expert enough to be a judge and get paid to give your opinion! With a little creativity, most hobbies can bring in a little money.
Right now, I have a bunch of hobbies that I switch between. I run a book club, enjoy square-foot gardening, am part of a dinner group, sew, and sell MaryKay. My book club and dinner group cost me money, but I’m saving on fresh produce by having a garden, I sell tote bags that I sew, and I make a little money as I deliver little pink packages.

What is your hobby, and have you found a way to make money with it?

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