“He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.” – Exodus 35:35 [NIV]
God has a unique design for each of our lives, and that includes how he created us to engage with the world. Hobbies can help us lean into those gifts and areas – both to serve others and take care of the mind, body, and spirit God’s given us.
According to an article by University Hospitals, when we engage in creative activities (like hobbies), we improve our overall health. Creative hobbies release stress, increase mental wellbeing, strengthen problem-solving skills and memory function, boost physical health, and more. That’s why having hobbies is important – it makes a positive impact on our lives!
How to find a hobby
God gave us our minds and our imagination to spark new innovations, ideas, and service opportunities. When we engage with our gifts and passions through finding hobbies, we ultimately reflect parts of His character to our biblical community. When picking or trying a new hobby, it’s important to decide what matters most, and what we hope to achieve.
What is a hobby?
A hobby is a pastime or activity that we pursue for enjoyment, relaxation, or out of the interests God’s placed in our hearts. It can be creative, artistic, physical, intellectual, social, or based in the natural world. Oftentimes, hobbies are part of obtaining a solid work-life balance, creating quality family time, or cultivating restorative soul care.
Evaluate where God is calling you
What lights you up with creativity and imagination? When you dive into those activities or passions that make your soul come alive, those are the hobbies you’d want to focus on. It’s always important to evaluate our desires against God’s will and purpose. As we do, remember that God is the ultimate source of all goodness, joy, and creativity.
Discover what you want to achieve
Are you hoping to spend time in solitude, gathering with community, or somewhere in-between? Do you prefer an activity that engages your body, your mind, or your soul? What is your ultimate goal? Jot down your answers to these questions, and you’ll uncover a corresponding hobby!
List of hobbies
If you’re feeling stuck, examples of hobbies can help us identify new ideas or areas we haven’t tried before. Take a peek at this quick-reference hobby list as a jumping-off point to get started:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Playing a musical instrument
- Paper crafting
- Solving puzzles
- Reading
- Scrapbooking
- Woodworking
- Running
- Collecting
- Hiking
- Sculpting/pottery
- Cooking
- Photography
- Building models or other projects
- Gardening
- Glassblowing
- Web design
- Camping
- Crocheting
- Paddleboarding
- Volunteering
- Baking
- Kite-flying
- Letter writing/pen palling
- Embroidery
- Calligraphy
- Thrifting
- Fishing
- Leatherworking
- Upcycling
- Graphic design
- Flower arranging or pressing
- Stargazing
- Bird watching
