Tell me about your hobbies - I need ideas

[CuttingMeOpenthenHealingMeFine]

I find myself with more spare time as my DC get older and would love a hobby but struggle to think of anything.

My DH and DC both have loads of hobbies and DH thinks I am being too fussy, which I probably am. I already do quite a lot of exercise but I see it as a necessity, I don’t enjoy it and would happily never do it again if I thought it wouldn’t have any health consequences. I get bored with it easily so have tried almost all types - Pilates, yoga, weights, classes etc. I can’t see something I hate as a hobby.

I am not artistic in the least so crafts etc. are a no go, I don’t have any patience at all for stuff like that. I bake with my DC and again don’t enjoy it and would never do it if not for them enjoying it.

So please give me inspiration, what are your hobbies and how did you find them?

Book clubs
Choir
Heritage walks

I wanted for a long time to join a book club. I couldn't see any free for all local thing so set it up myself. I was a bit nervous but so far it's only 5 of us from the same cul de sac. We meet in the local pub unless someone has a childcare issue and we go to their house. Its only once a month but a lovely thing to look forward to. I find myself reading reviews in advance and taking notes.

Community choir, associated with my DD’s school. But, actually, there are probably about fifteen different choirs to choose from in the local area.

How about collecting something? Do you have any interests that way? I collect vintage costume jewellery from the 1950's/60's. It is easy to find on ebay and at car boots and things, and you can get lovely stuff very cheaply.

If you like being outdoors, how about bird watching or joining your local Wildlife Trust. They have organised events, and often need volunteers for working parties on nature reserves etc.

My biggest hobby is watching tv!

So, I also cross stitch and crochet in front of the tv too. I use cross stitch kits so a pattern to follow, you don't need to be creative, I'm not. I also crochet following tutorials (attic24) so again, don't need your own creative mind.

I also go to a virtual book club once a month (started on MN!), go to WI once a month (go alone, you'll make friends, it's fun!), and also rock choir (which is basically group karaoke, no auction needed, so fun) once a week.

(I envy your ability to do exercise even though you don't like it. I don't like it so don't do it even though I absolutely should. So well done you!)

Book group - I set it up, 20 years ago!

I do crafts - some hand sewing such as felt Christmas decs, bit of machine sewing, very simple stuff like taggy blankets for Baby Basics. I've also taught myself to knit and crochet - blankets again for BB, hats and scarves and socks for family. I know you said you are not crafty, but maybe so thing like adult colouring would be an option?

DH and I do jigsaws together, and we regularly meet with friends to drink wine and play board games.

I'm also a member of our local WI, and on the committee. I've made some friends and enjoyed some interesting talks. There is a walking group, a book club, a knit and natter, a lunch club and a supper club as offshoots.

Not a hobby exactly, but im also an active member of our church - lead a house group, run Sunday school etc.

I would tie your exercise into some kind of team sport as yours are quite individual. I love exercise when others are involved as there is a lovely social side. So tennis/ badminton/ golf. All of these have meant me making new friends as well as being outdoors, exercising and having fun. All can be played right through life.

Have you researched your family history? That's my hobby and I love it.

Gundog training although obviously that requires a dog 🐕. Best hobby I've ever done and never gets boring.

Those of you who have set up book groups - can I DM you please? :)

I'd try and find an exercise that you do enjoy, if you don't want anything too high impact, what about walking netball or walking football?

I read, I do enjoy exercise and often set myself a yearly challenge to aim for. I love to cook too, not on a week night though 😅but I try and think of and make one exciting new meal a week.

I like fishing, hiking and bookclub, I’ve been trying to work up the courage to go join my local WI!

I sew, mostly clothes, sometimes small quilts.
I like to read but I prefer to read a big chunk of a book in one go and I don’t have the uninterrupted blocks of time for that so much nowadays.
I like to bake but now I don’t live in a house share I don’t have anyone to eat all the cake 😂
Id like to learn watercolour. I follow an art tutor on Instagram called Andrea Nelson, she focuses on the process and the mental health benefits of art and creativity rather than the end results which I like. Maybe in 2024 I’ll give it a go?

I collect fashion dolls. I would like to start collecting and building Lego sets, think it might be good for my brain but I don’t the space.

Put your name down for an allotment if you like gardening…maybe try out a half plot if you can get one to see how you like it, they are a commitment if you want to keep on top of the weeds, but enjoyable.

Apart from crafts and gym classes, I volunteer at an animal rescue and book club.

I don't really have any hobbies, but love to sing so considering joining a choir soon. Also enjoy crafting, so might try something new!

DS2 (15) loves genealogy

I learnt to crochet, I'm not creative either I. Just follow the pattern, once you learn a chain and a treble stitch you can make loads of blankets and similar from the Attic 24 blog and there are some great tutorials.

Otherwise what about joining a women's rugby club, they take on women of all abilities and experience levels.

I love books and like people so I volunteer at a charity bookshop. I'd say that's my hobby - the people there are really lovely and I chat to customers, value books, put books on the shelves. I know that sounds boring to some, but I love it. What I've also started doing which I also love, is window displays and social media for the same shop.

Gaming and colouring are my hobbies, though I would consider the gym my main hobby. I have just started writing creatively too. All of my hobbies are solo hobbies I’ve just realised..

Some great ideas thanks. I like the sound of volunteering so will have a look at what is available around here. Also gardening, I’ve dabbled a bit in the past but could maybe build on it, and gaming has promise too, although I can imagine my DS’s reaction if I try to take over his PlayStation!

Cycling, walking/hiking, outdoor swimming - all much more sociable than gym classes!

Become a movie buff!

I have an allotment - that is a very time consuming hobby! And I didn't have to wait for ages or anything - I put my name down and got one pretty much straight away. And it's not very expensive.

Previously I have been admin for a Facebook group for something I was interested in - that was quite interesting and absorbing - but I owe that to my stepson who set up the group and invited me - I would not have known how to do that by myself.

I read loads and watch a lot of films.

Are you looking for something social where you meet people? Or something to do on your own? And at home, or out of the house?

Horse riding. I rode as a teenager and had my own horse. Gave up for 25 years and went back to it two years ago. The only form of exercise I truly love. I don't own a horse anymore but have a weekly lesson which is a good workout.

Skating - roller derby

Second knitting & crochet. I knit & am not creative & quite clumsy but picked up knitting fairly quickly. See if there's a knit & natter group nearby.
If you are looking for a sport try archery. It's not 'sporty' and easy to pick up the basics & you don't have to be competitive.

I realise that this is not for everyone, but I have learnt to read a language with an online group. I enjoyed it so much, that I then joined another similar group.

I do Future Learn course, which are free if you don't take the certificate.

I signed up to a volunteer organisation and have just started a volunteer task that involves researching a particular subject.

Thank you for this thread, I am enjoying reading about other people's hobbies.