Choosing a new hobby or skill is not an easy decision. New things require both time and effort, which is something we may not be able to fully offer. Recognizing this uphill battle, we want to help you by brainstorming quick ideas for recreational, creative, and professional hobbies / skills that you can try in 2023. No matter where work and life take us this year, let’s carve out some us time. If we cannot control the main plot, let’s pick some intersting side quests that make 2023 a year worth remembering.
Quick Thoughts on Narrowing Your List:
The primary purpose of this blog is helping to find activities that place high value on your limited free time. There are bunch of quick ideas below, but this list is not exhaustive. When narrowing the list, I think it is important question to first determine your goal. Do you want some time to observe and decompress? Maybe this means dedicating some time to drawing in the park. Tired of the treadmill and looking for a more exciting way to keep your body moving? Group gym classes might be just what you need to keep you on your toes. Want to give your brain a challenge and have real measurable goals? Learning a new instrument or language are activities with extremely high skill-caps that could continue to challenge you for years to come.
Opportunity Cost
Opportunity cost will be another determining factor for how you should allocate your time in 2023. Time on activity #1 is not invested in the others. Similarly, the learning curve on each activity will be different. Keep in this in mind when you think about your time investments.
Upfront Cost
Majority of the below hobby ideas / skill ideas will require some type of equipment. For ideas like Running or Writing, you likely already have the beginner level materials needed to try out the activity and explore fit. The best way to start some other ideas like Pottery or Dancing may be group classes, so you do not need to purchase equipment and can get some instruction. While a sketch pad and pencil are a reasonable entry cost and easy to store, it is not as easy to put away an electronic keyboard. Maybe staring at my keyboard every day is the guilty motivation that I need in 2023!
Creative At-Home Hobby Ideas
- Learn an instrument
- Painting
- Drawing
- Writing
- Candle-making
- Mixology
- Crafting
Creative Away-From-Home Hobby Ideas
- Pottery
- Dance
- Drawing
- Photography
- Film-making
Recreational At-Home Hobby Ideas
- Cooking
- Video games
- Reading
- Chess
- Poker
- Home Improvement
Recreational Away-From-Home Hobby Ideas
- Hiking
- Skiiing
- Fishing
- Archery
- Paintball
- Sailing
- Rock-climbing
Practical Skill Ideas
- Learn a new language
- Pilot lessons
- Volunteering
Individual Fitness Ideas
- Running
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Boxing
Group Fitness Ideas
- Work-out classes
- Intramural leagues