Hobbies help keep us grounded — and, well, sane. “The practice of focusing on something specific really relaxes you,” says Tina Barseghian, author of Get a Hobby!: 101 All–Consuming Diversions for Any Lifestyle (2007), which gives tips, resources and project suggestions for all kinds of hobbies, from cultivating African violets to whittling. “You breathe deeper and get to leave all your everyday worries behind and do something rewarding,” she says. If you haven’t already found your passion, try these tips for discovering a hobby you’ll love.

Tap In

There are two approaches you can take, Barseghian says. One is to think about what you’re naturally inclined toward and notice what grabs your attention. Do you catch yourself daydreaming about making wine? Are you compelled to rip out magazine pages showing decoupage projects? The other approach is the investigative one: Be open and try something completely new. Ask other people about their hobbies, tag along with a friend to a class, or sign up for something random on your own.

Let Yourself Be a Beginner

“Go into it with an open heart and an open mind,” says New York City–based creativity coach Sharon Good. “Don’t feel as if you have to get it right the first time.” For example, if the idea of swirling colors on a canvas inspires you, go with it. Don’t worry if you’re not “good” at it. After all, we spend our days trying to be good parents and good workers. Your hobby should be the thing you do to just relax, says Abby Pecoriello, author of Crafty Mama: Makes 49 Fast, Fabulous, Foolproof (Baby & Toddler) Projects (2008) and founder of the Crafty Mamas classes.

Find Like–minded Creatives

A hobby can certainly be a solitary thing, but don’t discount the wonderful energy you can get from a group. When you have a hobby group — or even just a hobby buddy — you’re more accountable to yourself and more likely to carve out the time you need.

Get Started!

No idea where to begin? Here’s a quick list of personality traits and some corresponding hobbies.

Detail–Oriented

With a love of glamour: beading, making jewelry
With a sweet tooth: cake decorating, making couture cupcakes

With a desire to use fun tools: woodworking, making stained glass

With a passion for history: genealogy

Doesn’t Mind Getting Dirty

Outside: vegetable/flower gardening, container and trough gardening
In the studio: pottery, papermaking, constructing mosaics, silk–screening

In the kitchen: making cheese, bread or soap

In the garage: restoring and painting furniture

Hands–On

With a fondness for precision: knitting, embroidery, tatting
With a desire to document: scrapbooking, photography

With a love of color and textiles: sewing, quilting, making collages

With techno smarts: blogging, moviemaking, graphic art

Always in Motion

On a stage: dancing, singing, acting
At the flea market: collecting, antiquing

At the museum: working as a docent

At the pet show: dog/cat training

Judi Ketteler is the author of Sew Retro: A Stylish History of the Sewing Revolution + 25 Vintage-Inspired Projects for the Modern Girl (Voyageur).

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