Hobbies, by definition, are activities you do for fun. You do them because you enjoy them, not because you expect to gain anything.
But you might be surprised by how practical some pastimes can be. The time you’ve spent in the kitchen, in the garden, or buried in language books can translate to useful skills. Let’s look at five hobbies that are surprisingly versatile and can benefit you in many ways.
Cooking
Cooking is a creative outlet that also lets you prepare your favorite foods. It’s a convenient skill because it lets you create nutritious meals at home, which often costs less than dining out. A familiarity with cooking also makes you a pretty popular person to have at a potluck!
Knitting
Knitting is a relaxing hobby that’s more than just a way to make scarves. You can craft custom gifts for friends and family, like handmade hats or unique sweaters. This hobby also lets you create items for your own closet. Need a new top? What about a new pair of socks? With your skills, you can whip up whatever you can dream up.
Gardening
If you know how to garden, you can grow your own vegetables and herbs, which gives you access to fresh produce right from your backyard. You can use these homegrown ingredients for cooking, canning, or preserving, or gift them to family, friends, or neighbors to use in their own recipes.
Welding
Welding is a hobby with many real-world applications. For example, you can use it to repair various items in and around your home, like a broken metal gate, a chair leg, or even pieces of garden equipment.
And while you don’t have to turn your hobby into a job if that’s not your jam, if you are interested, welding is a hard-to-find, valued skill in many industries. For example, welding has a huge role in the automotive industry, where technicians use it to join and repair metal parts. Don’t hesitate to put your welding skills on your resume if you’re looking for work in a related field.
Learning a Language
Speaking a second language opens up a new world of communication. It can make traveling to foreign countries easier and more immersive because you can connect with locals. It also gives you access to a wider range of movies, books, and music.
A Hobby is Always Worthwhile
Some hobbies are more useful than you’d expect! Cooking allows you to prepare delicious meals at home. Knitting gives you the ability to create personalized gifts. Gardening can provide fresh produce for your table. All these hobbies enrich your life beyond just being fun; they teach you practical skills and can even help you save money.