World 01_10_18

JANUARY IS NATIONAL HOBBY MONTH
How to find a hobby
Commitments to work and family
can make adults feel like they
have little time for much else. But
finding time to pursue hobbies can
benefit men and women in various ways.
A form of escapism that can provide a much-needed
respite from the hectic pace of daily life, hobbies can help
men and women reduce stress by forcing them to focus on
something other than the source of their stress. In addition,
hobbies can be a great way to meet new people, an important
benefit for working parents who may otherwise find it difficult
to meet new people.
Finding a hobby may take some trial and error, as adults
may find activities that once appealed to them no longer do,
while other pursuits may require more time than men and
women can reasonably devote. Adults looking for a hobby
can consider the following strategies as they begin their
pursuits.
• Think back to childhood. A childhood passion may provide
the perfect starting point as adults look for hobbies. For example,
adults who enjoyed painting as children may find they
still know their way around a canvas and palette.
• Ask around. Adults who want to find a hobby to foster
social connections can ask friends, family, neighbors, or
coworkers to recommend activities. This can help men and
women make connections in their communities and/or reconnect
with friends or family members with whom they have
fallen out of touch.
• Think small. Because there is often some trial and error in much time or money.
finding a rewarding hobby, it makes sense to avoid making
too big a commitment right off the bat. Before buying lots
of expensive equipment or materials or making a large time
commitment, give yourself some time to try a hobby on for
size. The first activity you try might not necessarily take, and
walking away won’t sting as much if you had not committed
Helping kids find hobbies
Much like adults can benefit from
participating in hobbies, children can
reap rewards from engaging in hobbies.
According to the Child Development
Institute, hobbies give children a chance
to express themselves. The CDI also notes that
hobbies can play an important role in children’s
self-discovery and boost their self-esteem.
Some children may discover hobbies on their own, requiring
little if any assistance on the part of their parents. For
example, some kids may display an interest in music that
parents, even those with no such musical inclination, can
foster by purchasing certain instruments. But some children
may need a little more prompting, and parents of such boys
and girls can take certain steps to help their youngsters find
rewarding hobbies.
• Involve kids in your own hobbies. Kids look up to their
parents and often want to emulate what their mothers and
fathers do. If possible, involve children in your own hobbies.
Gardeners can teach their youngsters how to grow and tend
to a garden, while painters can host family painting nights
where everyone is encouraged to create their own masterpiece.
Parents whose hobbies are more adult-oriented, like
woodworking, can still involve their children. For example,
work with children to design a new item, then show them
how the item goes from paper to finished product; just avoid
allowing them to use any unsafe tools or machines.
• Let kids choose an activity. While some children might take
to hobbies their parents favor, others might need to be given
some freedom to find their own activities. Afford youngsters
this chance, recognizing that it might take some time before
kids find an activity that genuinely sparks their passion.
• Be a source of encouragement. Some hobbies may prove
more difficult than kids first imagined, requiring some perseverance
before they can be enjoyed fully. In such instances,
observe youngsters while they engage in the activity. If
they appear to be enjoying themselves but are periodically
frustrated, encourage them to keep trying. If kids appear to
be disinterested in overcoming any struggles, then they might
benefit by pursuing another hobby.
• Don’t hesitate to focus on fun. Hobbies can teach kids
valuable lessons and provide a sense of fulfillment, but it’s
important that parents not overlook the importance of fun
in regard to their children’s hobbies. Hobbies can provide
children with the same respite from busy schedules that they
do adults, and that break should be as fun as possible.
page 16 The WORLD January 10, 2018
• Consider coaching or mentoring. Athletes who still have a
passion for their favorite sports but can no longer meet the
physical demands such sports require can stay involved by
coaching youth sports. The same can be said for professionals
passionate about their work who choose to mentor. These
activities might not be traditional hobbies, but they offer a
great way for adults to pursue their passions on their own
time.
Hobbies can enrich our lives and provide respites from
the daily grind. Finding a hobby that fits might take some
time and some trial and error, but such efforts will ultimately
prove worth it if adults find activities they are passionate
about.
SPEAKING OUT | The WORLD
January is National Hobby Month...
what’s your favorite hobby?
Cynthia - Barre
Reading, of course
Sam - Barre
Painting - working on a big
project right now
Faith - Woodsvile, NH
Reading is my favorite
Cami - Barre
Watercolors is mine
50 Most Popular Hobbies
Reading
Watching TV
Family Time
Going to Movies
Fishing
Computer
Gardening
Renting Movies
Walking
Exercise
Listening to
Music
Entertaining
Hunting
Team Sports
Shopping
Traveling
Sleeping
Dustin - Barre
Disc golf - check it out
Olivia - Barre
Mountain biking -
Millstone Trails is my favorite
www.notsoboringlife.com
Socializing
Sewing
Golf
Church Activities
Relaxing
Playing Music
Housework
Crafts
Watching Sports
Bicycling
Playing Cards
Hiking
Cooking
Eating Out
Dating Online
Swimming
Camping
Skiing
Working on Cars
Writing
Boating
Motorcycling
Animal Care
Bowling
Painting
Running
Dancing
Horseback Riding
Tennis
Theater
Billiards
Beach
Volunteer Work
Donna - Barre
Coloring - making my
own room soon
Alexia - Williamstown
I like to sew -
I make teddy bears