“Whether retirement is on the horizon or has already begun, more free time means more opportunities to fill your days with enjoyable activities,” says John Kavulich, president of Niagara Hobby & Craft Mart located in Cheektowaga.
Individuals facing busy schedules are often forced to push hobbies to the sidelines, as more pressing things, such as a job, household responsibilities, and parenting tasks, are accomplished. Once retirement arrives, newfound freedom and more relaxed schedules translate into more hours to devote to enjoyable hobbies and pastimes. Kavulich says, “While we have many ongoing activities to engage young people, the number adults who visit our store to pursue their hobbies continues to grow.”
According to research, hobbies can have many health benefits. They serve as an emotional outlet and a way to relax. Hobbies keep the mind and hands active. They also allow for quiet time and mind wandering — which fosters creative thinking. Hobbies can also serve as a means to connect with people and open up new groups of friends.
There are many hobbies you can consider, depending on physical health and abilities. These may be hobbies you once enjoyed in the past or new activities to expand your horizons. And hobbies need not be crafty in the traditional sense. Just about any activity, even being a mentor, can be a hobby.
Starting a hobby
When deciding on a hobby, take inventory of your skills and interests. If you’ve always been handy around wood and construction, perhaps a woodworking hobby will be enjoyable and even be a source of income revenue. Other activities include painting, knitting, needlepoint, puzzles, quilting, scrapbooking, and crocheting. These can keep the mind active and improve dexterity and fine motor skills.
It’s a good idea to consider costs associated with a hobby. While taking photos may have relatively low costs, collectibles, exotic sports, sports cars, and travel could become expensive. So weigh costs against your finances to ensure you will be financially comfortable while engaging in this particular hobby. If you want to get into a new hobby, see what neighbors and friends are doing to keep busy — and try it out. You just may find that you’re naturally inclined to do this type of activity and enjoy it.
Visit a local hobby shop or craft store and browse through the aisles. See where your attention is drawn and give that activity a try. From slot cars, building model trains, and planes, to dollhouses, puzzles, and cultivating an herb garden, there are dozens of ideas to try.
Other pastimes
Hobbies can take many forms, including volunteer work, teaching, mentoring, joining a martial arts class, taking college classes, or caring for a pet. If you like to interact with other people instead of engaging in a solitary hobby, consider one of these types of activities instead. “Once a hobby is started, it is not set in stone,” says Kavulich. If you find you do not feel motivated by a particular hobby, try something else. Remember, the days are now yours to fill, so maximize time spent with activities you can enjoy. TF123893
WNY Resource:
Niagara Hobby and Craft Mart
3366 Union Road
Cheektowaga, NY 14225-5110
716-68-1666
http://www.niagarahobby.com
