Hobbies are leisure activities undertaken by people in their spare time. They can be either consuming or producing hobbies, and they tend to change over time as people pursue new interests. Historically, hobbies have been related to history, nature, handicrafts and arts. In modern times, many hobbyists use computers or video cameras to create their own films and music. Some hobbyists are also amateur scientists and have achieved significant discoveries and developments.
Hobbies provide a form of self-fulfillment and can increase a person’s self-esteem and sense of achievement. They can also help relieve stress and improve mental health. Children are often encouraged to have a hobby as it can give them a focus outside of school and help them become good at something that they enjoy.
A hobby can be a relaxing activity such as reading, gardening or knitting. It can also be social, such as playing bingo with friends or going to a movie. It can even be a form of exercise such as rollerskating or taking a dance class.
Creative hobbies such as painting and drawing are popular, but there are many more to choose from. There are also many consuming hobbies, such as collecting themed items and objects or playing video games. People can also find hobbies to be of a communal nature, such as playing sports or volunteering. The IRS requires people who make money from their hobby to keep accurate and complete records. They must also follow tax rules for their specific hobby to be deductible.