5 new hobbies worth taking up in 2018

With the New Year just around the corner, it’s hard not to think about positive changes you’d like to introduce in 2018. As well as resolutions like adopting a healthier diet or spending more time with the grandkids, why not throw a personal hobby into the mix? Not only do hobbies keep you engaged and inspired, but they’re also a fantastic way to combat the social isolation that can sometimes start to creep in.

To get you inspired we’ve put together five rewarding and realistic hobbies that are worth taking up in 2018.

Learning a language

As well as being incredibly rewarding, learning a language can be a fantastic cognitive asset. Some studies even suggest that it can boost the memory and lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Depending on your ambitions you can choose a Latin-based romance language like Spanish or French, or opt for something challenging such as Chinese or Japanese. One of the best ways to stay inspired is to put your skills into practice. So why not check out a few Lonely Planet guide books from your local library and start thinking about countries you’d like to visit?

Outdoor adventures

As well as the simple joys of feeling the sun on your face and the wind in your hair, taking up a new outdoor hobby in 2018 is a fantastic way to ensure you stay active and get your weekly dose of physical activity. And no, age is definitely not a barrier. Whether you’re in your early fifties or your late seventies, there’s no reason why you can’t take up the hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Keep things simple with activities like joining a harriers club, tennis, or branch out with adventure hobbies such as kayaking, ocean swimming or even triathlon training.

Beekeeping

If you have the luxury of space beekeeping can be an incredibly rewarding way to pass the time. As well as harvesting your own liquid gold honey you’ll also be making an important contribution to the environment. Bees are natural pollinators, however with the increased use of pesticides, deforestation and urbanisation colonies have started to decline. Cue urban beekeeping. Over the past few years it’s emerged as a global environmental movement, and New Zealand is no exception. Want to know more?  Here is a great overview of how to get started as an urban beekeeper.

Yoga

Gentle on the body and enriching for the soul, yoga is an ancient practice that’s found a place in contemporary society. We love the “golden yogi” movement that’s seen an increasing number of health conscious over 50s start to embrace both the health benefits of yoga. Studies suggest that daily practice can minimise age-related memory loss, improve sleep in breast cancer survivors, realign the posture, trim the waistline and more. And don’t forget the spiritual benefits. Yoga is a holistic practice which can help you to stay connected, live in the moment, love yourself and embrace the concept of daily gratitude. And no, skin-tight Lululemon pants aren’t a prerequisite.

Hobby farming

From chickens to pygmy goats, hobby farming is a trend that’s taking off around the world. It’s a fantastic way to embrace the sustainable living movement and reap the rewards in the process. The key is to work with what you have. For example, if you live in an urban setting it could mean something as simple as growing blueberry bushes in your back garden or setting up a small veggie garden. If you have space to work with you could adopt a dairy cow, or raise a mini flock of goats and start your own organic soap business.

Looking for even more inspiration? Meetup.com is an amazing platform that connects likeminded people across the globe. Simply punch in your location and start browsing local Meetup groups in your area. Chances are you’ll find something that gets you excited.

Will you be taking up a new hobby in 2018? We’d love to hear about it so go ahead and share in the comments box below.