A hobby is a great way to learn with creativity!

As an extrovert, I am no stranger to hobbies and extracurriculars. Anything that takes energy or has people, I am in. But the truth is, even having just one hobby is healthy. Why? On a base level, it’s good for your brain to NOT be doing work or school. It also utilizes another part of the brain and allows the body to destress and learn. It is proven that it releases dopamine – a chemical that helps us feel happy. Enhancing brain function, teaching something new, challenging you or just relaxing you. Hobbies are good for any age.

Everyone has interests that are outside of the day-to-day grind of work or school. The important part is to first think abut yourself as a parent, teacher and adult. What interests you? Is it music or games? Is it art or culture? Do you love to analyze a football game or play baseball?

Hobbies as a Child & Adult – How They Help Homeschool

Hobbies are a healthy outlet. They provide opportunities for creativity and exploration. A hobby is a great way to teach an idea as well and gain a deeper knowledge of a subject or idea.

Just a Few Types of Hobbies (there are too many!)

Cheap/Inexpensive Hobbies on a Budget

Not every hobby has to be expensive or require a lot of materials. If you find that you can’t afford a whole tackle box of fishing gear or a kayak or a whole craft room, start small. There are so many hobbies that take little or no money and are worth investing in.

• Running, walking or exploring/hiking (almost everyone has access to a paved sidewalk and park!)
• Coloring or card making (you can do this with a little bit of cardstock and colored paper)
• Swimming (most areas have a local YMCA, Kroc Center or city pool)
• Gardening (just your lawn and some $1.00 seeds)
• Yoga (just you and maybe a YouTube how-to video)
• Calligraphy (just need a pen, ink and paper)
• Card games (just a deck of cards!)
• Writing (just paper and pencil or a computer)
• Reading (a library!)

Why Does a Hobby Benefit Your Homeschool?

No one wants to work 24/7 and no matter who you are, you will find yourself making a choice to occupy your free time outside of work or schoolwork doing something. So what is that something? How does it benefit you? Hobbies can benefit your family by occupying your restless or ADD child, gaining a way to get physical education unintentionally, growing the right side of the brain that activates creativity and intuition. It can also help your child who is advanced or bored.

If you homeschool or are thinking of homeschooling, you may already be thinking outside of the box or the “norm” of what school is for you and your family. Homeschooling is not just school subjects, it’s teaching your child or children how to live, learn, grow and experience life. The day-to-day lessons may not come in a book or binder. Many times they come in the form of a casual walk through the park, teaching your child to cook a meal, make a card or sew.

Hobbies are beautiful and once you find one that you enjoy, you won’t regret the investment or the new skill you have learned. More than likely that dopamine will kick in and you will want to have fun being creative again.