As a New Year’s resolution, I challenged myself to try a new hobby every month. It was not only a fun adventure, but a process of self-discovery and reflection.

After losing my job and moving back in with my parents, I found peace at a dusty old piano. I taught myself how to play with just some YouTube videos as my guide and learned about myself in the process.

Motherhood hit me like a whirlwind, and through the sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, I found myself needing an outlet for both my physical and mental well-being. The problem was, there was absolutely no time.

As I sit down to reflect on my journey, I realize that yoga entered my life during one of the most turbulent times. College was supposed to be a time of self-discovery and growth, but for me, it became a whirlwind of stress and indecision. I found myself grappling with the overwhelming pressure of choosing a major and figuring out what I wanted to do with my life.

As the world grappled with the challenges of the pandemic, I found some purpose in an unexpected place: sewing. What began as a simple desire to contribute to the community by making masks soon evolved into a passion for sewing and upcycling clothes, transforming both my wardrobe and my creative outlet.

Saturday mornings are sacred to me. While some people might relish the opportunity to sleep in or enjoy a leisurely breakfast, my excitement lies somewhere else – on the open road, beneath the bright morning sun, with my trusty bike and the promise of adventure ahead.

Let me set the scene for you: a couple of years back, I found myself in an exercise rut. I needed to shake things up, get in shape, but the mere thought of hitting the gym felt like torture. I craved something different, something that would not only whip me into shape but also ignite my spirit and inject some much-needed excitement into my life.

Between work, home life, and being a mom, I’ve found stress can creep up me quickly. For me, it was the incessant demands of work and personal life that left me feeling drained and anxious, especially in the evenings, when I’d crash in front of the TV. It was during a particularly overwhelming period that I stumbled upon an unexpected solution – knitting.

There’s something magical about getting your hands dirty in the garden. It’s not just about the plants; it’s about finding some calm in a chaotic world. Let me tell you about my journey with gardening and how it became my source of peace.

In a world that often celebrates extroverted personalities and outgoing lifestyles, introverts can sometimes feel overlooked or misunderstood. But being an introvert is not a weakness; it's a unique trait that comes with its own set of strengths and preferences. We often find solace and fulfillment in quieter, solo activities. Here are six hobbies perfectly suited for those who thrive in solitude:

If you ask me what the best hobby in the world is, my answer would be reading. Would I be biased? Maybe a little bit. But falling in love with books has done more than entertain me. It has also given me a community like no other.

A few years ago, I found myself in a rut both physically and emotionally. I was feeling stagnant in my workouts and yearning for something more in life. My friend suggested I join her local running group, and little did I know, it would change my life in ways I never imagined.

I never imagined that hopping on a mountain bike would lead to some of the most valuable life lessons I'd ever learn. But over the years, pedaling through the trails, facing challenging terrains, and pushing my limits have molded me into a stronger, more resilient person.

When I was an up-and-coming writer, I worked at a multitude of outlets and did a large variety of work. Entering this industry was exciting, but also brought many challenges. Long work hours, plenty of overtime, and the necessity to constantly be available at any time to cover that next big piece of news put a strain on my mental health.

Everyone worries, feels anxious, and doesn't know what to do. During hard times, find comfort and joy in things that help you grow. Wildlife photography has changed my life by giving me a way to get away from the stress of everyday life and connect with nature.