Hobbies that cost little to nothing
Amid the 9–5 grind, trying to be productive and juggling family commitments, it’s easy to forget to take time out for yourself. Having hobbies is a way to find the fun in life, helping you break the routine, and also plays a part in personal development and self-care as you learn new things and connect with others.
Sometimes, it can seem that pursuing fun things requires plenty of money, but hobbies can take on many forms, and there are plenty of practical ways to cultivate pastimes that won't break the bank.
Here are some low-cost hobby tips that can improve your overall well-being without straining your finances.
Outdoor hobbies
A cost-effective way to cultivate a hobby is by exploring nature. Whether it's hiking, birdwatching or simply taking a walk in the park, spending time in nature is stress relieving and a great way to get some exercise and fresh air without having to spend money on a gym membership.
Outdoor activities such as hiking, walking or even biking are great group activities, making it easy to incorporate something you enjoy while spending time with friends/family/your community and reconnecting with nature.
It’s also easy to start and doesn’t require much as you’re likely to already have comfortable clothes and shoes, and if needed, you can get an affordable and/or second-hand option for a bicycle.
Learn a new skill
Always wanted to be a better cook or learn a new language? There are plenty of free resources available online, from video tutorials to online courses, so you can teach yourself anything from knitting to coding. Not only will you gain a new skill, but you'll also have a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
You might also learn that your new skill can come in useful and that it can open new avenues of professional development where you can turn your passion into profit.
DIY hobbies
Do-it-yourself (DIY) hobbies mean creating or repairing things on your own, without the help of professionals. Depending on your skill level, it can range from simple activities, such as knitting or gardening, to more complex ones, such as woodworking or electronics and home improvements.
DIY hobbies are ideal as a low- or no-cost pastime as they often involve using materials that are readily available or can be repurposed from items you already have at home. Additionally, many DIY projects can be done with basic tools that you may already own or can borrow from friends or family, making it accessible and fun.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while also cultivating a hobby. Whether it's volunteering at a local animal shelter or helping out at a community garden or feeding programme, volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Plus, it’s an opportunity to meet new people who share similar interests, and you can develop new skills which you can use to boost your resume.
Read
Reading is a low-cost hobby that can transport you to different worlds and expand your knowledge. Visit your local library to access books, magazines and newspapers for free. Borrow books from friends with similar interests or get them at a reduced price second-hand.
Alternatively, if you don’t feel like sitting down and reading, try audiobooks or podcasts and take them with you on a walk or while you’re doing errands. You can access a range of topics and genres, often for free, helping you focus on learning something new, relaxing or getting inspired.
Tap into your creativity
Creating art doesn't have to be expensive. You can use materials you already have at home to create beautiful works of art. Photography is also a great creative outlet, and you can start with the basics on your smartphone.
There are plenty of free online resources that offer tutorials and inspiration for different types of art, from drawing to photography, and once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you could take your skills to the next level, which could mean getting more professional equipment or turning that hobby into a side hustle.
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Top tip for trying new things Make a list of things you’d like to try; it could be anything from a physical activity to learning a new skill or traveling Categorise them in terms of what you can start immediately, what may require some money (e.g. needs equipment, material or training) and what would need to be saved for. That way you can decide what you want to prioritise, where to start and put plans in place to help you prepare for other hobbies. |
Disclaimer: This article is solely intended for information. It does not constitute financial, tax or investment advice or recommendation. Please speak to a financial advisor or registered financial professional before making any financial decision(s).
Standard Bank, its subsidiaries or holding company, or any subsidiary of the holding company and all of its subsidiaries make no warranties or representations (implied or otherwise) as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of the information provided in this article or that it is free from errors or omissions.
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