Do you have any hobbies? They’re more than just a way to pass time: hobbies are activities that bring joy, relaxation, and fulfillment outside of your daily responsibilities. Some people pursue hobbies to learn new skills, while others find ways to express their creativity. Many people enjoy hobbies for the fun and stress relief they provide. From reading, cooking, and gardening to crafting, DIY projects, or gaming, hobbies are as unique as we are.

When I was growing up, my mom collected stamps– in fact, she still does! She enjoyed the different designs used on stamps throughout the years, and it was a favorite activity of mine to look through her albums filled with all different kinds of stamps. Some favorite hobbies of mine when I was young included playing the piano, reading, and writing.

Recently, I’ve become interested in hobbies again as a way to spend less time scrolling on my phone or mindlessly watching TV. Some of the activities on my list of things to learn or do include crochet, pickleball, and playing an instrument again.

What types of hobbies did you enjoy as a child? Do you still engage in those hobbies, or have you found new ones as you’ve grown older? Leave a comment and let me know, I’d love to hear about your favorite ways to spend your free time!

Types of Hobbies

There are so many different types of hobbies! Many people choose hobbies they can do on their own, while others enjoy activities that include a social aspect, such as a class. Some common types of activities people enjoy include:

Creative: painting, writing, music
Active: sports, fitness, hiking, dancing
Collecting: stamps, coins, dolls, vintage items
Skill-based: cooking, woodworking, coding
Entertainment: video games, board games, movies
Nature & Outdoors: gardening, bird watching, fishing
Travel & Exploration: road trips, cultural experiences
Social & Community: volunteering, community clubs, local organizations

We recently sent a survey to some of our panel members asking about the types of hobbies they enjoy, and those results will be shared in an upcoming In The Know.

Benefits of Hobbies

Finding activities you enjoy in your spare time can have a variety of benefits. According to Harvard Health Publishing, researchers found that people with hobbies reported better health, more happiness, fewer symptoms of depression, and higher life satisfaction. Activities that involve sensory engagement, creativity, self-expression, and cognitive stimulation are linked to good mental health and well-being.

Some of the benefits of hobbies include:

Stress relief and relaxation: Finding activities you enjoy gives your mind a break from work and other responsibilities and can help reduce anxiety while allowing you to recharge.

Mental stimulation: Learning something new keeps your brain active, helps improve problem-solving skills and creativity, and encourages lifelong learning and curiosity.

Health and wellness: Active hobbies support overall health and can help boost energy, coordination, and endurance.

Social connection: Group activities provide a sense of belonging, an opportunity for new friendships and community building, and can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Personal fulfillment: Hobbies allow for self-expression and creativity which can create a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Productivity: A well-rounded lifestyle often leads to better work-life balance, and giving structure to your free time with hobbies can help improve focus and motivation in other areas of your life.

Panel Member Reminders

Now that I’ve shared some examples of hobbies and the benefits they have, are you inspired to try any new activities?

Many hobbies or activities don’t require you to spend extra money; for example, you can check out books for free at your local library, or walk around your neighborhood, or watch birds in your backyard. However, if you purchase supplies for a hobby, don’t forget to scan the barcodes of those items and report your purchases to NCP! If the item doesn’t have a barcode, check the Non-Barcoded Items list. If the item you purchased isn’t on the Non-Barcoded Items list, you won’t be able to report it. But you should still include the cost in your total amount spent for the shopping trip. (If you use the NCP’s handheld scanner, please refer to the Barcode Reference Booklet.)

If you’re not a NCP panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog for more information.

Regards,
Taylor

Blog comment reminder: If you have a panel-related issue that you need assistance with such as a problem with scanning or your rewards, please contact our Panel Support Center directly and they will be happy to assist you! You can reach them at 1-800-962-6700 or email them at [email protected]. You can send a message from NCP’s Facebook page. Please don’t enter panel-related issues or share any personal panel membership information in the blog comment section. Any issues will be addressed faster if you contact our support center directly. Thank you so much!

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