We could all use less time watching TV or messing around on the internet, right? Hobbies are certainly a way to pass the time, but let's be honest, most of us probably don't want to invest a lot of money into a new activity that might not last. The good news is that there are tons of hobbies you can start for free—or at least cheap—and even better news, a recent AskReddit thread is full of ideas. The post, posted by Redditor Goooner4 less than a day ago, has now received over 5,000 responses, proving that if there's one thing most of us can agree on, it's that having cool, cheap hobbies is the best.
In fact, hobbies are great things to invest your time in. Most of us spend the majority of our time trying to balance work, relationships, friendships and family, all of which are good things – but it’s also important to have some time for ourselves that helps us relax thing (or, if you're an adrenaline junkie, get your heart rate up). But hobbies can sometimes be good for groups. While some hobbies may be best suited for a day of reflection and self-investigation (meditation, anyone?), others make for excellent group activities. Who doesn't love playing cards with 10 of their closest friends?
Whether you're on a budget or just want the freedom to try as many new activities as possible, finding a cheap or free hobby is never a bad move. Here are some of the best ideas on Reddit; head to the full thread to learn more.
1. Play with animals
Whether you do it once a week or once in a while, hanging out with animals is a great hobby. Even if you can't adopt a new furry friend or raise a pet in need, spending time with shelter animals can be extremely helpful. Human interaction can better prepare them for the transition to their forever home and can also reduce their anxiety and help them feel comfortable in the present moment. Research shows that spending time with animals is good for humans too, so everyone benefits.
2. Maintain a friendly relationship with your local library
Going to the library was one of my favorite activities as a child. (I know, I know: nerd alert, right?) My grandmother took me to the library several times a week to get new books; Then, as I got older, I used the computers there to browse the internet, check out board games to play with my friends (yes, I even took my friends to the library), and took home educational CDs in the car listen. As an adult, I still love libraries and spend more time there than the average Millennial. But hey, it 's actually free stuff that you can use for education or entertainment. What could be better?
3. Laugh often and smile well
If the popularity on streaming services is any indication, just about everyone loves stand-up comedy – so why not sign up for an open mic night and give it a try in front of a group of strangers? Okay, so, you may fail the first few times (or all times), but you may also gain some new skills and confidence. Hey, who doesn't like to laugh? Grab some friends, bring your parents, bring your neighbors, or go it alone - but get out there and practice your best material. You might even get paid for it!
4. Write your own story
Literally anyone can share their stories with the world, whether they are fictional or taken from your own life. You can self-publish your material or choose to submit it to a literary journal or magazine. You can attend local workshops to get feedback and perspectives from other writers in your area. You can even write just to express yourself, with no standards or expectations to show others. In fact, research shows that keeping a journal is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. All you need is paper and pen (or, if you're not worried about logging extra screen time, your laptop will work too!).
5. Stargazing
If you're like me, you always get super excited when a new moon passes or something awesome happens to a shooting star... but then you end up falling asleep. But if you take up astronomy as a hobby, you can start taking it seriously and not miss out on the amazing things happening in our universe every night. Download a monthly star chart, grab some free books from the library, and get outside at night to enjoy all the beauty in the sky.
6. Relax in Child’s Pose
Yoga classes can be expensive depending on your area; however, you can also practice yoga for free at home, in the park, or with friends. You don’t need expensive workout gear or fancy mats—all you need is your body, some guidance, and time to focus and become more in tune with yourself and your body. If you're new to yoga, it's important to get guidance from a professional to reduce your risk of injury; however, you can find plenty of free podcasts and YouTube videos online, and books at the library to help you start your journey.
7. Take out the needle and thread
I've discovered that I'm terrible at sewing and I've tried it a few times before, but a lot of Reddit users love cross stitch and I might try it again. While you do need to purchase some cross-stitch materials, you can find them fairly cheaply at your local craft or art store. You can also download patterns online for free. Hey, now you’re all set for next year’s holiday gifts, right?
8. Always use your computer
I use my computer almost exclusively for work (and Netflix), but many people use computers for their hobbies as well. Learning how to code and how to program is free and can be done from home (or, depending on system requirements, at your local library, college campus, friend's house, etc.). There are also some great groups dedicated to getting women and minorities into coding, because seriously - anyone who says girls can't code doesn't know what they're talking about.
9. Learn another language
Even if you forget everything you learned in high school Latin, you can still learn a new language for free. There are lots of great websites and apps that let you practice learning a language; you can even join meetup groups that help you meet new people who are willing to exchange languages for free. gist? Basically, you help people who are learning your language in exchange for them helping you learn their language. Cool, right?
10. Get out your chef hat and apron
Everyone has to eat. Even if you love takeout and going to the latest restaurants, starting cooking as a hobby can still be a fun (and money-saving) habit. Personally, I prefer baking to cooking as I find baking relaxes me and is a great way to focus when I'm overwhelmed with other things, but cooking can do the same What it does: Either way, you follow a set of instructions that all come together to create a dish that you can serve to your partner, friends, or just for lunch throughout the week. If you're low on supplies and kitchen equipment, you can always check out sites like Amazon, Ebay, or even local consignment and thrift stores to get started.
11. Play to your heart’s content
It's true: while gaming can be a very expensive hobby, it can also be played completely free. There are tons of free games available online: you can download or stream them, and play alone or with friends. Gaming is a great way to de-stress and relax after a long day, as well as keep your mind sharp and learn new skills. Gaming also gives you a strong sense of community.
Be sure to check out the full post on AskReddit!
Image source: Anastasia Jenina /Pexels
