Since finishing school a few months ago, I’ve spent a significant amount of time rediscovering my hobbies. So much time, in fact, that I feel just as busy as I did when I was in graduate school. Now, as I am facing a new season of life, I’m taking inventory of those hobbies and deciding which are worth keeping around. Here’s what I came up with:

1. Reading

I’ve always loved books. And as an adult I’ve expanded that love of the printed word to include all types of writing. I used to read, and still do sometimes, to escape from my day (either from the lack or overabundance of adventure that exists in my current reality), but now reading fulfills more than just the need to get away.

Reading offers us the ability to continually grow; learning is a constant in life and reading allows us to learn what we want, when we want. Whether you read fiction or non-fiction, blogs or academic texts, serious or light-hearted, massive volumes or short articles, reading encourages us to think more critically, see situations from new perspectives, and expand our world view. And best yet, we can all have access to reading materials for FREE thanks to the internet and public libraries! So the next time you have an hour or two to fill, pick up a new book!

2. DIYing

I can only imagine how many people just quit reading this article. I can feel the eye rolls as I’m typing. I KNOW us DIYers can go a bit overboard sometimes with the glue gun, but there are some really great (and fun!) crafts out there.

But honestly, being crafty is not only fun (if you’re like me), but it can also be a money saver and useful. And if you already have a few hours of nothingness on your schedule, why not try to solve some of those organizational issues by repurposing (and beautifying) some cereal boxes as drawer organizers? Or maybe breathe life into some crappy hand-me-down, laminate furniture with a coat of paint (or new stain if you’re lucky enough to have real wooden pieces!) With Pinterest at our fingertips, DIYing is no longer a trial and error process, so go spend some time improving, repurposing or glitterify-ing your things so you can increase efficiency and aesthetically enjoy your life even a teensy bit more!

3. Writing

Writing means something different to everyone. For the past twenty years of my life, writing has mainly meant stress and research. I never really saw myself as anything beyond an academic writer until I began writing for Odyssey. Now I associate writing with a bunch of different things, not just stress and school.

I used to HATE it when people would propose that everyone should write, no matter if it was for themselves or for an external audience. Now, I finally get it. Writing, like reading, helps us grow. And I don’t just mean growth of knowledge or academic skills. Writing allows our brains to process information (our daily situations, for example) in a different way than does talking or thinking. Personally, writing, even about subjects that are not at the core of my self-identity, has allowed me to find my voice as an adult. Because I have now shared my writings with friends and strangers alike, I have become surer of myself and my skills. In short, it’s a serious confidence booster and, as a bonus, you can look back over time and see your own evolution.

4. Cooking

Anyone who follows me on Instagram or Facebook knows how much I love food. I REALLY love food. And I’ve discovered that I also enjoy making different meals and dishes. In fact, I’d bet that one of the most favorite things to do as a couple for my husband and me is to cook together. It’s fun and messy (mainly because I’m a klutz and totally dangerous with a knife) and easily accessible.

Once again, Pinterest takes away any excuse you could have not to try to cook; we all have access and the myriad new dishes and flavors just waiting to be made in your kitchen will increase your enjoyment for food , and maybe even life in general!

Just take a stab (haha, pun)!

5.Exploring

Having lived in five different cities in the last five years or so, I have become quite the explorer out of pure necessity. But that forced exploration of new places has been so rewarding. I can honestly say that the need to explore my surroundings has brought me to new activities and habits that I truly love.

You never know what you’ll find or fall in love with when purposely getting lost in a new (or familiar) place. Google maps makes exploring so easy, so you’re out of excuses. Now’s the time to wander down the street and start seeing, doing, and experiencing things that you’ve never done before! It’s fun, passes the time, and will most likely lead you to your next obsession, break through, or new favorite hangout.

6. Volunteering

Are you always bored on a specific day of the week? Do you want a new pool of potential friends and colleagues? Do you want to try something new? Would you like to actively contribute to your community without having to invest money? Go join the ranks of volunteers at any number of community groups in your area!

I cannot tell you how happy a museum, science center, church or shelter would be to add you to the ranks of their volunteers. There will always be a non-profit organization looking to utilize the skills of those who wish to give back to their community. You can often pick your schedule, usually get free access to cool activities, can put it on your resume, and will most likely get a really cool shirt out of the deal (what could be negative about that??)!

7. Joining a Group

In a similar vein to volunteering is joining an organization or learning opportunity. Every community has innumerable groups focused on specific activities and they are often free (or very cheap) to join. Even if there is a member’s fee, these groups allow you to hone or learn a new skill, give you access to conferences, behind the scenes tours, and a network of others who geek out over the same things as you.

A few options would be a quilt guild, knitting circle, horse riding club, church groups, zumba class, car club, cooking class, dance class, nature group; really the options are endless because you can always start your own!

8. Organizing

This might seem silly to list with other fun activities like joining a hobby group, but stick with me here.

Not only do organizing and planning reduce stress in your life now and in the future, but (once again thanks to the internet) it’s also fun and addicting. Well, maybe not to everyone, but still.

Basic organization like picking up your apartment, doing the dishes, cleaning out the refrigerator, etc. are probably not the most thrilling ways to pass your free-time, HOWEVER, changing things up with an organizational system like a Bullet Journal can make planning and organizing seriously exciting.

If you have huge amounts to accomplish and organize, I HIGHLY recommend you look into a system like a BuJo (because we needed to shorten that lengthy title). Specifically, the BuJo can combine creativity with straight-forward, easy-to-follow, custumizable organization. In short, you’ll feel more accomplished, have something pretty to look at, and have more time to spend doing any of the other (probably more thrilling) activities listed above!

There’s so much to learn and experience in life, and picking those opportunities that will add in positive ways to your free-time will help you get the most out of it. I hope this inspires you to try something new and get connected in new ways!