Some say that hobbies are expensive. And it’s true, especially for hobbies like collecting. You have to keep buying new stuff to sustain the hobby, and it’s often the expensive stuff that breaks your budget. You may even want to approach an online money lender in Singapore to help such a hobby.
But hobbies do not have to cost you an arm and a leg. You don’t have to buy expensive equipment, gadgets, and tools to fuel your passion. If you’re looking for something new to do in your spare time, here are five affordable hobbies you can try.
Upskilling
Learning new skills is now easier and a lot cheaper than ever. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and even YouTube offer a wealth of online courses in various disciplines. You can find courses on anything from data science to project management, and you can also learn baking, carpentry, and cooking all from the comfort of home.
The best part is you can find online courses that don’t cost anything. That means you can gain new skills without spending, and you can use your new skills to earn extra money.
You can also take paid courses to gain certifications and credentials, which you can include in your CV. This way, companies are more likely to hire you because of your additional skill sets. Soon enough, the money you spend for taking online courses will pay off.
Gardening
Gardening is a hobby that anyone can take up, and it costs very little. All you need to buy are seeds or seedlings, as well as a few garden implements like a small shovel, gloves, and a watering can. You can get these items cheaply; you can even improvise using everyday items you have at home. For example, you can cut old plastic bottles and use them as pots.
Designing your garden is entirely up to you. For starters, you can choose plants that are easy to maintain, like succulents. Other plants need special care and attention, but if you’re up for the challenge, you can add them to your garden.
The good thing about gardening is it’s relaxing. Adding a touch of nature to your home is enough to take the stress away on most days.
Board games
If you’re looking for a new way to have fun, try playing board games. They are easy to set up, and you can play them anytime with family and friends – no internet connection required. A variety of board games are available, from simple ones that take a few minutes to play to more complex ones that can take hours.
Another benefit of board games is you can bond with your family and friends in person. The human connection feels more authentic when it’s face-to-face.
Reading
Reading is always a productive hobby for everyone. Aside from having fun, you will also learn new things. Even if you read fiction, you can still learn a thing or two from the stories.
One clear benefit of reading is it will enrich your vocabulary. You will get to know new words and how to use them. The more you read, the wider your vocabulary will be, and the better you will become at communicating.
Photography
Nearly everyone these days has a good quality camera in their pockets. The optics on modern smartphones have become so clear and sharp that nearly anyone can get into photography.
This hobby is great if you’re always out and about. While walking to the bus stop or MRT, you can stop and take pictures of the flowers, landmarks, buildings, or anything around you that catches your eye. You may not like the quality of your first few photos, but you will improve as you keep taking snaps. You can find tutorials online on how to frame your scene, camera settings for different conditions, and techniques to enhance the visual quality of your photos.
Conclusion
Taking up a new hobby does not have to cost a fortune. The five hobbies above cost almost nothing to start. Once you find an activity to take up your free time, you will have what it takes to drive away sadness, boredom, and depression. Not only is a hobby good for your mental health, but you may also discover a new way to earn money on the side.