Hobbies boost your wellbeing
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to neglect the importance of taking time for yourself and nurturing your passions. Engaging in a hobby boosts mental and emotional wellbeing, giving you a sense of fulfilment, purpose, and connection.
Why are hobbies important?
Hobbies are important. They give you benefits for both mental and physical wellbeing. Engaging in something you enjoy outside of work or daily responsibilities releases feel-good chemicals in the body and allows you to relax, recharge, and find joy in a world that can often feel overwhelming.
Having a hobby is linked to happiness and wellbeing, as well as:
- Stress relief
- Improved mental health
- Improved focus
- Improved motivation
Those who have a hobby are reported to be happier than those that don’t. There’s nothing better to destress than indulge in your new/old hobby.
Looking for hobby ideas?
A hobby can be something you have never tried before, or an old hobby you haven’t done in a while, or maybe join in with a friend’s hobby, such as:
Local hobby clubs
If you’re on the look out for a new hobby, here are some local recommendations…
Animal & Nature-Based Activities
Cats Protection Volunteering – Support feline welfare through fostering, fundraising, admin, or event planning. A fulfilling way to make a difference while spending time with animals.
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Volunteering – Get involved in conservation projects, habitat restoration, and nature education. Great for mental and physical wellbeing through outdoor activities.
National Trust Volunteering – Help maintain historic sites and beautiful landscapes while enjoying the outdoors and meeting like-minded people.
Community
Meetup – An event sharing platform for whatever your interests are, from hiking and reading to networking and skill sharing.
Eventbrite – Find new things to do, or exciting events happening that capture your interest.
Creative & Crafting Groups
Men’s Shed – A supportive space where men can come together to build, repair, and upcycle items while supporting community projects. A great way to improve mental wellbeing through hands-on work and social interaction.
Trowbridge Women’s Shed – An inclusive group where women can explore creative hobbies such as knitting, crochet, textiles, mindful colouring, pyrography, and photography. A fantastic way to build friendships and enjoy arts and crafts.
Swindon Maker Space – A collaborative workshop for those who enjoy making, fixing, and breaking things! Whether you’re into electronics, coding, or mechanical projects, this is a great place to get involved in innovative hands-on work.
Music & Performance
Rock Choir – A fun and uplifting way to enjoy singing without the need for auditions or musical experience. A great way to boost confidence, meet new people, and enjoy live performances in a friendly group setting.
Local Amateur Theatre Groups – If you love acting, backstage work, or even just supporting theatre productions, local amateur groups provide a creative and social outlet.
Outdoor & Adventure Activities
North Wiltshire Orienteering Club – Open to all ages and experience levels, this club offers exciting orienteering challenges in natural settings. A great mix of fitness, strategy, and outdoor adventure.
Wiltshire Ramblers – A friendly group for those who enjoy countryside walks and hiking, offering a great way to explore nature while staying active and social.
Cycling Groups – Whether you’re a casual rider or a serious cyclist, joining a local group can make cycling more enjoyable and motivating.
Outdoor Wellbeing
Community Gardening Projects (e.g., Swindon Community Garden, Salisbury Secret Garden) – A fulfilling way to connect with nature, improve mental wellbeing, and contribute to local green spaces.
Visit Wiltshire: A guide to some of the activities on offer in Wiltshire to feel close to the land and the sky.
Visit Dorset: A guide to some of the activities on offer in Dorset from cycling trails, recreational gardens, to tranquil fishing lakes.
Visit Gloucestershire: A guide to some of the activities on offer in Gloucestershire with wildlife and animal parks, to historic castles and impressive country estates.
Sports & Fitness
Parkrun – Free, friendly, weekly 5K events for runners and walkers of all levels, promoting fitness and community spirit.
Local Martial Arts & Boxing Clubs (e.g., Trowbridge Martial Arts, Westbury Boxing Club) – Great for fitness, self-discipline, and building confidence. Many clubs cater to beginners.
Bowls Clubs (e.g., Swindon Bowls Club, Trowbridge Westbourne Bowls Club) – A social, low-impact sport that is great for relaxation, friendly competition, and community engagement.
You could even try volunteering…
If you’ve not volunteered before, why not try while being paid during working hours through The Hills Group’s new volunteering scheme.
Check out our volunteering scheme