Teenagers are always looking for more. Ranging from new sports, instruments, or languages, different people want different things. Whether it's something creative, active, or relaxing, having a hobby helps reduce stress, build skills, and even connect with others who share the same passions. Here are my top ten recommended hobbies to pick up!

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1. Art and Drawing

Sketching, painting, or digital art can be both relaxing and a great way to express creativity. I recommend starting with something easy, like flowers or fruits! I like getting ideas from Pinterest.

You can work your way up to harder things as you feel more ready. Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect! You can even get most art pieces (especially digital art) published in Literary magazines! You can find them on Instagram, a few to note are The Literary Society, The Midnight Chronicles, Tea Stained Literary, and so many more!

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2. Photography

Experimenting with a camera or even cell phone photography can help you see the world in a new way. There are some amazing opportunities to get your photography published in Literary mags as well!

3. Music

Learning a new instrument (Guitar, piano, violin, etc.) isn't just fun, but it also helps our mental health! Music can also be a rewarding creative outlet. Some good YouTubers to look into are JustinGuitar and Rick Graham for learning Guitar.

Piano Academy and Josh Wright are perfect for getting into piano. You can even look up "How to play (song) on (instrument) for beginners" on YouTube!

4. Sports

Sports are a great way to get exercise, but also an amazing place to make friends! Try something new, such as basketball, soccer, swimming, or tennis. A lot of places have rec centers you can go to and try one out!

There are plenty of ways to try them on your own, too. For example, you can go to the park and try out basketball. Sports not your thing? Try a workout on YouTube, there's yoga, Pilates, Zumba is really fun, and more!

5. Writing

Journaling or writing short stories is a great way to explore creativity! Again, you can get these published in Literary magazines or even on Teen Ink! I recommend trying Junk Journaling, it's super easy and fun (More on that below!)

6. Cooking or Baking

Learning to make your favorite recipes or experimenting with new dishes can be a fun and rewarding hobby. You can find easy teen recipes on Pinterest or YouTube. Not only will you have fun and get something to eat afterwards, but learning to cook and bake can help you become more independent in your day-to-day life. You could even try a cooking class with an adult!

7. Board Games or Puzzles

If you enjoy spending time with friends or family, getting into board games or complex puzzles can be a fun way to bond. I know my family loves a game night from time to time, and we almost always have a puzzle set up. It's a great way to bond and get off your phone.

8. Gardening

If you have space, growing plants or starting a garden can be both relaxing and rewarding. You can grow flowers or vegetables (you can use them in a recipe you make!). Gardening will get you outside and give you something in return.

9. DIY Projects

Crafting, knitting, or even woodworking could be fun ways to make your own personalized items. Home Depot and Lowe's have programs you can sign up for that are little to no cost; in them, you will get all the materials to build whatever it is that week! I've built a chalkboard and a piggy bank. You could make a scrapbook to look back on with friends and family, too!

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10. Gaming

If you enjoy video games, you can get involved in gaming communities or even start streaming or creating content related to your favorite games. My school has a program called ESPORTS where you go around to different competitions competing in games like Mario Kart and Smash Brothers. I would see if your school has something like it!

11. Vinyl Collecting

Love music? I recommend investing in a record player and starting to collect vinyls! Not only is it fun to spend hours roaming through a music store, but it's fulfilling!

You get off the screen and do something you love. Plus, with a record player, you don't have ads and can use it without Wifi! I myself got a record player for my birthday and I love it!

12. Junk Journaling

I know, junk journaling, what in the world is that! Junk Journaling is when you journal but with junk! You can add in recipes, random pictures, stickers, etc! It's fun and good for the planet!

13. Urban Exploration

Also known as Urbexing, this is when you explore abandoned places! This is such a fun hobby, but you do have to be careful with it! I recommend going with a friend, and, of course, make sure you are allowed on the property.

When Urbexing, you get out of the house and explore something new. Most of the time, abandoned places have graffiti you can admire too!

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There are so many hobbies you can try out or pick up; these are only a few. Hobbies are an important part of life that allow us to explore our interests, express ourselves, and find joy outside of daily responsibilities. No matter what you choose, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey and have fun while doing it.