Here, in partnership with the passionate folks at Ford, we delve into the wide world of hobbies, offer suggestions on how to find the right one for you, and learn tips on how to integrate them into your daily life. Plus, we share some inspiration from women who’ve transformed their hobbies into a career they’re passionate about—and how you can too.
Ever feel like everybody but you
has a hobby?
That’s not to say you don’t have any passions or interests, but how do you transform them into a hobby you’ll actually enjoy? And then, when the heck can you find the time? That’s where we come in.
Dr. Monica Vermani, Clinical Psychologist
Meet the Expert
of Having a Hobby
You already read your horoscope for insight into your personality and day-to-day. Why not also look to the stars for inspiration into an activity that’ll suit your sign?
Tips & Advice
IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS
The Health Benefits
Well, the demands of adulthood constantly push us to do things for career, financial gain or just everyone else. And women, in particular, are naturally raised as caretakers and nurturers, leaving us little time (or energy) to dedicate to ourselves. But according to clinical psychologist Dr. Monica Vermani, “engaging in activities and pursuits we love is a pillar of self-care.”
Now that we know what a hobby actually is, why is having one so important?
The Perks of Having a Hobby:
A hobby is defined as...
So ask yourself: What did you love doing as a kid? What do you enjoy now? What could feasibly fit into your schedule if you made just a few tweaks? Then try it out, but give yourself time and space for some trial and error. Before you know it, your hobby will become an integral part of your routine—or even your new career. In fact, the majority of people yearn to be able to turn their hobbies into something that pays the bills. Read on to find out how the two women below actually did it.
from Women with Hobbies
more hobby
Reduces and helps manage stress: Reduced stress levels result in decreased cortisol levels, and support more positive moods. Positive moods increase self-esteem and lead to healthier relationships.
Improves mental health:
Engaging in activities we enjoy increases our quality of life by improving mood, lowering anxiety and enhancing self-esteem.
Aries
Aries are determined, competitive and energetic. Join a sports team or club or sign up for a workout class to break a sweat, challenge yourself and learn something new.
1
Having a Hobby Has Perks...
2
read more
read more
read more
"Through hobbies, we can develop skills that enhance our sense of self-worth."
Improves productivity:
Anticipation of engaging in an activity we enjoy can help us breeze through mundane tasks, rather than feel overwhelmed by them.
4
Enhances sleep habits:
The increased capacity to handle stress lowers our stress load, which facilitates relaxation and sets the stage for better sleep.
3
Facilitates a greater emotional connection to ourselves:
Hobbies support our authenticity and creativity and provide us with an independent sense of purpose.
5
If you’re feeling guilty or struggling to put yourself first, “seek social support. A buddy system with a friend or family member can help keep us on track and accountable,” says Dr. Vermani. However, if you struggle with low self-esteem and overwhelming feelings of guilt or shame, it’s advised to seek the help of a mental health professional. And remember that when we prioritize our passions and pursue our interests, we’ll have more energy and patience to share with others.
An “activity that
brings you joy”?
how do you start or find
Dr. Vermani breaks it down
into actionable steps:
Factor “joy” into the equation
of your life.
1
Connect through friends, family, your community, or social media. Try a few activities and find something that you enjoy.
3
Prioritize YOU
5
Join a hobby community.
What gets prioritized gets done! The way you manage to carve out time for work, family and helping others, do the same
for yourself.
Schedule it! Make it happen.
2
Set a goal
for yourself:
4
Whether your goal is to improve your fitness, expand your knowledge of the arts or learn a new skill, a goal provides the motivation to do something for yourself.
Presented by
from Women with Hobbies
from Women with Hobbies
Tips & Advice
from Women with Hobbies
REVVING PASSIONS
Based on Your Zodiac Sign
The Hobby You Should Try
read more
Join a Sports Club or Workout Class
Taurus
* Here, 30 gardening tips
to get you started.
Gardening
Ruled by Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, Taurus revels in the beautiful things. Gardening or floral arranging allows you to flex your aesthetic skills. And as an earth sign, you resonate with anything nature-based.
Crafts for
Adults
cooking
wellness
home & gardens
diy
Dinner Recipes
for Beginners
Hobbies for
Couples
Garden Trends
to Try
What gets prioritized gets done! The way you manage to carve out time for work, family and helping others, do the same
for yourself.
Prioritize YOU.
5
Whether your goal is to improve your fitness, expand your knowledge of the arts or learn a new skill, a goal provides the motivation to do something for yourself.
Set a goal
for yourself.
4
Connect through friends, family, your community, or social media. Try a few activities and find something that you enjoy.
Join a hobby community.
3
Schedule it! Make it happen.
2
Factor “joy”
into the
equation
of your life.
1
* Find a class that interests
you on Skillshare.
Ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, Geminis are experts at anything involving words. Creative writing is the perfect way to use your skill for language and expression—plus, Geminis love to learn new things.
Creative Writing
* Zog Sports, Meetup and Classpass are great places to look for teams or sample different fitness classes.
Gemini
* Start a club with some friends
or join a virtual one.
As an analytical (yes, some might say perfectionist) sign, Virgos love reading and writing, as well as the structure and tasks that go along with being a dedicated book club member. Deadlines and discussions? Pretty much a Virgo’s dream.
Book Club
* Take a photography course (or just start experimenting with your iPhone and some friends).
Creative, artistic, confident. Leos thrive when they’re expressing themselves, so embarking on a new pursuit like photography is right up your alley. And since Leos never shy away from the spotlight, sharing your photos on social media for all to admire is the natural next step.
Photography
* Here, 10—free—ways to refresh your home.
The homebodies of the zodiac, Cancers enjoy making their favorite place cozy and personal. Redecorating or taking on smaller domestic projects (think: new artwork or designing a tablescape) also tap into your love of hosting and caring for others.
Interior Decorating
virgo
leo
cancer
* Try an app like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone. Or take an online course.
“Wanderlust” is the word most often associated with the travel-obsessed Sag. And since they love to expand their horizons and learn new things, studying a language they can use during their next adventure is a no-brainer.
Learn a New Language
* 10 journal prompts to get you started.
Known for their intensity, Scorpios have a lot of feelings (many of which they keep to themselves). Journaling is a great outlet to release emotions and go deeper—something surface-level-hating Scorpios will appreciate.
Journaling
* YouTube has tons of how-to sewing videos or find a course near you.
With a love for luxury and the finer things in life, Libras are considered one of the best-dressed zodiac signs. Add in an eye for design and a knack for self-discipline and sewing one-of-a-kind creations is quite well-suited (pun intended).
Sewing
sagittarius
Scorpio
Libra
* Take an online course or an
in-person class with an instructor.
Ruled by Neptune, the planet of dreams and manifestation, Pisces are creative, spiritual and enjoy expressing themselves. Painting also allows you to retreat, translate your emotions to the page and enjoy the solitude.
Painting
* VolunteerMatch can help you find a cause close to your heart, or discover ways to volunteer virtually.
As the humanitarians of the zodiac, an Aquarius finds joy in helping others. Volunteering at a shelter or anything involving human rights, like arranging a protest, will bring you fulfillment and a sense of purpose.
Volunteering
* Try an app like Headspace or find a meditation class near you.
Known as workaholics, Capricorns could do with a hobby that allows them to relax and unplug. Meditating for a bit each day will help you feel calmer, more centered and take your mind off that to-do list for a change.
Meditation
Pisces
Aquarius
Capricorn
read more
Easy
Snacks
cooking
read more
Crafts If You’re
Not Crafty
Diy
read more
Feng Shui
home & gardens
read more
Indoor Activities
for Adults
wellness
“a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation.”
Presented by
"When it comes to my work-life, my Ford F-150 truck is a non-negotiable."
Improves mental health:
Engaging in activities we enjoy increases our quality of life by improving mood, lowering anxiety and enhancing self-esteem.
1
Reduces and helps manage stress: Reduced stress levels result in decreased cortisol levels, and support more positive moods. Positive moods increase self-esteem and lead to healthier relationships.
2
Enhances sleep habits:
The increased capacity to handle stress lowers our stress load, which facilitates relaxation and sets the stage for better sleep.
3
Improves productivity:
Anticipation of engaging in an activity we enjoy can help us breeze through mundane tasks, rather than feel overwhelmed by them.
4
of Having a Hobby
The Health Benefits
Tips for Turning Your Hobby Into a Side Hustle:
Network with other entrepreneurs.
6
Build a strong social media presence.
3
Use word-of-mouth to market yourself.
5
Focus on tasks
within that hobby that generate revenue.
2
Set goals.
4
Ensure your side business is something you enjoy.
1
55% of people would like to turn a hobby into a side hustle one day.
Study commissioned by Vistaprint
Study commissioned by VISAPRINT
Aries are determined, competitive and energetic. Join a sports team or club or sign up for a workout class to break a sweat, challenge yourself and learn something new.
Aries
You already read your horoscope for insight into your personality and day-to-day. Why not also look to the stars for inspiration into an activity that’ll suit your sign?
* Find a class that interests
you on Skillshare.
Ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, Geminis are experts at anything involving words. Creative writing is the perfect way to use your skill for language and expression—plus, Geminis love to learn new things.
Creative Writing
Gemini
* Here, 30 gardening tips
to get you started.
Ruled by Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, Taurus revels in the beautiful things. Gardening or floral arranging allows you to flex your aesthetic skills. And as an earth sign, you resonate with anything nature-based.
Gardening
Taurus
* Here, 10—free—ways to refresh your home.
The homebodies of the zodiac, Cancers enjoy making their favorite place cozy and personal. Redecorating or taking on smaller domestic projects (think: new artwork or designing a tablescape) also tap into your love of hosting and caring for others.
Interior Decorating
cancer
* Take a photography course (or just start experimenting with your iPhone and some friends).
Creative, artistic, confident. Leos thrive when they’re expressing themselves, so embarking on a new pursuit like photography is right up your alley. And since Leos never shy away from the spotlight, sharing your photos on social media for all to admire is the natural next step.
Photography
leo
* YouTube has tons of how-to sewing videos or find a course near you.
With a love for luxury and the finer things in life, Libras are considered one of the best-dressed zodiac signs. Add in an eye for design and a knack for self-discipline and sewing one-of-a-kind creations is quite well-suited (pun intended).
Sewing
Libra
* 10 journal prompts to get you started.
Known for their intensity, Scorpios have a lot of feelings (many of which they keep to themselves). Journaling is a great outlet to release emotions and go deeper—something surface-level-hating Scorpios will appreciate.
Journaling
Scorpio
* Try an app like Headspace or find a meditation class near you.
Known as workaholics, Capricorns could do with a hobby that allows them to relax and unplug. Meditating for a bit each day will help you feel calmer, more centered and take your mind off that to-do list for a change.
Meditation
Capricorn
* VolunteerMatch can help you find a cause close to your heart, or discover ways to volunteer virtually.
As the humanitarians of the zodiac, an Aquarius finds joy in helping others. Volunteering at a shelter or anything involving human rights, like arranging a protest, will bring you fulfillment and a sense of purpose.
Volunteering
Aquarius
read more
Dinner Recipes
for Beginners
cooking
read more
Crafts for
Adults
diy
read more
Feng Shui
home & gardens
read more
Indoor Activities
for Adults
wellness
@kimspradlinwolfe, Interior Designer
@smashingdiy, DIY Guru
“When you find something that you love, it ignites something into you. Woodworking is something I really, truly love and that drive just fuels my business—and it makes it successful.”
From safety, to space to hauling capability, this truck meets their needs—and then some—thanks to a host of smart features. Take the new available Pro Access Tailgate*, which has an integrated swing gate for quick and easy access to the bed (even when it’s hooked to a trailer); the available Power Tailgate, which makes dropping and closing the tailgate a lot easier; or the available Pro Power Onboard**, for electrical power at the ready thanks to multiple outlets in both the cab and the bed.
For Kim Wolfe and Ashley Basnight, every day is an adventure. Both women are fueled by their passions—successfully turning their unique skills and hobbies into careers they cherish. For Basnight, a love of carpentry drives her DIY and home design business, while Wolfe turned her hobby of antiquing into a full-fledged interior design career. But how, exactly, do they get it all done? That’s where the Ford F-150® truck comes in.
So whether Basnight is using the truck bed as a satellite woodworking space or Wolfe is moving building materials, furniture and artwork, the Ford F-150® truck helps tackle whatever their days throw at them. And when it comes to following in their footsteps, both of these passionate women have one major piece of advice: Just go for it. “When adventure calls, you just go and say yes and answer,” says Kim. “And you figure it out as you go.”
Learn More
"When it comes to my work-life, my Ford F-150 truck is a non-negotiable."
*Pro Access Tailgate available starting spring 2024.
**See Owner’s Manual for important operating instructions.