Do A Thing: The Ultimate SPY Guide to Learning a New Hobby

* Having a hobby is an important factor to maintaining your wellbeing
* Allows you to take time for yourself and gives you something to look forward to
* From photography to golf, find out how to get started now

Having a hobby is critical when it comes to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It gives you something to look forward to, and helps you blow off steam from the stress of the job you do to actually pay the bills. See below for our complete guide to starting a new hobby.

Calligraphy

More and more people are turning to creative outlets for relaxation and reflection. We’ve seen the increase in popularity of adult coloring books, but the ancient art form of calligraphy has always remained a favorite thanks to its versatility, beauty and affordability. Here are 9 essential items for learning calligraphy under $20.

Chess

Most experts believe that the modern game of chess originated in India between 280 and 550 CE, while a minority are convinced that the Chinese invented the two-player board game. While its true that the origins are up for debate, the version we play today is said to have been modified sometime around 1475.Since then, we’ve seen all kinds of variants spanning multiple genres. We picked the ten most challenging and fun versions of the classic game.

Exercise at Home

For many people, half the battle of getting that daily workout in is enduring the gym. Let’s be honest: unless you’re a true fitness geek, the gym isn’t a fun place. Sweaty, grunting (often intimidating) people, high prices, and the wait in traffic just to get there make motivating yourself to workout that much harder. Luckily there’s an easy, inexpensive alternative: at-home workouts. See below for the best workout equipment to get you started.

Floral Arranging

There are always plenty of reasons to entertain, and with spring coming up, there’s plenty of reasons for outdoor entertaining. While all the elements of a good party can always be outsourced, a personal touch makes any event that much more memorable, like the natural beauty of a fresh floral arrangement. Below, find 10 tools that will quickly and easily elevate your floral arranging skills far beyond a dozen tulips in a jar of water.

Golf

You don’t have to be a wealthy exec to enjoy golfing. Along with health and stress-relief benefits, golfing is great because it has a unique social aspect, and is a lifelong sport that won’t take a toll on your body. But what most people don’t realize is that you can start golfing without spending that much money.

Knitting

Fall is fast approaching, and there’s no better time to be curling up with your knitting needles. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just beginning to learn how to knit, picking out a new skein of yarn can make adults act like kids in a candy store. We’ve compiled a list of the best yarns available online. These 8 options include single colors, mixed colors and even knitting kits including dozens of skeins.

Kombucha

Known as the “Immortal Health Elixir” by the Chinese and originating in the Far East around 2,000 years ago, kombucha – a fermented beverage consisting of black tea and sugar – is rich in probiotics and antioxidants known to promote many health benefits for your gut, heart and brain. Find out how to make this drink yourself at home below.

Krav-Maga

Krav Maga is a self-defense fighting style that has exploded worldwide since its development in the 50s. By combining elements of boxing, wrestling, street fighting and Aikido, Krav Maga has made a name for itself as one of the most efficient, effective and easy to teach means of self-defense. Plus, its full-body physicality is an intense workout – making it a go-to for military forces, fitness geeks and Hollywood action stars alike. Find out how to get started below.

Meditation

Meditation is a spiritual approach to training the mind, similar to the way that fitness is an approach to training the body. Meditation dates back thousands of years and has been proven and backed by science to sharpen focus, lower blood pressure, relieve chronic pain and reduce stress. What better time to start a meditation practice than right now. Little is needed to get started, however, to help you along your journey, we have a found a few helpful items that can help you get started.

Mixology

Who knew learning could be so much fun? According to Foodie Dice, there are over 1.5 million potential combinations for drinks. That’s not to say there are that many cocktails in existence. While each die represents one of eight ingredients, each side of the die calls for a different variant. For instance, the spirit die calls for rum, tequila, gin, vodka, whiskey and brandy. You’ll a pro in no time.

Origami

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. It remains a rewarding and fascinating hobby for young and old alike, and has helped teach patience, accuracy and concentration. We found 9 essential items to help you get started on your origami journey with easy to read instruction manuals, perfectly cut and colorful paper, a fun fiction book for younger children and an organizer to store all your paper accessories.

Photography

If you’ve always wanted to be a photographer, we’ve rounded up some essentials for beginners to help you get started (other than a camera, of course). Beyond investing in a solid camera, a few extra gadgets are key to maintaining expensive equipment and improving your skills. Here, we’ve pulled together 8 camera accessories every amateur photographer needs to take their craft to the next level.

Photoshop

Even if you’re not a design professional, knowing Photoshop can help with basic advertising tasks, creating your own website, or enhancing family photos. And now, learning it is easier than ever thanks to these online courses. They save you a ton of time. And, at 15 dollars each, it’s the least expensive way to learn.

Piano

Most of us can’t truly enjoy these benefits and sounds because we don’t have grand pianos in our living rooms. Luckily, the piano has evolved to become accessible by common folk in the form of compact keyboards. They can be had for less than $50, and provide a great opportunity to learn the incredible instrument. Here’s five great picks to get you started.

Racquetball

If you’re new to the world of racquetball or are simply looking to bounce back into the game, check out these six racquets. It’s a great sport to try to up your fitness, especially in the colder months when you don’t want to be outdoors.

Vegan Cooking

Plant-based dishes open up a whole world full of delicious and healthy food. Many of these dishes will satisfy everyone, including meat eaters. Whether you’re motivated by the environment, political reasons, health benefits or just the pursuit of some great tasting food, pick up one of these cookbooks for a slightly less meaty existence. See below for our favorite vegan cookbooks to help you get started.

Watercoloring

So you’ve decided to take up watercoloring, but don’t know where to start. Don’t worry, we’ve already done the work, so you don’t have to. Everything from the basics to upgrades, we’ve picked all the supplies you need to start watercoloring.

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Water Workouts

Aqua fitness is a great way to stay cool while getting a low impact, but challenging workout. Water workouts improve cardio performance while strengthening and toning your body with resistance and support you can’t get on land. Frequently used as part of physical therapy rehabilitation, aqua fitness can benefit anyone at any age or ability level. You’ll need a few items to get started.  Here are a few of our picks.

Yoga

Starting a yoga practice can be intimidating. Walking into a studio full of bendy and twisty types is enough to make anyone hesitant. So why not ease into the world of yoga at home? Using your own equipment, clothes and an online course, you’ll learn the basics of this ancient form of exercise so that you won’t feel out of place during your next visit with the neighborhood yogi.