Commitments to work and family can make adults feel like they have little time for much else. But finding time to pursue hobbies can benefit men and women in various ways.

A form of escapism that can provide a much-needed respite from the hectic pace of daily life, hobbies can help men and women reduce stress by forcing them to focus on something other than the source of their stress. In addition, hobbies can be a great way to meet new people, an important benefit for working parents who may otherwise find it difficult to meet new people.

Finding a hobby may take some trial and error, as adults may find activities that once appealed to them no longer do, while other pursuits may require more time than men and women can reasonably devote. Consider the following:

Think back to childhood

A childhood passion may provide the perfect starting point as adults look for hobbies. For example, adults who enjoyed painting as children may find they still know their way around a canvas and palette.

Ask around

Adults who want to find a hobby to foster social connections can ask friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers to recommend activities. This can help men and women make connections in their communities and/or reconnect with friends or family members with whom they have fallen out of touch.

Think small

Because there is often some trial and error in finding a rewarding hobby, it makes sense to avoid making too big a commitment right off the bat. Before buying lots of expensive equipment or materials or making a large time commitment, give yourself some time to try a hobby on for size. The first activity you try might not necessarily take, and walking away won’t sting as much if you had not committed much time or money.

Coaching or mentoring

Athletes who still have a passion for their favorite sports but can no longer meet the physical demands such sports require can stay involved by coaching youth sports. The same can be said for professionals passionate about their work who choose to mentor. These activities might not be traditional hobbies, but they offer a great way for adults to pursue their passions on their own time.

Craft brewing

Brewing wine or beer at home can be a rewarding hobby. People can learn how to turn ingredients into flavorful alcoholic beverages, socialize with others who share the same interests and produce beverages that align with their individual tastes.

Anyone looking to jump into home brewing will find there are many resources at their disposal. Brew shops are now in many towns, and they can provide space, equipment and resources to help novice brewers get on track.

For those who find local resources are limited, brewing supplies and advice can be located in abundance online. Retailers such as Northern Brewer, for example, provide items that can be purchased a la carte or in specially designed beginner kits. As individuals become more experienced with brewing, they can vary the ingredients and experiment with their own flavors.

Metal detecting

Metal detecting can be a worthwhile hobby because it appeals to one’s sense of adventure while also serving as a form of exercise. In addition, metal detecting gets people outdoors, helps them learn about the environment and can serve as a lesson in history if artifacts are found.

Patience is key when metal detecting. Much of what beginners find is junk, but the more time people spend searching, the more likely they might find something amazing.

Coin collecting

Coin collecting dates back to ancient times and presents an interesting window into history. One does not have to be rich to collect coins. Many coin dealers sell coins for slightly higher than face value. Collector coins also can be purchased straight from the Mint. The United States Mint routinely offers commemorative items and other coins for collectors.