Since graduating college and surviving my first whole year working in the corporate world, I am more thankful now than ever for my hobbies. Even though I often stress now that my job takes up so much of my time that I "rarely" have time to focus on the things I love outside of work, I appreciate the fact that I have so many interests to provide me with a fulfilling life.

I was never a very coordinated person growing up; I was a fast runner but missed every shot I took on the soccer field. I was afraid of the ball so softball didn't work out. I was too shy to try out for the play every year at school. For me, I stumbled across almost all of my "hobbies" by happenstance and I can honestly say that I think those hobbies define me.

I began exercising in college because after years of running and attempting to starve myself to keep a lean physique, I picked up the weights and was hooked instantly. It's been almost 3 years since I ditched distance running and got into weightlifting and strength building. That is how I spend most of my free time. 5 days a week I hit the gym after work to let out any energy that was building up while I sat in my desk for 8 hours. This is my time for me to focus on bettering myself.

I also spend a good amount of my time surrounded my animals. My parents have been saving, rescuing, adopting, fostering - you name it - animals since before they met 26 years ago. This environment, as well as their extreme passion and dedication, has given me the same urge to change the lives of animals around me. I've fostered over 8 dogs that would have been euthanized, and found them incredible homes with loving families. I can't name many other things that make me feel so fulfilled.

No, I'm not getting paid to exercise or to rescue animals, but I am able to feel joy and contentment when I take control of my life and do things I love outside of work. It's easy to become complacent when you're so tired after a long day and want to just sit on the couch after work, until it's time to go to sleep, wake up, and do it all over again. But to ensure you are truly happy with your life to perform better at work, focus on things you love and care about whenever you can find the time.

Push your limits - I am not a very tech savvy person, but I just got a new digital camera for Christmas and I decided to use it to take up a new hobby. I am going to be making workout videos and creating a YouTube channel vlog to show others how they can get in shape with my experience and to record my own progress. This does take up a lot of my time, but it excites me every day and makes me happy! If I hadn't taken this up, I never would have known how much happier I could be in the few hours I have of my own time after work.

I see a lot of adults - like real adults with children and years in the working world under their belts - come into work day in and day out without any spark. A lot of people tend to let work take up all of their time and most of their thoughts. I encourage you - in time for this new year - to take priority of your family, personal life, hobby, whatever - over your job after you clock out. Spend time doing what you love with who you love. And don't feel guilty about it!

Want to start spending time on a new hobby but don't have one? Try out ANY of the following on your own time and see what brings you happiness:

• Draw
• Paint
• Sing
• Fly kites
• Run
• Weight-lift
• Ski
• Clean
• Visit wineries or breweries
• Cook
• Play an instrument
• Write songs
• Garden
• Sow
• Start a collection
• Knit
• Sing
• Work on cars
• Join a choir
• Play pool
• Take a class - pottery, dance, language, history, etc.
• Read
• Write
• Volunteer
• Model
• Go to concerts
• Go bowling
• Play sports
• Rescue animals
• Design
• Bird watch
• Take up photography
• Create YouTube videos
• Blog
• Vlog
• Walk
• Ice Skate
• Rock climb
• Study a new skill/subject
• Spend time with family/kids
• Practice makeup
• Join a club sport
• Play chess
• Get a pen-pal

What are your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time? Comment below!