There’s no better time than January to start a new hobby for the year ahead. Doing so gives you a fun goal to work toward; plus, taking up a hobby can even improve your well-being. Research has shown that engaging in leisurely activities can help better your mood and reduce stress—something that everyone can benefit from in the midst of winter.

If you’re feeling inspired to pick up a hobby but don’t know where to begin, there are plenty of ideas to run with.

For those who are active:

Hitting the gym isn’t the only option for people who like to exercise. There are many other ways to be more active this year.

•   Winter sports
  If winter is cold where you live, why not take advantage of the weather instead of fighting against it? You could sign up for skiing or snowboarding lessons, go to an ice rink during public skating hours, or invest in gear for cold-weather cross-country running.

•   Hiking
  If you want to get a workout in while also experiencing some breathtaking views, hiking is the way to go. Find a park or trail near you, and get ready for peace and quiet with beautiful scenery. You could even gather your active friends and make it a social outing.

•   Camping
  Look into campgrounds in your area or even nearby national parks if you’re aiming to get outside more this year. Pack up camping gear, recruit some friends, hike, cook over a fire, and lay out under the stars. If you’re new to camping and want to ease yourself into it, try camping out in your backyard.

For the creative types:

Maybe you already enjoy doodling or journaling in your free time, but you could consider harnessing your creativity by taking up a more unique artistic hobby.

•   Calligraphy
  This intricate style of lettering will allow you to slow down and focus while creating beautiful, handwritten art that can be used for wedding invitations, gifts, decor, etc. There are many resources available to help you get started, including online tutorials and worksheets.

•   Pottery
  Pottery is an art form that requires patience and skill, but it can also be incredibly satisfying to see the final product and know that you made it from scratch. Consider trying a beginner’s class to find out if pottery is the right hobby for you. Before you know it, your kitchen cabinet could be filled with your own homemade mugs, plates, bowls, and everything in between.

•   Home improvements
  Your home can make for a great outlet for your creativity. If you have old furniture that needs an upgrade, consider updating those pieces DIY-style. Give your bedroom a brand-new look by trying your hand at these headboard upgrades, transform the look of your home by painting a surface or two, or make simple changes by organizing and rearranging.

For the foodies:

Of course, looking up new recipes and trying them at home is always an option, but there are many other exciting ways to embrace your passion for the culinary arts.

•   Start a food-related club
  Do you have a lot of foodie friends? Get a group together and set up regular meetings, maybe once or twice a month, that are completely dedicated to food. The meetings can have themes (such as “cheese” or “bread”) and function as potlucks. Every foodie can bring his or her own dish to the meeting, and you can swap recipes with other club members.

•   Be your own bartender
  Try your hand at coming up with a signature drink by experimenting with different flavors and combinations right in your own kitchen. Or simply try perfecting cocktail recipes you’ve always wanted to master. The next time you’re hosting family or friends, serve your creations and wow the crowd! Here are a few classic cocktail recipes to get you started.

•   Become a food critic
  You don’t need an official title to challenge yourself to take a more critical approach when dining out. Choose menu options you wouldn’t normally go for or try the specials, and then write about the experience on a personal blog. Even if the only readers are your parents, it could be a great outlet for your creativity.

For the knowledge seekers:

Just because you may be years out of school doesn’t mean your zest for learning went away. There are many ways you can continue to expand your knowledge.

•   Start a book club
  Winter is the perfect time to gather a group of like-minded literary friends looking to learn more about a certain topic—so start a book club! Whether you are interested in history, a particular author, or want to spark a good discussion, a book club is the perfect way to keep your brain churning. Select the books together, and plan on monthly meetings to discuss your opinions.

•   Learn a language
  Maybe you lost your Spanish skills from high school and want to brush up, maybe you’d like to learn the language of your ancestors, or maybe you want to learn the language of a foreign country you’re planning to visit this year. Whatever the case may be, choose one that you’re interested in. Invest in books, download a language learning app, or enroll in an online program to get started.