When you have extra time or are trying to beat boredom, this list of fun, easy-to-start hobbies is worth trying this year if you need a little change in your life or you want to hone new skills.

You’re reading Open Questions, Joshua Rothman’s weekly column exploring what it means to be human. I like to talk, and, sometimes, when I find that I’m droning on and on, I rein myself in by ...