Awkward. On the one hand,you can be sure that people you work with are loyal to you and they share the common goal

I am quite new to it
To take up a hobby = to start a hobby

• 
  Past Simple
  

I started painting years ago
I decided to have a go at painting
I decided to try my hand at painting
To have a go at something = to try something new
To try my hand at something = to try something new

• 
  Present Perfect Continuous
  

I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember 
I’ve been painting for donkey’s years
For donkey’s years = for a long time


The Benefits of Having Hobbies
There are many benefits to having a hobby.
These commonly include that it lets you relax, stay healthy or socialise. 
Here are some useful verbs meaning to relax

• 
  To unwind 
  
• 
  To chill out
  
• 
  To disconnect
  
• 
  To kickback
  
• 
  To let your hair down 
  

Here are some useful verbs meaning to stay healthy

• 
  To get into shape
  
• 
  To stay in shape
  
• 
  To keep healthy 
  
• 
  To get fit 
  

Here are some useful verbs meaning to socialise

• 
  To hang out with friends
  
• 
  To chill out with friends
  
• 
  To be with family
  
• 
  To meet up with friends 
  

Here are some templates you can use to describe these benefits 

• 
  It helps me _______
  
• 
  It just helps me _______
  
• 
  I find that it helps me _____
  
• 
  It allows me to (just) _____
  

It helps me unwind
It just helps me kick back
I find that it helps me stay in shape
It allows me to meet up with friends

• 
  It’s a nice way to _______
  
• 
  It’s a great way to ________
  

It’s a nice way to socialise 
It’s a great way to get close to nature
Finally, here are some more great expressions to talk about the relaxing benefits of having a hobby
It has a calming effect 
It’s really therapeutic 
It’s a great stress buster 
So, now you can talk confidently about your hobby, how often you do it, as well as describing the benefits.
Now it’s your turn, leave a comment below and tell me about your hobby!
Part 2
Well, there are a number of activities which I love to do when I have free time. For instance, working in the kitchen garden of my home, reading a book, cleaning my bedroom, surfing the internet, watching a movie on television and so on. But here I would like to talk about an activity which I do commonly when I have free time at my house and that is cooking.
I love to cook food for myself as well as for my loving family. My mother has great culinary skills and I have learned cooking from her. When I feel bored due to loneliness, then I go to the kitchen trying to prepare new dishes. To be honest, I do not like to have food from a food corner situated in any market because I know very well that many times food has prepared in the unhygienic conditions which harm to anyone. So, I make food in my home’s kitchen.
I like to try a variety of recipes. For instance, I can bake a cake of any flavor, Chinese food, Italian food, Dhokla, Punjabi dishes like Daal Makhani and so on. Moreover, sometimes I cook special dishes for my family members as per their choice and give a surprise to them. They feel immensely glad when they see their favorite food items.
I remember that about a couple of weeks ago, I was alone at home and other family members went outside due to work or study. I had a holiday on that day. I felt bored. Then, I went into the kitchen and started preparations to cook a healthy dish. I decided to make a special dish named “Gajar Ka Halwa” which is my mom’s favorite dish. I cooked it with milk, sugar, butter, carrots, and dry fruits.
when I had cooked it, I tasted it. It was mouthwatering. When my mother came back home, I showed it to her. She ate it and felt highly elated. For this, she kissed me. I felt on the ninth cloud at that time because a smile on her face made my day. So, I like to cook food whenever I have some leisure time.