To achieve a life-balance, people apart from work or home routine duties spend their time,as much of it possible, on hobbies or activities they like most. It is a commonly held view that a hobby should be challenging to make people happy while doing this. However, I believe that the level of difficulty of the hobbies is not of such importance as a real interest in and a true involvement of a hobby performer to enjoy it fully.
To begin with, the purposes of hobbies may vary individually. It is true that some people, even, during their leisure time want challenge themselves crossing their limitations and checking themselves. For example, they would do this by climbing the most dangerous and highest mountains or practicing other risky sports. Through this they strengthen their character and when the aim is gained it brings them a great feeling of satisfaction and pleasure. They cannot imagine their pastime to be mundane or calm. Interestingly, it is also characteristic for people performing rather monotonous jobs during the week like accountant or secretary. Thus, they spend their weekends or longer holidays doing something totally different, new and more difficult and breaking down their routine. On the other hand, there are people who cannot stay stagnant, whether working or resting. Simply, it lies in their character. For instance, a doctor within his hospital schedule and a traveler - discover on mission in Antarctica or car-racer, while on holiday. I had even known one person, exactly, of this type. He was a surgeon and during his holiday climbed and once he saved the life of his colleague performing an operation on his leg, in freezing conditions at the top of the mountain. Another time he won the Camel Trophy, driving and performing many hazardous tasks in harsh regions.
However, there are hobbies, which give people a lot of entertainment, without such a risk. For instance, reading a book, listening to a preferable piece of music at home or during concerts it is worthy doing, as well. Taking my own examples, I like gardening, spending a lot time in nature -climbing or just walking through the forest, picking mushrooms, admiring plants, watching birds, meditating at the top and tanning. Additionally, art collection of fine pieces like religious pictures(in style of Russian icons)or landscapes(in the impressionism style)is my favourite hobby that give me so much joy, while watching it. The only one difficulty, downside I found about it - high prices of real masterpieces. So, I have to be happy owning some good replicas or copies of great masters.
In conclusion, a hobby is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to enjoy and to develop themselves. While some people prefer doing something more challenging satisfying them it is not obligatory to have a difficult hobby, but rather an interesting and occupying one to take a great pleasure in.