Research supports that regular leisure activities can reduce blood pressure, cortisol, or stress levels and even decrease your BMI. Leisure activities can include different hobbies that challenge you, excite you, and may even make you sweat a little.
In addition, hobbies can help you make money, increase your home value, allow you to serve others, and even improve your mindfulness. Mindfulness helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, cope with stress, and reduce worry.
This list of hobbies can help you figure out what you are passionate about and how you would like to spend your spare time. Number 26 is an epic hobby you will not want to skip over!
List of Hobbies
- Painting Furniture
Painting furniture is a growing trend and a side hustle for many people. It is a popular hobby and a potentially profitable one as well. Check your local selling markets, such as Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up, eBay Local, etc., to see if the market is saturated or if there is room for you to profit from your hobby.
- Art Projects
Creating art looks different for everyone, but enjoying the process and the final piece is an essential part of it. For example, painting, coloring, drawing, creating wreaths, making cards, etc.
- Make Cards
Purchase yourself a Cricut tool to up your card-making game. You can create unique designs and cutouts and add vinyl letters, pictures, and more. You can also go old school and use stamps, trace designs, and paint designs on them.
- Paint By Numbers
You can purchase canvases with numbers on them where you use them as a guide to paint a picture of your choosing.
Related: How to make paint by numbers look better
- Adult Coloring Books
These may sound childlike, but I promise they can be very therapeutic and allow you to focus on the present moment.
- Water Aerobics
Water aerobics may only sound appealing to specific individuals, but not every hobby is meant to suit every demographic. Working out in the water takes a strain off your joints if you are prone to joint pain or muscle soreness. It is also a great way to stay cool while you are burning calories, boosting your serotonin, and it’s an opportunity to make some new friends.
- Try New Gyms
You can try different gyms by signing up for their trial promotions or purchasing a Class Pass membership. Class pass is similar to Groupon in that you can try other local gyms and studios to find a workout that is right for you. So if you get bored lifting weights, walking on the treadmill, or stretching your heart out in yoga class, there is a wide variety for you.
Changing up your workout and even your environment every so often can help you stay motivated if this is something you struggle with but want to exercise regularly.
- Learn A New Skill
You can go in person to workshops or online and learn new skills such as woodworking, sewing, painting, cooking, and more.
- Go to Conventions
Attending conventions can be thrilling if you have found a hobby you enjoy or are looking to learn more about potential hobbies. Checking conventions can help you get the information you are looking for and see what may interest you. In addition, you can speak to many experts about their experiences, what they love about what they do, and further resources they may have for you.
- Join A Sports Team
No matter your age or sporting preference, there is a team for you—co-ed softball, rugby, soccer, women’s football, you name it. You can join a team; the experience levels range from total newbie to ex-professional players. So do not worry about your skill level or lack thereof; just go out and have fun!
- Take a Course
You can take a nutrition course or obtain your training certification. You can obtain a certificate that can be useful for your health, and you can help others. Get a technology certification, marketing, business, and learn to improve your confidence or negotiation skills.
- Rock Climbing
Find a local rock climbing place, or some gyms have rock climbing walls you can try.
- Scuba Diving
You can take scuba diving lessons or become certified to do more diving on your own. Of course, starting you must go with a professional diver for safety reasons, but you can see the earth seaside. The incredible sensation of swimming with all the fish and ocean life can give you something to look forward to every week or every few weeks.
- Surfing
Surfing is challenging physically, but it is beneficial for your health physically and mentally. Starting with doing it for even 30 minutes at a time can allow you to reap the benefits of exercising without your typical gym and weight setting.
- Make Bread
You can purchase sourdough kits and make your own healthier versions. Look for a local cooking class to see when their next bread-making class is. You can also purchase a bread maker that you can use at home to bake your loaf of bread. This hobby has many benefits, including saving you money on your grocery bill.
- Serve The Community
Many individuals need help in the community, ranging from childcare to having someone to listen to them or cooking them a meal. Find local organizations that need help or go online and see if there are events you can attend to help those in need. This hobby can be enriching and assist you and others feel good.
- Volunteer At a Church
Similar to serving in your community, this can be a rewarding hobby if you have a church or religious affiliation that could use some extra help. You just don’t know whose life you may impact and dramatically change!
- Thrifting
Check out your local thrift store and look for clothes that could be washed and worn or given to someone in need. In addition, you can find some gently used electronics, vacuums, furniture, toys, and more at thrift stores.
Thrifting is a profitable business if you want to make it this way. You can purchase items at a thrift store and sell them online on eBay, Offer Up, Marketplace, or even at local flea markets.
- Dumpster Diving
Dumpster diving is a dirtier hobby, but some people come out finding lovely items. Dumpster diving is similar to thrifting except in a dumpster, and it’s free. Behind stores, you can find free food, makeup, and other items in the dumpsters.
- Volunteer For a Hotline
You can volunteer at hotlines and crisis centers to be a voice when someone calls and needs someone to talk to.
- Knitting, Sewing, or Crocheting
Making your clothes, pillows, curtains, and scarves can be something fun to learn. It can also help you add new additions to your wardrobe and allow you to customize your attire perfectly to your style.
- Take Dance Classes
Join a dance group or class and learn a variety of dances with a group or do personalized lessons with an instructor.
- Learn How to Play An Instrument
You can be self-taught, watch videos or courses online, or attend lessons. Singing can be fun and calming; you can join an acapella, choir, or show choir. So whether it’s guitar, cello, or using your voice to make music, there are many ways to learn this new hobby.
- IronMan Triathlons
Join the club and compete to be an ironman athlete competing in swimming, biking, and running. There are ironman programs and training available if you want to strengthen your skills or if you are figuring out where to start.
- Weight Lifting
Despite previous misconceptions, weightlifting is great for men and women, regardless of your fitness aspirations. If you are inexperienced, you can join a CrossFit gym or a gym with CrossFit classes to learn how to weight lift or to learn CrossFit workouts.
Watch a youtube video if you want to learn exercises that focus on specific body parts or at-home workouts. Whatever your preference is, there is a community that you can be a part of when you choose to start.
- DIY Home Renovations
We have all seen the home renovations on HGTV, but there are also people like you and me who are renovating their houses one project at a time. In addition, a community of stay-at-home moms does DIY renovations during their children’s nap time, making their house a prestigious home.
- Gardening
There is a growing community of people wanting to grow their food. There is something about seeing the process of these plants growing, taking care of them, and eating fresh foods from your yard that is so rewarding.
Related: DIY glow-in-the-dark pathway
- Kayaking
Rent a kayak or purchase a used one locally from someone and paddle your way down a river or through the ocean.
- Hiking
Walking and hiking are underrated forms of exercise that are often overlooked but are very beneficial for your health. Walking can lower blood pressure, decrease waist circumference and reduce depression symptoms. (Hanson & Jones, 2015)
- Bird Watching
Purchase bird books and sit somewhere near a forest or a park where there are a variety of birds. Watch online video streams of birds from around the world residing in their natural habitats.
- Traveling
You could pack up all of your belongings, sell your home and travel out of an RV or converted sprinter van like many have chosen to do. However, you can travel on a budget staying in hotels or camping in a tent.
- Horseback Riding
You can learn many different ways to ride a horse in English or Western, whichever is your style. For example, dressage, show jumping, hunting, or just going trail riding for fun.
- Become A Foodie
Try different restaurants and share your opinion about them. Scope out new restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to try their latest gourmet meal or mixed drink.
- Join A Book Club
Find groups online or check out your local library for any book clubs starting. If you can’t find one, pick a book genre and create your book club.
- Epoxy Art
Epoxy art is similar to the above hobbies but is done with epoxy, a mixture that becomes solid once cured. It is used on cups, canvas, tables, and even floors.
- Rice Art
Dye pieces of rice and put them on board, toss the rice up in the air, and video it. You can learn how to make patterns and different shapes and check out videos on Tiktok or Youtube.
- Tie-die
Tie-dye shirts, bags, hats, and even shoes. Look up inspirations online and watch tutorials to tie dye everything in your life.
- Vlogging
Video your life experiences or travel experiences, where you stayed, restaurants you recommend, etc.
- Dog Walking
You can pet sit for friends or join an app where you are hired to walk other people’s dogs for them. Exercise for you and some furry friends, plus it can make your day getting to play with these dogs!
- Rollerskating
Rollerskating in a rink, in the streets, or a skatepark may take you back to your childhood.
- Doing Puzzles
Challenge your mind with sudoku or a box with a 1,000-piece puzzle to challenge yourself.
- Fishing
“Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.”
- Henry David Thoreau. Fish for dinner or for fun, but being one with your fishing pole and nature or with a group of friends can be the outing you need to reset your energy for the week.
- Creative Writing
Become a journalist, blogger, or write unique non-fiction stories giving readers an epic tale to dive into.
- Learn A New Language
Improve your communication with people who speak Spanish, Mandarin, or Portuguese by learning to say them. Start with an app or audiobook that teaches you how to pronounce smaller words, and eventually, you will increase your fluency.
- Sky Diving
Although it is risky and probably not something you do once a week, once a year may be enough! Of course, you can also go indoor sky diving if you want a safer alternative while enjoying some of the thrills.
- Party Planning
Party or Wedding Planning is a lot of work, and this could be a potential side hustle for you. However, if you have a keen eye, are creative, and are willing to be told “no” a few times and keep going, this may be your next fulfilling hobby/business.
- Study The Stars
Buy a telescope and look at the stars every night, get a book or look online for constellation patterns and see what is in the dark sky.
- Investing
If you want to get your feet wet and start small, there are user-friendly accounts like Acorn or Stash that you can invest in to grow your portfolio. They only require a minimum deposit of $5 to get started, and you can be on your way to making thousands of dollars over time.
If you dream of real estate investing but don’t have the capital, invest with a friend. If that’s not your style, then you could invest in a REIT. A REIT is a real estate investment trust that is an organized trust whose shares are publicly traded.
- Wine Connoisseur
Visit different vineyards and even make your wine from time to time. Although wine is stated to have health benefits, this is only “beneficial” in minimal amounts of consumption and with wines without a ton of additives.
- Meditating
Although this is a healthy habit, it is best done often and consistently.
Sun gazing is a form of meditation where you stare into the sun. However, it’s normal not to feel okay with this; instead, you can stare off into the distance, so the sun hits your eyes, giving you energy. This way you are not staring directly at it, just looking below it so that your body and eyes get the benefit without having trouble seeing.
Mindfulness meditation is another form of meditation that can do anywhere. However, it is best if done in a serene environment sitting or lying down. It is done by focusing on your breathing and the present moment, helping you get relief from anxiety and depression.
Conclusion
Hobbies can make you robust and can be rewarding financially by serving others with your skills. Hobbies can be for fun or become a small business depending on your goals.
References:
Hanson, S., & Jones, A. (2015). Is there evidence that walking groups have health benefits? A systematic review and meta-analysis. British journal of sports medicine, 49(11), 710–715. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2014-094157
This post originally appeared on Hello Sensible by Megan Santiago.
Leave a Reply