Everyone should have some healthy hobbies that bring them a sense of joy. They make us individually unique while also connecting us to others with the same interests. They provide us time to ourselves to broaden our knowledge and expand the depths of who we are.

The healthy hobbies I list here are either free or require very little tools to start. There’s no reason to go spend a fortune on supplies when you’re not sure if you’re going to like it. Start small so that you don’t have to go full speed into any of these by acquiring a bunch of stuff or rearranging your living space.

ideas for healthy hobbies

yoga

Elevate your mental and physical health all at the same time by adding 1 or 2 yoga sessions to your weekly routine. I promise you the effects will be life changing if you stick with it. Physical advantages include improved cardiovascular and respiratory health, decreased chronic pain, enhanced cognitive function and a more regulated digestive system.

Yoga increases the flexibility in your spine and cultivates better muscle strength and endurance. It is particularly great for depression, stress and anxiety. Researchers have proven that yoga is a better solution for these ailments than physical exercise. It is really just a fantastic way to slow down for a second to become better acquainted with yourself.

I highly recommended Yoga With Adrienne on Youtube if you don’t know where to begin or don’t want to splurge on a yoga studio. She has an incredible library of videos that will have one thats relates to you. And its free!

meditation

It can be done anywhere. Let go of the notion that it must be done in a quiet oasis while sitting criss-cross. I recommend sticking with it for a little while before crossing it off as ineffective. Just like anything else you are not going to be “good” at it at first. You’ll probably be distracted or it may be difficult to find a comfortable position. Trust the process because every time you do it your body will get stronger where necessary and you will find that it is easier to calm your mind.

Start with 5 minute sessions and increase to more over time. Use a streaming service like Spotify or Youtube to find a session where someone will guide you through with mental prompts and breathing techniques. It’s a great way to start or end your day.

reading

Perfect activity for a rainy day inside or a sunny day at the beach. You can even do it while you’re driving! (I mean audiobooks of course). Reading is an entertaining way to improve your literacy and ability to concentrate and focus. I love discovering that I’ve read the same book as someone else. It’s fun to swap experiences of how you felt about the text.

exercise the brain, expand your knowledge, decrease stress

If you’ve tried in the past and couldn’t make it through a book I encourage you to try again. Maybe it was the book you had or the location you were in (I find that reading in bed just makes me sleepy). Try starting or joining a book club for extra motivation to get to the ending.

hiking

I am a huge proponent for anything that gets you outside. The sounds and smells of nature can be quite captivating and peaceful. Not to mention it is great for your cardiovascular and respiratory health. Hiking is another fantastic way to exercise your body and mind at the same time. I also love that it is something that can be done independently or socially. I’ve gone hiking by myself and with others and I feel that both styles serve the soul in their own way.

All Trails is a free app that shows you what trails are near you and includes reviews from people that have trekked the walk before. It will also show the difficulty rating of the trail so that you can choose one that is within your abilities. I recommend a good pair of shoes and to always bring water.

Strava is an awesome social media app that specifically exists for posting about any physical activity. You can share the trail you hiked and post photos from the trek. I find the app inspiring and motivational.

art

There are so many activities that fall within the umbrella of “art”. You are bound to find one that piques your interest. It doesn’t have to be drawing or painting and you definitely don’t need to be good at any of it when you start. Maybe it’s photography or making jewelry or knitting – the possibilities are endless. Don’t be discouraged by your abilities in the beginning. Everyone starts somewhere. Feel confident that with time and patience you will see your artistic abilities blossom into whatever they are supposed to be.

The hardest part of art is letting go the worries you have about what other people are going to think. Release the judgement of something you make being “bad” or “good” and just create for the sake of creating. Artistic freedom is hard to achieve but it will help you enjoy your work because it’s a product of yourself, not something guided by the thoughts of others.

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