The healing power of outdoor hobbies: 5 to try
We are all guilty of spending far too much time indoors; working in our houses and offices and staying cooped up in our free time. Commitments are important and we get it, the UK is hardly the sunny California coast BUT there is no excuse for spending all your free time indoors.
Mental wellbeing has never been more important and taking up a new outdoor hobby (or focusing on an existing one!) is extremely valuable. Screen time is at an all time high so do yourself a favour and get outside!
Fresh air and being in nature is energising, healing and something everyone should incorporate into their everyday lives. So without further ado here are 5 hobbies to encourage you to get outdoors.
1.Walking/Hiking
Get a pair of waterproof trousers that zip off into shorts, a camel back and a couple of hiking guide books and get walking. Seriously hiking is a hobby for the mind, body and soul and can cost next to nothing. There are so many amazing hiking routes all over the UK for all fitness levels and abilities. Walk alone with your thoughts or with friends and feel the stress dissolved from your body.
2. Join a sports team
Amazing for fun, fitness and a great way to meet new friends. Playing an outdoor team sports combines excellent exercise, a social outlet and even improves your sleep. A hobby for the more active types that wants to combine getting outside with good healthy competition.
3. Bird watching
One for all the animal lovers. Bird watching keeps the mind active and healthy and can be an extremely fulfilling hobby. Truly connect with nature and calm the mind. Research has found that even watching a bird feeder for 10 minutes can benefit your psychological health and increase positive feelings - imagine what a bird watching day out could do!
4. Wild swimming
Wild swimming is essentially swimming in natural bodies of water - whether it be a lake, pond, river or the ocean. A great workout, a healthy dose of cold water and surprise surprise, an amazing stress reliever. There’s nothing like the wild swimming endorphin rush.
5. Mountain biking
One for the Adrenalin junkies that want something a bit more fast paced. Whether you want a lighter trail ride or some hard core downhill racing mountain biking, exercise your ENTIRE body as well as your mind and it is so much fun! Life is too short to not ride as fast as you can down a mountain (with appropriate protective gear!)
Taking up a hobby to get you outside is NEVER a bad idea. Look after your mind and body, have some fun and maybe even make some new friends.
I get it, it can be intimidating starting a new hobby on your own so let us help you out. Download Buddee and find a friend to do it with.
Hobbies are better with a Buddy.
