After a long week, it can be easy to just lay on the couch and waste the hours away with a sub-par TV series. However, there are plenty of other and considerably better ways to spend free time to help you stay mindful and relax out of work. One such option is a hobby.
Hobbies are a great way to learn new skills and work on our personal development. Analog hobbies have become a popular choice over the past few years, as we have all become so dependent on technology, downtime feels as stressful as the working day. These hobbies don’t require our favorite devices and often provide a much-needed distraction from the modern world.
Below are a variety of analog hobbies that everyone can enjoy.
1. Martial Arts
Martial Arts are a great way to boost your fitness, learn new skills and reach mental clarity. These ancient forms of fighting are incredibly good for a full-body workout while also giving you a sense of security that you’d be able to defend yourself if needed.
Fighting with like-minded others will also help improve your social life, with plenty of clubs offering social events as well as training.
2. Hiking
Taking to the mountains is the perfect way to spend a weekend. Whether you go alone or want to take your partner with you, there are plenty of benefits of getting some fresh air. Hiking is a great way to get exercise and see new places.
3. Model Car Kits
If you have a still hand and love taking on small projects, model car kits are a great way to pass the time. You can get kits requiring a different level of skill and build your way up to bigger and more expert kits. There’s nothing more satisfying than completing something and being able to sit back and inspect your handiwork after.
4. Distilling & Wine Making
If you have a passion for trying out new beers or wines and want to try your hand at making your own, distilling could be a great choice for you. Distilling is definitely a case for trial and error, but there are plenty of kits available to help you get started. The process can take a matter of weeks, but you could soon be drinking your very own beer or wine. How cool?
5. Learning A New Language
Those of us who are native English have it easy. Most other countries are required to study English during school, and as such, those that speak it fluently have no problem communicating with others while traveling. However, it’s always polite to have a few phrases under your belt if you’re planning on visiting a new place.
There are plenty of ways to learn a new language, with apps making it easier than ever. If you’ve always had an interest in a certain country or language, there’s no time like the present to start learning.
There are a huge number of ways to fill your time with projects and hobbies that benefit your mental and physical well-being. What’s stopping you from taking the plunge and trying something new?
Featured image: Daniel Tay/Free-Photos/Pinterest/How Stuff Works/Ivan Shilov.
