Your free time should be filled with activities that enrich your physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Steer away from easy entertainment or eating out, as it will be a quick fix that won’t promote long-term healthy living. Engage in activities that are aerobic, altruistic, therapeutic and will support a greater quality of life. Here is a list of five hobbies that will keep you happy and healthy:
Hiking
Explore the great outdoors and get in some cardio exercise, simultaneously. Hiking is a wonderful workout that will target your stamina and will thoroughly exercise your core muscles. Time spent in nature will help relieve the daily stresses and provide a serene environment. If you live in the city, don’t despair–you can find interurban hikes or scenic trails for your enjoyment. Join the American Hiking Society for a community of hikers and unlimited hiking and trail navigation resources.
Indoor Cycling
Get your sweat on and strengthen your athletic abilities through an indoor cycling class. Cycling is one of the best cardio exercises–compared with running, it is easier on your knees, ankles and your back. This low impact exercise has the physical benefits of cardiovascular exercise and will result in increased muscle endurance. In a 45-minute class, individuals can burn between 400 and 600 calories. If you aren’t part of a gym, see if there is a 24 Hour Fitness in your area. This workout facility offers a multitude of classes, including indoor cycling, and also has available childcare services for their members.
Volunteer
Volunteer work will reward your mind and your soul. It will help you engage with your community and appreciate your role within it. Check with your child’s school about potential volunteer opportunities. Schools are always in need of reading helpers that can help students who are in a remedial academic category. Your assistance can inspire and guide this student toward greater confidence and increased motivation. You can also volunteer for your local hospital, food bank, homeless shelter, or animal rescue shelter.
Daily Recipe Challenge
Find a healthy cookbook that inspires you and choose a test recipe you can make on a weekly or daily basis. This hobby will expose you to new dishes that will provide ample nourishment for you and your family. It is also a fun way you can experiment with recipes and push your culinary boundaries. Healthy cookbooks like “Giada’s Feel Good Food, Feed Yourself, Feed Your Family” and “Clean Eating Made Simple” will provide you with a fun guide of meals you can make. This hobby is both fun and practical, as it will help you sharpen your cooking skills and provide meals for your family.
Farmers Market
Farmers Markets are more than just a quaint, outdoor shopping area. They provide an opportunity for consumer and grower connection. At the market you can meet with the farmers who grow your food and talk about the responsible practices they use. You can learn from the farmers which organic fruits and vegetables are in season and how they are best prepared. The farmers market can be the place where you explore and indulge in the fresh baked goods, produce samples and floral bouquets. This hobby can also become part of your grocery shopping routine, as you will find the safest, tastiest, local food at the farmers market for your family.
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the above article. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
I have accepted the impermanence of everything. this has granted me a greater appreciation for what I have and helped me ward off any temporary negativity.
2. What have you learn to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate?
I am learning to appreciate and listen to my body. I am trying to be more patient with it and fully understand its idiosyncrasies.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What makes YOU most proud? What goals and dreams do you still have?
I love mentoring and supporting others. I am excited and proud to begin my career as a teacher.
4. We all have imperfections, so we think. The truth–we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? What imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
I have an affinity for design, but can sometimes get too wrapped up with the aesthetics.
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well… YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (we assure you!) Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I Love My… heart, humor and keen sense of adventure.
