Whether it is the winter season and the darker skies and colder temperatures are getting you down, or you just feel anxious every day, and you are not sure why, then it might be time to get a new hobby. Doing something new and occupying your mind can help you to feel great and get a better outlook on life.

That is because it is important for us to play and take our minds off of things. Many people do that by practicing yoga or meditation, but there are some other unique hobbies that you may not have thought of before. Let’s talk about some new hobbies you can try and how they will help your overall holistic Health.

1. Metal Detecting

If you like the idea of going to the beach, but you aren’t thrilled about just sitting and staring at the sea, then consider picking up a metal detector and trying some treasure hunting. You can find a new or used detector for a good price either online, at a flea market, or at a hardware store. There is something very calming about it being just you and the beach as you walk along the shore and try to find a big discovery under the sand. Some people even use Metal Detecting as a way of getting over PTSD due to the fact that you are focused on the beach and not your problems.

Metal detecting has other great benefits as well. With all the walking and activity you will be getting, you will also feel better physically. Plus, you can expand your mind because metal detecting can help you to learn about other subjects. For instance, learning geology will help you to understand the different surfaces you will walk upon, and understanding meteorology can help you to determine what clothing to wear and how long you will get to search for treasure before the weather forces you to return inside.

2. Horseback Riding

Another very therapeutic activity is Horseback Riding. Think about how you and the horse become one and about all of the new things and amazing sights you will behold on your journeys. Horseback riding also requires great focus, so you will be fixated on your adventure and less on your problems at home. Riding a horse also helps you to get physically strong since you will need to stand up, get on the horse, and keep your core engaged as you ride.

If you love horseback riding, but you also have to deal with cold winters, then all is not lost. You can still have that sense of adventure and maintain your physical health in the off-season by exercising every morning with specific routines. For instance, burpees will exercise your entire body so you are ready to ride as soon as spring approaches. Pull-ups are also good for building your endurance. Mix up your routines, and you’ll stay in good shape.

3. Scrapbooking

If you are looking for a more mellow way of exercising your mind, then consider starting a scrapbook. This is a great hobby because it works your creative muscles as you come up with new page ideas and decorations, and it is also a great way of fondly remembering all of your great memories from the past. It is another way to stay positive and avoid the anxieties that many of us face every day. Create a new scrapbook for every big life event or one for each family member, and you‘ll have a great time reliving the past.

4. Rafting/Kayaking

When you think about ways to relax your mind and soul, going rafting or kayaking on a raging river is probably not what first comes to mind, but both activities could do wonders for your overall health. The biggest perk is that you are spending time outdoors, surrounded by water and forest, and when you are around constant greenery, you feel like you are a part of nature, and your body releases endorphins, which make you happy.

Water sports are also good for your overall physical strength since they require your body to be strong in order to row the craft through the water. This constant and positive activity can also make for a strong heart. Many people even go power boating when they need a pick-me-up because the thrill of going fast makes us all feel alive.

5. Home Brewing

If you are looking for something completely different and you also enjoy beer and other alcoholic drinks, then consider the art of home brewing. You have to add the right ingredients and have the proper consistency to make beer taste as it should, and all of the work you put in will keep your mind working and improve your mental health in the process. Also, just like gardening or building crafts, the feeling of creating something amazing from a few seeds and ingredients is incredibly fulfilling, and the sense of accomplishment will do wonders for your ego.

As you can see, there are several different unique hobbies that you can try today in order to feel good mentally and physically. Consider these tips or find something else that you enjoy, and you’ll see a real difference in your health and wellness.

Photo Credit

Photo by Elena Kloppenburg on Unsplash

Guest Author Bio
Jori Hamilton

Jori Hamilton is a writer and journalist from the Pacific Northwest who covers social justice issues, healthcare, and politics. You can follow her work on twitter @HamiltonJori, and through her portfolio at Writer Jori Hamilton.