WHY ACTIVE HOBBIES MATTER FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH
This past weekend, I roller skated with a girlfriend, did a jump rope routine with another girlfriend, and took a pickleball class with 3 other friends. I had so much fun, and it got me thinking about how important Active Hobbies are.
Active Hobbies are physical activities that you choose to do in your free time because they are fun. They are a powerful tool for mental and physical well-being. And the science agrees…
Studies show that Active Hobbies are linked to:
Lower rates of depression and anxiety
Lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes
Improved brain health and cognition
Increased longevity and life satisfaction
SOLD ON THE BENEFITS?
HERE’S HOW TO START…
1. Pick what sounds fun, not like a chore.
– Love music? Try dance.
– Love nature? Try walks or hikes.
– Love socializing? Try classes.
2. Start small.
– Even 15 minutes of movement is a legit way to begin.
3. Make it social or playful.
– Walk while calling a friend.
– Join a local walking club or dance class.
– Try something you enjoyed as a kid.
4. Track your feelings.
– After the activity, ask: Do I feel better mentally and/or physically? When you pay attention to how good you feel, it makes it more likely you’ll keep doing it!
ACTIVE HOBBY IDEAS: Solo & Social
✅ SOLO ACTIVE HOBBIES
These boost self-awareness, stress relief, and creativity.
- Nature walks or hiking
- Gardening or planting herbs
- Jump rope
- Solo dance breaks (5-minute dance parties!)
- Paddleboarding or kayaking
- Yoga or tai chi
- Roller skating or biking
- Rock climbing (indoor)
- Learning martial arts or boxing drills
- Doing a walking meditation or podcast stroll
- Practicing a sport skill (shoot hoops, tennis wall practice)
These add social connection, which amplifies the benefits.
- Jump rope or roller skating with friends
- Pickleball or tennis
- Group fitness classes (dance, kickboxing, yoga)
- Recreational leagues (volleyball, softball, soccer)
- Walk & talk phone catch-ups
- Team scavenger hunts
- Group hikes or urban stair walks
- Bike rides to a coffee shop or picnic
- Dance classes (zumba, salsa, hip hop, line dancing)
- Fitness challenges (like trying 10,000 steps/day together)
Truth: Age doesn’t disqualify you, it just changes how you warm up, recover, and adapt.
Reframe: Plenty of research shows that movement helps preserve muscle, balance, and cognitive function as we age. In fact, staying active is even more important as we age.
❌ 2. “I’m not sporty or athletic.”
Truth: You don’t need skills or coordination, you just need curiosity.
Reframe: Movement isn’t about competition. It’s about joy, stress relief, and feeling alive.
❌ 3. “I don’t have time.”
Truth: You don’t need an hour, even 15 minutes counts.
Reframe: Think “movement snacks”… short bursts of fun activity. You’ll be amazed how much better you feel.
❌ 4. “I have injuries or health issues.”
Truth: There’s always something you can do, safely.
Reframe: Chair yoga, pool workouts, resistance bands, or just gentle walks can make a huge difference. Get cleared by a healthcare provider, then experiment. Even light movement improves pain tolerance and joint mobility.
❌ 5. “I’ll look silly.”
Truth: No one’s watching. And if they are, they’re probably inspired.
Reframe: Joy is magnetic. Confidence is built through doing. Invite a friend to try something new with you to make it less intimidating and more fun.
❌ 6. “I’m just not motivated.”
Truth: You don’t need motivation, you need a reason.
Reframe: Find your “why.” Want to have more energy? Be strong for the people you love? That’s your fuel.
Try a new Active Hobby this week.
It’s a FUN way to boost your health & happiness!
