Hobbies are a lot more important for your mental health than people think. They allow you to relax and relieve stress which you need to stay healthy. But some hobbies are better than others when it comes to relaxation. If you have a hobby that allows you to connect with the natural world in some way, it is even more relaxing and effective. There is nothing like feeling this connection in your life. Fortunately, there are many nature hobbies out there. Here’s a list of some, which has some interesting additions.
Bird Watching
For those who love birds, there is nothing like bird watching. While many modern people would feel that it is boring, it can be very interesting cataloging the birds you’ve seen. Going to a location and taking photos of the birds there can be relaxing. The quiet and the attention needed to enjoy this hobby make it a big favorite for those who just want to relax.
Hiking
Another nice hobby that will put you in contact with nature is hiking. You should be able to explore nature to your heart’s content. All you need is a good pair of walking boots and outdoor wear. A few supplies and a map would be nice to get you on your way. Simple hikes expose you to the glory of nature, even on well-used paths.
Horseback Riding
A horse is a magnificent animal and it can be a great experience to connect with one. This is exactly what happens when you go horse riding. It is a pretty expensive hobby considering that you need a horse and take care of it. Additionally, you’ll need high-quality horse tacks so that you would be able to ride properly. But it can be worth it to ride this magnificent creature.
Rock Climbing
Climbing up the side of a mountain with your bare hands sounds challenging. But it can also be very exhilarating. There is something about the wind in your face and the rock under your hands that is primal. Rock climbing is climbing with minimal equipment and it puts your body and mind to the test. It is dangerous so you’ll have to do a lot of training before doing it in the wild but it can be a great experience.
Camping
Quiet contemplation of the outdoors can be a wonderful thing. There is no better way to do this than camping. The great thing about camping is that it can be as simple or complex as you want it. An overnight stay outdoors is easy to organize while a week out in the wild can requires some heavy planning. But it can be worth it to breathe the fresh air and wake up to a beautiful sunrise.
Gardening
Your backyard can be a great place for the hobby of gardening. Planting and taking care of various herbs, flowers, and even vegetables can be relaxing in its way. Getting your hands dirty with the ground and caring for the plants should help you better connect with nature.
Beekeeping
It may sound complex but beekeeping has a low barrier to entry. The equipment is easy to get and the training is simple. Your main obstacle is building a hive and acquiring a queen. But the advantages can be great, especially if you have a garden. The bees will pollinate your plants while also producing great honey.
Sailing
Getting on to the water with a nice boat can be a lovely experience. But it is an expensive hobby, which is why you see so many retirees enjoy it. It can be worth it to sail on the water, whether on the sea or a lake and relax.
Diving
While being above the water is a nice thing, going under it can allow you to better contemplate the wonders of nature. Whether it is scuba diving or snorkeling, you can see all the fish and creatures of the sea with this hobby. You’ll need to learn how to swim better and to take some safety precautions but that can be worth it.
Foraging
If you want to enjoy the fruits of nature, learning to forage for food in the wild can be an interesting hobby. Natural berries and fruits, along with mushrooms, are just some of nature’s bounty. It can be risky at first if you don’t know what is poisonous or not but some training can help with that.
These hobbies have varying levels of accessibility. Depending on where you are and your budget, some of them will be out of reach. But at least a few of them will be easily available. Determine which ones will work best with you so that you can start improving your life.