Style June 18, 2018
There may not be any free lunches, but there are free hobbies.
Image via Thought Catalog on UnsplashEver find yourself turning down plans because you’re low on funds? Sometimes it can seem like everything costs money—but there are actually a lot of activities out there that you can do for free! If you’re wondering how to find a hobby that won’t break the bank, check out these ideas.
Hiking is a great activity, and the best part is that it’s totally free! While some hikes do require you to pay to enter a national park, there are always alternative hikes that don’t cost anything. Hiking is also a great way to get in shape and get some fresh air in your lungs. As an added bonus, studies now show that being in nature helps relieve stress. Hiking is an especially great hobby for dog owners. Check out the Hiking Project or All Trails to find hikes near you that suits your fitness level and time frame.
Stay sharp in your free time with jigsaw puzzles and brainteasers. Jigsaw puzzles are a great activity to do with friends, and buying a book of brainteasers won’t run up your tab—you can buy a whole case of Sudoku puzzle books for $24 at your local dollar store. There are also a number of websites that offer Sudoku and other puzzles for free. Solving puzzles will keep your gears turning. You might even think up some new hobbies to try out!
It’s easier to find a hobby when you know a group of people who like the same things. Clubs are usually free, or have affordable entry/membership fees. You’ll make new friends and it’ll probably be a weekly shindig. You can join more than one club to gain a ton of new experiences. You can even start your own club!
Bullet journaling is an especially helpful hobby for #WomenThatDo because it can help you unwind while you plan your goals. Relaxation and planning on the same team? Why didn’t we think of this sooner! It’s super cheap to start bullet journaling. You can start with a simple journal, some pens or markers and go from there. Maybe later you’ll invest in a pretty, designer journal, but this hobby doesn’t require a lot from the get-go.
Sometimes turning your hobby into work isn’t a good idea. Usually, a hobby should distract you from work. But in this case finding a hobby you love that also makes some money on the side isn’t a bad idea, especially if you’re on a budget. You can use your moneymaking hobbies to pay for other things, like a case of Sudoku books. Some good hobbies to think of in this case are: freelance photography, crafting, carpentry, etc. Freelance doesn’t mean “free” my friends. Even if you enjoy it, do some research and price out your time according to your work.
