While relaxing hobbies can be great for mental health, invigorating ones can ‘do you the power of good’ too. Indeed, below I’m sharing a comprehensive list of some of the most exciting and adventurous hobbies out there. They offer a wide range of benefits from increased fitness, better mental health, community and travel. They also look and sound a lot like my bucket list.

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It is my Universe, after all.

You DON’T have to look good doing it!

Now before you get daunted, let me say this. I think we have too often think, we can’t choose a hobby, unless we’ll be “good” at it. Who says?' If it’s fun, stop worrying what it looks like, just as Nike was so famous in telling us all, “do it”!

Snowboarding 

Most of you know that I recently moved to the Northeast from an island in the Gulf. This does not make me a natural at snow-sports. I haven’t been on ski since I was in college and I have never been on a board. That said, I am ready to hit the slopes and feeling the cold wind whip past your cheek again (or something in that order).

If you are interested in zooming down a mountain, and shredding the powdery soft snow, maybe you should try snowboarding, too. Once a distant second to skiing, it is an internationally recognized Olympic sport. Snowboarding is similar to surfing or skateboarding but on, (yep, you guessed it) snow! You will need a specially crafted lightweight but robust fiberglass board, as well as some safety gear including a helmet, boots, gloves, and pads. Just like with all snow sports, it's also a good idea to carry a personal GPS tracker in case you get lost on the mountain or are involved in an avalanche. 

In terms of location, you’ll need to pick somewhere cold (uh…duh, Traci) with natural snow such as Banff Canada, or  Verbier, Switzerland in the winter. Alternatively, many cities now have artificial snow domes which allow you to practice all year round, and without having to travel. 

Kayaking

Whether floating across a stretch of still water or fighting your way down the rapids with all the spray hitting you, kayaking can be a truly exciting and enjoyable hobby. The main pieces of equipment needed are a life jacket, safety helmet, and a yes… a kayak, although, most kayaking centers will allow rental. I know I don't want to invest in expensive items until I have decided whether it's truly the hobby for me. I am pretty sure you feel the same.

However, if and when you do decide to invest in your own, consider an inflatable kayak that can be blown up and let down at discretion. Storage is so much easier and traveling with it much more convenient. 

Kayaking can be done lots of places, all that’s needed is a suitable body of water. Probably the most popular option is kayaking on a lake as it affords a contained body of water, usually with a delineated point for getting in and out of the water. River and sea kayaking are also popular, but these are better suited to more advanced practitioners. Remember, there are those pesky tides and currents etc. with which to contend. 

Horse Riding

Galloping along the beach on a shiny, handsome steed, the wind in your hair and its mane paints quite the picture of our next thrilling hobby - horse riding. This is the the dream of most 12 year old girls and Harlequin readers. Now the beach can be an amazing place to find your equestrian soul, but it is not the only place. The countryside and wilderness offer beautiful riding opportunities.

The More You Know

Wherever we take that ride, however, learning the basics first matters. Getting comfortable with how to stop, asking your horse to go, trot, canter, and gallop, before attempting a ride outside the safety of a school, is essential. After all, horses are sensitive to their rider and the environment. Preparing yourself and limiting the unpredictable creates a safer situation lowering a potentially risky hobby.

Everyone knows I like to dress the part and horse riding requires proper equipment including a safety helmet, riding boots, and a body protector. Riding stables will be able to provide you with a steed, and all the tack you will need including saddle, reins, and stirrups. 

Skateboarding 

In Galveston,I had just twinge of jealousy when I walked past the skate park and saw the kids popping Olis, doing 360s, or grinding the rail? Okay, yes, I got a little help with the terms, but I loved watching them, nonetheless. My hubby skateboarded when we were young and I was a but green back then, too.

Of course, another thing where safety matters and gearing up is necessary. In this case, knee pads, elbow pads, and a helmet are required. Now comes the fun part — a great board. There are ready made boards, or building a board by buying the deck, wheels, and axles separately and assembling from scratch.

In the 90s, most of my friends were street skating. Now, the very best places to skate are skateparks, as I mentioned above. They offer a range of challenging terrains, often for beginners like me, as well as tougher offerings for those who know what they are doing (hey, maybe that’s you!), without needing to worry about pesky pedestrians getting in the way. Seriously, though, in many cities, there are laws against skating in the street or on sidewalks, plus none of us want to run over into anyone. 😂😂😂

Skydiving

Now, we have moved into the truly committed of the hobbies. If you have always dreamed of flying through the air like a bird, then what about trying skydiving? Indeed, no one could argue that skydiving is not an invigorating hobby, although it may be pushing the boundaries of adventure for some. After all, the main aim of skydiving is to jump out of a plane at between 10,000 and 13,000 feet with nothing but a parachute for safety. It is , however, one of the most expensive and probably most frightening of the all I have addressed. The first few dives will always be in tandem with an experienced skydiver to get you used to the sensation. 

Surprisingly, one of the best things about skydiving is that it's available in a wide range of locations all over the world. It’s offered at smaller airports and flying centers, and the kit needed is relatively small (protective goggles, a helmet, and an insulated suit -as it gets cold up there in the atmosphere) and usually will be provided by the club you join. Sometimes additional resources such as smoke flares and a camera like a GoPro to record your experiences may be desired. 

Scuba Diving

Those in love with scuba diving would indeed argue that, just as the beloved Disney character Sebastian from The Little Mermaid sang:” it's better where it's wetter - under the sea!”

Now Scuba Diving requires very specific equipment., as well as some significant training. In terms of equipment, there’s usually need a wet or dry suit depending on the temperature of the water you will be diving in. Of course, a scuba tank, - I mean, it’s literally how it got it’s name, a regulator, fins, a diving mask, and weights or a compensator to help sink in the water. And here I thought that just happened by nature. Who knew???

Like skydiving, scuba diving can be done all over the globe as long as the conditions are right. That means you can dive in lakes like Eccleston Delph in the UK, and Lake Tahoe in the USA, or the sea. Maaya Thila - South Ari Atoll, Maldives, Santa Rosa Wall, Cozumel, and SS Yongala Wreck - Great Barrier Reef, Australia, are some of the most popular scuba dive locations in the world due to their crystal clear waters and diverse sealife. 

Hiking 

Picking the way through a difficult forest trail at dusk, or winding your way up a rocky mountain path as the sun just peaks over the horizon are experiences up for grabs for those considering hiking as their invigorating hobby of choice. When our family traveled the country, this became one of our favorite past-times and remains so.

It’s excellent exercise and requires the least amount of equipment. Indeed, as long as you have some comfortable and sturdy walking boots, some socks, and a hat to protect you from the sun you can begin hiking today. 

Another great thing about hiking is that there is so much information out there about the trails to take, and what level of hiker they are most suitable for. Almost every locale has a state or national park nearby that offers such a trail.This means it's easy to pick the route that is just right.

Urban hiking springing up in most cities. Of course, most people look to hike in nature, particularly in spots that have outstanding natural beauty. Some of the most popular globally are the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Slovenian Mountain Hiking Trail, and the Indian Himalayan Region. 

Exhausted?

It’s okay, not all hobbies have to be big and bold, either. There are plenty of options out there for those who like to go on adventures. Smaller hobbies that still bring a lot of joy but don’t involve jumping out of a plane. I have shared several before, including crocheting, knitting, painting, stamp collection (honestly - I have done this and it’s still cool), writing -maybe you’ll finally write that book, or setting up an online store and buying and selling collectibles in your niche interest! The latter gives you the chance to research, join communities, and have fun scouring thrift stores and more for just the right pieces, this is another I actually do - and it works for everything from vintage buttons and figures to more modern Funko options (Funko Pop Price Checker) - whatever makes your heart happy.        

So, remember, hobbies have a vast range and don’t have to be limited to sitting around a table. They can be adventures too, and those hobbies can also do your mental health a world of good, because they release a whole bunch of endorphins, demand laser-accurate focus, and remind you how good it feels to be alive!