When Hobbies Go Bucket List 

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 to better mental health.

Why Adventurous Hobbies Are Good for Your Mental Health

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 to better mental health, community, and travel. They also look and sound a lot like my bucket list. 

This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are mine.
It is my Universe, after all.

Now, before you get daunted, let me say this. I think we too often think that 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”!

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 skis since I was in college, and I have never been on a board. That said, I am ready to hit the slopes and feel the cold wind whip past my cheek again (or something in that order). 

How to Get Started with Snowboarding as a Beginner

If you want to zoom down a mountain and shred some powder, maybe you should try snowboarding, too. Once a distant second to skiing, it has become an Olympic sport. (See Sean White!) 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. Also, it's 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 (again, duh). Now, for something completely different, many cities have artificial snow domes, which allow you to practice all year round, without having to travel. The future truly is here.

Kayaking for Beginners: What You Need to Know Before You Hit the Water

For a splash of water on your face rather than snow, kayaking might be your thing. You can float across a still stretch of water or fight down the rapids. Either way, kayaking can be exciting and enjoyable. The main pieces of equipment needed are a life jacket, safety helmet, and a yes… a kayak, although most kayaking centers will allow rental. Personally, I don't want to invest in expensive equipment until I have decided whether it's truly a good fit for me. I'll guess you're the same. However, if you do decide to invest in your own, you could consider an inflatable kayak that can be blown up and let down for easier storage and convenient traveling. Kayaking can be done in 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: An Exciting Hobby for Adults and Beginners

Galloping along the beach on a shiny, handsome steed, the wind in your hair and its mane paints quite the picture, right? Horse riding is the dream of many the 12-year-old girl and Harlequin reader. Now the beach can be an amazing place to find your equestrian soul, but it is not the only place. Continuing the romantic dream in the countryside or through the wilderness can offer beautiful riding opportunities. Wherever we take that ride, however, the basics matter. How to stop, go, trot, canter, and gallop are a must before attempting a ride outside the safety of a school. After all, horses are sensitive to their rider and the environment. You create a safer situation by preparing yourself, therefore limiting the unpredictable and lowering the potential risk of a hobby.

Now, everyone knows I like to dress the part, and horse riding requires proper equipment. Who doesn't want the great jodphurs and boots?  But as safety is a priority, a helmet and a body protector are the real priorities. Usually, riding stables that provide steeds will also provide all the tack, including saddle, reins, and stirrups.

Skateboarding for Adults: It's Never Too Late to Learn

Here in Galveston, I had just twinge of jealousy when I walked past the skate park and saw the kids popping Olis, doing 360s, and 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.

Being a wee bit older now, I find myself more safety-minded. Those landings hurt a lot more when the body has a few more decades behind it. So when standing on a rolling board, knee pads, elbow pads, and a helmet are a MUST. Now that the PSA is out of the way, go get yourself a great board. There are ready-made boards, or you can build your own! Go buy the deck, wheels, and axles separately and assemble 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 wants to run over into anyone. 😂😂😂

Skydiving 101: What to Expect on Your First Jump

Okay for the truly committed, double entendre intended!

If you have always dreamed of flying through the air like a bird, then what about trying skydiving? No one can argue that skydiving is not invigorating, although it may be pushing the boundaries for some. I mean, the main aim of skydiving, as my dad puts it is, "to willingly jump out of a perfectly working plane"!

It is also one of the most expensive hobbies I have addressed. The first few dives will always be in tandem with an experienced skydiver to learn the process. It is available in a wide range of locations all over the world, at smaller airports and flying centers, and the kit needed is relatively small (protective goggles, a helmet, and an insulated suit) and often will be provided by the club you join. Sometimes, smoke flares and cameras, like a GoPro, to record your experiences, may be desired.

While I have not taken the big dive, I have experienced simulated diving at training facilities, which may be a great precursor or all-around substitute for those not ready to make that big step down.

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. 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!