Best Seasonal Hobbies To Keep You Fit Year-Round

It can be challenging to find time for a new hobby; between taking care of family, traveling, and work it can be hard to find the energy to add one more thing to the day. However, according to Psychology Today, hobbies can help:

• Structure time;
• Promote a flow;
• Foster new social connections;
• Create talking points;
• And help with stress. 

Hobbies that you can do outside are even better. Studies have shown that exercising and being in nature can positively affect mental and physical health. One Stanford study found that people who walked for 90 minutes in a natural area showed decreased rates of depression. Additionally, the Cleveland Clinic published a study in the JAMA Network that found correlations between working out and living a longer life. 

Outdoor hobbies don’t have to wait for warm weather, either. Many hobbies can be done each season.

Fun Hobbies for the Fall 

Fall is a good time to explore activities both inside and outside as the weather is getting cooler. 

Get Flexible with Yoga

Besides improving flexibility, there are many benefits to yoga, including that it: 

• Builds muscle strength
• Perfects posture;
• Prevents cartilage and joint breakdown;
• And protects the spine. 

Before attending a class, be sure to get the necessary equipment, such as a yoga mat, props to help with poses, and stretchy, comfortable clothing.

Conquer Rock Climbing 

Rock climbing will not only make you sweat, but it will also:

• Build muscle and endurance;
• Boost brain function;
• And reduce stress. 

According to the Huffington Post, rock climbing can teach valuable life skills like focus, determination, and self-efficacy. 

To fully enjoy rock climbing, you’ll need some climbing shoes, rope, chalk, harnesses, and carabiners.

Cool Hobbies for the Winter 

Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. Many outdoor hobbies take place in the winter, including skiing and snowshoeing. 

Ski and Snowboard Your Way Through the Cold

Skiing and snowboarding improve the cardiovascular system, which is essential to good health. It also:

• Builds muscle;
• Promotes weight loss;
• And it can reduce stress. 

Besides the obvious, you’ll also need a snowsuit, helmet, poles for skiing, ski or snowboard boots, and gloves.

Take Up Snowshoeing

According to Snowshoes.com, snowshoeing can burn more calories than walking, running, or cross country skiing at the same pace. It can also:

• Build muscle;
• Boost agility;
• And improve balance. 

The low-impact exercise makes snowshoeing feasible for anyone. You’ll want to dress in layers before you head out, in case the weather permits you to add or remove clothing. Make sure the outermost layer is waterproof, and don’t forget the snowshoes!

Interesting Hobbies for the Spring

Spring is a beautiful season that has much more to offer than spring cleaning.

Go Camping

Camping resets your mind and allows you to disconnect from technology — which can take a mental and physical toll. Here is a list of camping essentials:

• Tent;
• Sleeping bags;
• Sleeping pads;
• Camping pillow;
• Headlamps or flashlights;
• Camp chairs;
• And a camp table.

Make sure to store your camping equipment properly to keep it in the best condition possible between seasons. Dirt and moisture can cause gear and equipment to deteriorate over time, so it’s important to keep everything completely dry before storing it. 

Grow a Garden

Eating fresh fruits and veggies can have a major impact on health. Vegetables picked right from the garden usually have the highest vitamin content. Besides improving health, gardening can also help save money on groceries. Instead, that money can go towards gardening tools, like:

• Gloves;
• Pruning shears;
• Garden fork;
• Hand trowel;
• Spade;
• Rake;
• And a hoe. 

Spotlight Hobbies for the Summer

Summer is primetime for hobbies since the weather and longer days allow for more outdoor activities.

Swimming at the Beach

If you are fortunate enough to live by a large body of water, take advantage of the free beach. The water will help keep you cool while improving your cardiac endurance. 

Make sure to bring a swimsuit and sunscreen!

Become a Morning Jogger

For years, jogging has been a popular exercise. In addition to increasing heart health, jogging also:

• Improves stamina;
• Builds leg muscles;
• And helps with weight loss. 

Specifically done in the morning, jogging can also boost brain activity and increase energy throughout the day. Some essential pieces of equipment needed are: 

• Running shoes;
• Running shorts or leggings;
• Sweat-resistant tops;
• And a water bottle holder.

Storing Your Seasonal Equipment

While all of these seasonal activities will keep you active and happy, they can also make a mess out of your house. Getting a personal storage unit can help keep your home organized.

Keep your storage unit organized to keep your equipment in good shape for when you need it. Taking an inventory of your belongings and labeling everything will help you quickly find equipment for your new hobbies.