Exercise your body and mind with a healthy hobby

You work hard and deserve a little “me” time. Getting involved with a hobby is an excellent way to spend your free time, especially if it’s something that keeps your body fit and your mind active. Wind down from a long day at work or spend part of your weekend doing something that truly sparks your interest (vegging out on the couch watching TV or working from home don’t count!). There are plenty of entertaining hobbies that benefit your health from the inside and out by sharpening your brain, pumping your heart and soothing your soul. If you don’t have one already, here are some of our favorite healthy hobbies:

• Gardening. Get some exercise, sunlight and fresh air, not to mention a sense of accomplishment from growing your own crop or watching your seeds blossom into beautiful flowers.
• Yoga. Get it out of your head that yoga is a “girly” workout. “Manly” yoga classes are springing up all over the country. Yoga is excellent for improving strength, flexibility and balance, as well as helping you de-stress.
• Learn a new language. Next time you’re at your favorite bistro, show off your skills by ordering in Italian! There are great at-home programs out there that enable you to learn a variety of languages on your own schedule, or find a class so that you have practice partners.
• Bowling. Depending on your weight, one hour of bowling burns off between 175 and 250 calories. Just don’t get too crazy with the beer and fried bowling alley food, which can turn this healthy hobby unhealthy!
• Cooking. Start experimenting with some healthy recipes and consider taking a healthy cooking class at your local community college.
• Mentoring. Have fun and make a difference. Mentors can do a number of things, such as  going to athletic events, getting pizza, playing video games, going to movies, shooting hoops, helping with homework and the list goes on! Programs such as Big Brother are a great opportunity to offer guidance and truly make a difference in a kid’s life.
• Join a league. Make some new buddies and get a good workout as well. Most cities have plenty of leagues to choose from, including bowling, tennis, basketball, softball and horseshoes. And don’t be self-conscious if you want to try a new activity: you can usually find beginner or amateur leagues.
• Water sports. Nothing is better than some fun in the sun! Jet-skiing, water-skiing, kayaking paddle-boating and wakeboarding are all fun, healthy ways to enjoy yourself during the summer months. Just don’t forget the SPF 30!