Get A Hobby

Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend? Why not adopt a hobby you can enjoy with your friends? You can have a blast and enhance your life at the same time. 

Friendships make life worth living — so does doing the things that make you smile. Why not combine the two passions into one with these ideas? 

1. Hiking 

Mother Nature doesn’t only soothe your mind — she also can help cure what ails you. Multiple studies indicate that spending time in nature lowers levels of stress hormone cortisol, which contributes to the fight-or-flight response. Further research suggests that trees and plants emit phytoncides, chemicals that encourage healthy changes to the body the same way aromatherapy can. 

When people spend time in nature, they undergo changes in their blood that benefit health in numerous ways. Get the gang together and head out to your local nature center. You get bonus points for camping overnight. 

2. Knitting

Are you a knit-wit wannabe? If you’ve always wanted to learn how to knit a hat, you don’t have to invest money. You can find free videos on YouTube to learn. Fire up the Roku stick and invite your best friends over — and have everyone bring different colored yarn. 

That way, you can mix and match hues to create rainbow designs. Knitting can seem laborious at first, but once you get the knack, you’ll want to create homemade gifts for everyone. 

3. Painting Rocks 

Are you looking for the ultimate budget-friendly craft? If so, all you need is some dollar store paints, brushes and a bit of help from Mother Nature. Get in on the painted rock game and bring a smile to the face of an unsuspecting passerby. 

You don’t have to be the next Picasso — simple designs often make the most stunning ones. Once you and your friends perfect your creation, you can get some exercise by taking a walk to hide them around your neighborhood. 

4. Basketball 

Who said that hobbies have to be sedentary activities? All you need is a ball and the neighborhood hoop to play a pickup game with your friends. You don’t have to get full contact or anything — who wants to risk a black eye before date night? 

You can enjoy a friendly game of horse without anyone suffering injuries. It’s a game the entire family can enjoy, so if you have little ones, invite your friends to bring their kids, too. 

5. Embroidery 

Have you ever drooled over those monogrammed towels at hotels? While you may not want to shell out the money for an embroidery machine, you can learn the craft with your friends. Free-motion embroidery involves moving the needle and turning the fabric to produce the desired effect. 

Like knitting, it takes time to master. Once you get into the groove, however, you can create custom designs that people will drool over — and hope to receive as gifts. 

6. Dancing

You don’t have to get your drink on at the club to enjoy a lively night of dancing. In fact, you don’t need to get dressed up in heels and your best party skirt at all if you don’t want to. You can rent video games and consoles at many local public libraries for free or low-cost. 

Alternately, you can have everyone suggest songs for a master playlist and make up personalized routines. Challenge each other to a contest to see who can invent the best moves. 

7. Gardening 

Gardening is an ideal hobby to do with friends because you can establish a seed exchange grow your crop selection without spending extra money. You can even save and dry the seeds from organic produce for use in your garden. 

If you have a group of neighbors in your circle, why not start a community garden? Chances are, once others see you enjoying the sunshine while working the soil, they’ll want to join in the festivities, too. 

8. Game Nights 

Are you feeling bored? Break out the board games. Game nights foster a spirit of friendly competition, and they let you share laughs without using intoxicating substances like too much alcohol. 

Who needs a hangover the day after a get-together? You can have everyone bring a potluck-style snack and play the night away. 

Consider including classic games like Backgammon in your game nights. Backgammon is a two-player strategy game where each player aims to move their pieces off the board before their opponent, while also strategically blocking their opponent’s progress. It’s a game of skill, strategy, and chance that can provide hours of entertainment.

If you prefer a virtual game night, you can play Backgammon online, allowing you to enjoy this classic board game with friends and family from the comfort of your own homes, making it a perfect addition to your online game nights.

9. Volunteering

Volunteering increases the levels of feel-good chemicals like oxytocin in your brain. Therefore, f you’re feeling depressed, why not organize a highway cleanup or walk dogs with your tribe? You’ll all enjoy a significant mood boost afterward. 

Plus, the camaraderie will alleviate any feelings of loneliness you have. Performing acts of service is a real win-win for all. 

This weekend, do more than meet your friends for happy hour at the bar. Take one of these ideas and enjoy a new hobby together.