By: Dana Brown, HealthConditions.info
Tired of your same old routine or looking to save money during your free time? Having fun and enjoying yourself doesn’t have to take a toll on your wallet. In fact, there are plenty of great hobbies you can get started with for next to nothing. Here are some inexpensive hobby ideas and ways you can cut costs while learning fun, new skills.
Learn to Play an Instrument
Nearly everyone wants to be able to play an instrument, but many people are turned off by the expense of equipment and lessons. Fortunately, today, you can learn how to play almost anything online. There are endless YouTube tutorials, guides, and articles out there that can help you practice everything from music theory to ear training. You can also save money on music lessons or equipment with discounts and coupons online. Some of your cheapest instrument options include the recorder, harmonica, and ukulele. You could also look for used guitars online and simply re-string them for better sound quality.
Get Sporty Outdoors
You’re in luck if you love the outdoors because the wilderness is free to explore! Hiking, swimming, walking, and biking are all great ways to get out in nature and give your mind and body the benefits of regular exercise. Try renting a bike in town to see if you like it before purchasing a cheap one online for yourself. Golf and tennis are fun sports to get into, especially with friends, and only require you to purchase a few items. You can easily keep the costs down on new equipment by using online coupons or shopping at stores that offer cash back on purchases.
Learn a New Language
Learning a second language is a great way to exercise your mind and can even make travel more fun. Thanks to the internet, anyone can learn a new language for free. Whatever language you want to learn, there’s bound to be an online course or app that can help you reach fluency. Try free language apps like Duolingo and Memrise. You can also benefit from searching for instructional videos online and watching movies in your language of choice.
Become a DIY Expert
Getting involved in arts and crafts is not just for kids. You can save plenty of money by making your own home décor and creating fun, low-cost gifts for friends and family. FeltMagnet.com recommends activities like knitting, needlework, sewing, candle making, painting, and soap-making. All you need is a knack for creativity and some simple supplies. Stores like Hobby Lobby or Joann are great places to find discounts on crafting supplies. Then, follow tutorials online to get started or come up with your own creative ideas.
Learn How to Cook or Bake
Cooking and baking are low-cost ways to spend your time while you learn how to produce delicious food. You don’t even have to buy a cookbook or any fancy kitchen tools. You can find thousands of free recipes online or check out cookbooks from the library. Take a look through your cupboards and see what ingredients you have and then look up what recipes you can make. If you need some kitchen supplies, hit up a thrift store or garage sale to save money.
Start a Miniature Indoor Garden
Indoor gardening doesn’t have to require expensive home hydroponics kits or grow lights. All you need are some cheap plastic pots, potting soil, and plants! Learn about what kinds of plants grow well indoors, such as herbs for cooking or small, easy-to-care-for succulents. If you’re feeling really ambitious, create a fun vertical garden like these on CountryLiving.com.
Taking the Plunge
If you find yourself falling in love with your newly discovered skills and hobbies, then it may be a good time to make a smart investment by working towards turning those skills into a career. Lots of people are finding that they enjoy IT and are taking online courses to earn a degree in that field. Some schools, like WGU, even allow you to work at your own pace by not putting due dates on assignments. Online schooling is also a great way to earn a degree without having to put your life on hold since they can be done anytime and anywhere. Showing that you earned an online degree also shows future employers that you’re ready to hunker down and get to work.
Hobbyists are known for spending exuberant amounts of money on supplies and gear. But you don’t have to follow suit. Try out one of the above affordable hobbies, look for discounts whenever you’re out shopping, then consider investing the money you saved up on continuing education to further your newfound skill set.
Learning something new and fun is just one idea for boosting your health and wellness. Sara E. Teller offers more self-care strategies, including mindfulness techniques and other ways to heal from trauma.
About the Author
Dana Brown is the creator of HealthConditions.info, which aims to provide Internet users with helpful content and resources that will lead them to making healthier decisions. She has 15 years of caregiving experience, and after seeing some patterns of poor health she became determined to help inform people about healthy living.