I’m a huge perfectionist, and unfortunately, that travels over into my art (or the art I attempt to make). Basically, I struggle to do a lot of creative things because I have this idea in my head of how it should look (immaculate), but my hands don’t get the memo.

You’re standing among a group of people you don’t know while waiting for a friend. Instead of engaging in a conversation, you reach for your phone. You’re sitting in traffic, your mind wanders, and you pick up your phone.

I think most people fall into one of two categories in life: those who like to camp and those who don’t. It’s funny but true! Most individuals I’ve spoken with side strongly one way or the other. Either it’s, “Camping?! You mean out with the bugs and the raccoons and stuff?

Thinking it would be the perfect opportunity to connect more with the book, we bought our tickets and attended the show. We were blown away by the acting, the energy, and excitement of the story.

Eventually, I came up with a list of things that would make us smile and give us some exercise. Here are a few of the hobbies we decided to pursue either as a family or individually that check both the fun and good for you boxes!

When I was in elementary school, I bought a diary at the school’s book fair. I thought it was so neat with it’s pretty pink cover and a lock and key to keep all my secrets safe. I had grand ideas of all of the things I would “tell” my diary. 

Of course, the most obvious is books - you can find countless books dealing with just about every subject under the sun. Interested in cooking in a new way? Would you like to try out a new art form? How about planning a trip to somewhere you’ve never been? Yep, there is a book for that!

I was one of those kids who loved playing board or card games. I was also the same kid who hated to lose at Monopoly, but my drive to win eventually led me to learn how to strategize. Playing games is a great way to engage your brain and increase your enjoyment levels.

Here are a few ways you can take pretty normal, everyday activities and turn them into something more. Not only will you learn a lot in the process, but you’ll have a sense of accomplishment when you complete what you set out to do!

What comes to mind when you think of the words “date night?” Do you picture a young couple at a fancy restaurant, or maybe a married couple out on the town? Does date night always have to involve a romantic relationship?

Yoga can help relieve lower back pain and neck pain, as well as manage chronic pain. It can also be a great way to get into shape or lose weight (NCCIH, 2021). It helps build muscle mass, strength, endurance, and of course, flexibility.

At the end of a long, stressful day, the last thing you want to do is think about having to cook something. These days, it’s easier than ever to just pick up your phone and order your dinner through an app or pull a frozen dinner from the freezer.

Oliver Rundell, the Chorus Master of Opera North, put it well when he said, “Everybody has a voice and everybody can sing. It’s a brilliant way of just giving yourself some time. Simply tune out the rest of the world and enjoy the physical sensation of breathing in and creating a note with your body” (Opera North, 2021).

Few things in this world define us more than music. Not just as individuals, but entire generations. Music has a unique way of telling our stories, helping us communicate, and navigating our victories and our failures.

The ultimate physical activity. Yes, it is a great workout for aerobic and anaerobic activity. Nearly every muscle group is worked, and it improves power and coordination.

Reading. Getting lost in a story. The words on a page become a movie playing in your mind. Characters you create. Stories that bring tears to your eyes or a smile to your face.

What is it about bird watching? The simple hobby has probably existed as far back as humanity itself. Birds are fascinating. They’ve inspired artists, poets, scientists, musicians, inventors, explorers, and all of us normal people, too!

I didn't know it then, but we loved our bikes so much because of the freedom they gave us. The wind in your face, going as fast as you can, exploring new places--made us feel invincible. What kid doesn’t want freedom and to feel invincible?

One young man was wheeled onto the stage in a wheelchair and assisted in a dance by others who moved him about the stage as part of the choreography. I left the event feeling light and refreshed. It reminded me that perfection is never a necessary ingredient when it comes to dance. Anyone can dance. They really can.

This routine created an unhealthy balance in my life. I worked and worked and worked. And then just stopped. Sleep and repeat. Day after day. I didn’t make time for any play. Nothing fun. No hobbies. No unscheduled shenanigans. I may have felt like I was getting enough rest because I was getting a good amount of sleep, but I was still very much off balance.