Do you need a hobby? From fostering social connections to managing stress, there are many reasons to consider taking up a new pastime. However, it’s easy to get bored with the same old activities. If you’re tired of painting sunsets and knitting scarves, spice up your downtime by giving one of these exciting and unconventional and exciting hobbies a try.

Antiquing

Popular treasure-hunting television shows have brought the world of antiques into the spotlight. Whether you enjoy searching for bargains or one-of-a-kind heirlooms, antiquing is a fun and affordable hobby that anyone can enjoy. Just grab some cash and map out your local antique stores to get started. You can even turn your hobby into a lucrative business by selling your hidden gems online.

Powersports

Do you have a need for speed? Take it off the beaten path and explore new terrain with powersports. Powersports are a subset of motorsports that includes off-road vehicles like ATVs, snowmobiles and dune buggies. Enthusiasts enjoy not only driving their vehicles but also working on them to make them more powerful and capable. Exciting hobbies are not for the faint of heart or the light of wallet, so remember to budget for expenses like off-roading vehicle repair and maintenance, fuel costs and insurance.

Geocaching

If you want a more laid back approach to exploring the great outdoors, consider geocaching. Participants use a GPS system or mobile phone to hide and search for hidden containers called caches using geographical coordinates. A cache usually contains a logbook. After signing the book, the finder replaces the cache and moves on to the next one. Sometimes caches also contain interesting objects like toys or trinkets.

Hobbyhorsing

Many people dream of owning a horse but don’t want to deal with the time commitment. However, there is a way to enjoy horseback riding without the care and maintenance that a real horse requires. Hobbyhorsing is a growing sport that consists of equestrian events conducted on the back of a stick horse. Participants have fun creating and decking out their hobby horses, but they also enjoy serious athletic competition in events like jumping and barrel racing.

Whichever hobby you choose, taking one up can improve your mental and physical health. Even the mildest hobbies increase your activity level by getting you up and out of the house, while athletic hobbies can significantly improve your fitness and cardiovascular health. Hobbies also help you meet new people and provide a healthy distraction from the stresses of everyday life.