Reading and writing used to be my hobbies. Now, they are parts of my job. I still love to read and write as much as I did when I just did them for fun, but when I need a break, I don’t open the laptop or turn on the Kindle. I’ve had to come up with new hobbies to remind me I can have fun away from my computer, too. Here are six hobby ideas that are especially good for writers.
- Walking or running – Let’s face it, we aren’t moving many muscles when we spend most of our time sitting and typing. Now that the weather is warmer, we’re trying to take family walks every day. It helps me clear my head and remember there’s life away from the black and white screen.
- Photography – You’re already good at creating images in your head and on paper, now try capturing images with your camera.
- Cooking or baking – Put those nimble typing fingers to work kneading dough or chopping onions. There’s always a new recipe to try!
- Teaching – Writing can be a lonely professions. Most writers are introverts and prefer it that way. But, as a writer you have skills you can teach others. Look for opportunities to teach a high-school co-op class of homeschoolers, or at a community college.
- Traveling – If you aren’t living life, you won’t have much to write about. Traveling, even day trips near where you live, can give you new perspectives and ideas.
- Gardening – Writing takes a lot of work before you see the fruit of your labor. Gardening is like that too. Get your hands dirty and pick tomatoes straight off the vine. The work is worth the harvest.
What’s your favorite away-from-the-screen hobby?
