This is a partnered guest post brought to you by Nationwide Insurance
New Year’s resolutions are often about giving something up or quitting a bad habit—giving up fast food, cigarettes and television are all common goals. But most resolutions fail—nearly 80 percent according to a study by Richard Wiseman at the University of Bristol. One way to increase your chance for success is to choose a resolution that you will enjoy doing, like a hobby. Below are five hobbies that are enjoyable on their own, but also provide an added health benefit.
- Gardening – January is a great time to start planning a garden that you’ll plant in the spring. Decide what you’d like to grow, and where the garden will be. In a couple months, when the weather warms, you may need to start some of your plants indoors, so be sure to plan ahead when choosing what to grow. Gardening is a rewarding way to pass the time, but it’s also beneficial to your health since you’ll soon have a steady supply of fresh vegetables.
- Cooking – One of the most effective ways to improve your health is to cook your own meals. Not only is eating out at restaurants more expensive, but also you can’t control what goes into a dish. Restaurant food is often high in saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol, while cooking at home allows you to make healthy substitutions such as sautéing with olive oil rather than butter. If you’re intimidated by the idea of cooking, try taking a class, following along with an online instruction video or asking a friend to help. Over the course of the year you’ll become a better cook, and your health may improve.
- Playing a sport – As we get older, it becomes more difficult to stay active. Consider joining a local intramural sport league to increase your weekly physical activity. You’ll get a great workout, feel healthier and have the opportunity to socialize with other members of your team.
- Take a dance class – If you’re not interested in sports, consider taking a dance class to increase your physical activity. It’s nice to have a partner, but there will be plenty of other people to pair with if you choose to go alone. Salsa, swing and ballroom dancing are all fun options that provide a serious cardiovascular workout.
- Painting, drawing, writing or acting – Mental health is just as important as physical health, so try choosing a hobby that reduces stress or serves as a creative outlet. Self-expression, whether through art or music, is a great way to manage stress.
I LOVE to cook it’s very therapeutic for me and dancing has been a part of my life since I started taking classes at the age of 5-20. To get started, try this recipe and here is a little tutorial to get you started on some dancing “Brave” style:
Most of these hobbies come with a small cost, so in the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, try finding a way to pay for them that fits your budget. Getting a cheaper cable package, going to the movies less often or reevaluating your vehicle insurance coverage to see if you qualify for car insurance discounts are all ways to offset the cost. However you plan to pay for your new activity, try one of these healthy hobbies this New Year.
What are some hobbies you are hoping to take up in 2013??
Note: Sponsored content was created and provided by Nationwide Insurance.
Toni Patton
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Mine would be photography.
cooking at home is one step I am trying REALLY hard to do more this year. We spent SOOO much money eating out last year that it makes me sick to my stomach (more ways than one, lol).
I love 1, 2 and 5…I love all things creative though 😉